Dear dog owners,

Have you ever wondered why many people don't partake in playing, cuddling or even petting the dogs standing next to them? Well, unfortunately for myself and many others being allergic to those furry friends of ours is something we have to deal with on a daily basis.

Growing up, I loved dogs. I still do love dogs. In fact, all I want to do when I see a dog is squeeze it so tight (especially if it's big, playful and fluffy). But the problem is I can't. And boy let me tell you it is not fun.

You may wonder what would happen if us allergic people are surrounded by dogs. Well, the epidemic of events starts like this. To begin, we may start experiencing the side effects of a stuffy nose and lots of sneezing. And when I say lots of sneezing, it is to the point where the thought of sneezing one more time may make our nose fall off, type of sneezing.

Now, how much we immerse ourselves with the dogs depends on the severeness of allergies we could encounter. For instance, if we are in a room with three dogs who are constantly licking our feet and legs the likelihood of hives soon appearing is very high. Sounds awful, right?

From past experience, I can tell you it is probably the worst thing ever besides needing an inhaler because you physically can't breathe. When I say can't breathe, it feels like all you can do is get a tad bit of air in your system as you sound like you just finished a marathon and you're wheezing.

As the sneezing, hives and wheezing all start to form there are only a few things you can do to tame it. Your best bet is to leave the area, go home and take a shower. If that doesn't help the next best option is usually an allergy pill, either Zyrtec or Benadryl could help do the fix.

These series of events are far from enjoyable making us avoid dogs at all costs. Sleeping at a friends house that has dogs? Not possible. Going to play with the puppies at the puppy store? Not possible. Sitting in the same room dogs have been? Not possible. Swimming in a pool with a dog? Not possible. Having a hypoallergenic dog? Not even possible!

Hopefully, you dog lovers now get it. The envy we have over you all is indescribable because all we want to do it play with the cute, lovable and playful puppies just like you do, every day. So when you see a person possibly "avoiding," a dog, look at the bigger picture.

I promise that we allergy prone people are dreading every second, as we watch you play with your furry friends. So do us a favor, please love, care and treat your animals to the highest class. No matter what the circumstance is, they deserve a home that will treat them right. And just because we can't be the ones to care for them doesn't mean that they shouldn't be cared for.

Best,

The one's allergic to your furry friends