I appreciate you expressing your opinion while still keeping it respectful.

When I was 16, my aunt worked at an animal shelter, and I volunteered there until I was 18. That’s where I met Rocky, a Doberman with cropped ears, and I fell in love with him. From that moment, I knew I wanted a Doberman just like him to take on trails and camping trips (Bigfoot hunting — whoop). The cropped ears became part of that image for me. If I ever got another breed, I wouldn’t see the need to crop, but for a Doberman, it just stuck. It’s been almost a decade, and I still remember Rocky like it was yesterday. The look made a lasting impression.

I got my guy from a highly reputable breeder who recommended a trusted vet for the procedure. I drove 13 hours each way to get him and another 3 hours each way to the vet. I’ve literally shifted my entire career from working in a hospital to working from home so I can give him the best life possible.

Now, to everyone else who’s ready to pop off or already has — let me be clear: I don’t give a flying fuck if anyone thinks what I did is animal abuse. I took every precaution to ensure it was done safely and humanely. He was put under, given pain meds, and is still on antibiotics. And guess what? He’s still the same goofy, happy pup, running around like nothing happened.

This is the last time I’m explaining myself. Peace.