Latest news with #SueJohnson
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
15 Sad Realities Women In Dying Marriages Secretly Know
In the glossy pages of a lifestyle magazine, you'll often stumble upon stories of blissful unions, where love feels effortless and picturesque. Yet, beneath that glossy surface, there are women who live in the shadows of marriages that have lost their spark. These are not tales of dramatic endings but rather of silent struggles. Here are fifteen realities that women in dying marriages secretly know but don't often say out loud. Even when your partner is just a few feet away, you feel an inexplicable loneliness, a chasm that words can't bridge. You might be sitting on the same couch, sharing the same air, yet the connection feels severed, like listening to a song on a broken radio. This kind of solitude doesn't announce itself with fanfare but creeps in quietly, settling into the creases of everyday life. Dr. Sue Johnson, a renowned psychologist and developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy, notes that emotional isolation is one of the most painful human experiences. You miss the days when the silence between you was comfortable, not charged with tension or resentment. It becomes a silent scream, echoing inside the walls of your mind as you yearn for true companionship. You find yourself craving meaningful interaction, even if it means talking to a stranger at a coffee shop. The fear of this silence stretching indefinitely is what keeps you awake at night, wondering if things will ever change. Intimacy isn't just about physical touch, but the longing to confide, to share secrets, and to be vulnerable with your partner. You've noticed that while the physical act of intimacy may still occur, it feels routine, almost mechanical. The spark that once lit up the room is now a mere flicker, leaving you feeling more like roommates than lovers. This lack of connection makes you question not only your relationship but also your sense of self-worth. When you see couples around you lost in each other's eyes, it feels like a stark contrast to your own situation. You remember a time when you couldn't keep your hands off each other, but now, a simple kiss feels like a strained performance. It's as if there's an invisible wall that's grown between you, one that neither of you is willing to tear down. The longing for closeness is there, but the pathway to it feels blocked by unspoken words and unresolved issues. Conversations that once flowed freely now feel like navigating a minefield, where one wrong word can trigger an explosion. You find yourself rehearsing sentences in your head, trying to predict reactions, and often opting for silence instead. The fear of confrontation becomes a constant shadow, inhibiting any real dialogue from happening. Research from the Gottman Institute, which specializes in marriage stability, suggests that couples in distress often fall into patterns of criticism and defensiveness, making communication even more challenging. You both end up walking on eggshells, trying to avoid topics that might lead to a dispute. This avoidance only serves to widen the gap, as misunderstandings pile up like unchecked baggage. The lack of communication creates a breeding ground for resentment, as you each internalize your frustrations. What once was a partnership now feels like two people living parallel lives, avoiding the touchpoints that might bring them back together. The tiny annoyances that once seemed trivial now carry the weight of the world. Whether it's leaving dirty dishes in the sink or the way they chew their food, these small irritations become magnified in the absence of love's rosy lens. You catch yourself tallying these offenses as if they are proof of how incompatible you've become. Each sigh, each raised eyebrow feels like a silent scream in a soundproofed room. You know these grievances are merely symptoms of a deeper issue, yet they become the focal point of your frustrations. It feels as though you're nitpicking, yet addressing the larger issues seems too daunting. These are the paper cuts that sting in the moment and linger far longer than you'd like to admit. In the quiet of your own thoughts, you wonder if these small things will eventually become your undoing. You find yourself daydreaming about a life that doesn't include the constant strain of a fading marriage. It's not necessarily about wanting another partner but about craving a version of yourself that isn't shackled by relationship woes. The idea of freedom, the ability to rediscover who you are outside of this partnership, becomes intoxicating. A study published in Psychology Today highlighted that individuals often envision leaving not out of disloyalty but from a deep-seated desire for personal growth and fulfillment. These fantasies are tinged with guilt, a betrayal of the vows you once took so earnestly. Yet, they persist, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the relentless gray. You wonder if this makes you a bad person or just a human being seeking happiness. The conflict between loyalty and self-preservation rages on, leaving you torn between staying and leaving. Photographs from happier times feel like relics from a different era, a time when love was unblemished. You look at the smiling faces and wonder how things changed so drastically. It's as if those moments belong to another couple, not the two people who now share obligatory glances across the dinner table. This longing for the past, though futile, becomes a solace amidst the current reality. The memories that once brought joy now weigh heavily on your heart, serving as a constant reminder of what once was. You reminisce about the laughter, the shared dreams, and wonder if it's possible to ever reclaim that magic. But these memories can also be a double-edged sword, pulling you back into a cycle of regret and what-ifs. You find yourself stuck in a limbo, unsure of how to bridge the gap between then and now. The standstill becomes a tacit agreement, where neither of you wants to be the one to call the final shot. You both wait, hoping the other will either pull the plug or initiate the overdue conversation. This waiting game stems from fear of the unknown, of what life might look like post-marriage, according to marriage counselor John Gray, author of "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus." The irony is that by waiting, you both remain suspended in a state of unhappiness, neither moving forward nor backward. It's a game of emotional chicken, with both of you fearing the consequences of being the one to speak up. That fear of rejection, of blame, or of upheaval keeps you both silent and still. Meanwhile, the distance between you grows like a widening chasm, making reconciliation or resolution feel even more improbable. In the quiet moments, you wonder if either of you will ever muster the courage to break the stalemate. In front of others, you both wear the mask of a contented couple, playing your roles with practiced precision. Family gatherings, social events, and holiday celebrations become acts of performance art, where you both pretend everything is alright. You exchange smiles and small talk, all the while aware of the truth that lies beneath the surface. Sometimes, it feels like the charade is the only thing holding you together. This pretense becomes second nature, a default setting that's hard to shake even when you're alone together. The act of pretending can be comforting in its own right, as it avoids the messy reality of what's truly going on. However, it's also exhausting, carrying the weight of deception day in and day out. Deep down, you both know that the longer the masquerade continues, the harder it will be to return to authenticity. The shared bank account, the jointly owned house, and the intertwined financial responsibilities make leaving seem impossible. You weigh the cost of freedom against the comfort of financial stability and find yourself paralyzed by the implications. The fear of financial ruin looms large, often outweighing the misery of staying put. It's a complex equation, where numbers tell one story, and your heart tells another. You find yourself justifying staying for the sake of security, even when your emotional well-being is at stake. The home that once felt like a sanctuary now feels more like a trap, holding you captive with its four walls. The thought of dividing assets and untangling finances seems daunting, a legal and emotional quagmire you'd rather avoid. Yet, the idea of staying solely for the sake of financial comfort leaves you feeling hollow and unfulfilled. You begin to confide in friends, sharing bits and pieces of your struggles, hoping to find solace in their understanding. Friends become your sounding board, offering advice and empathy, even if it's just a listening ear. The vulnerability of these conversations brings both relief and a sense of betrayal, as you reveal the cracks in the facade. Despite the comfort, you fear that sharing too much might change how they view your relationship permanently. These conversations become a lifeline, allowing you to express feelings you've kept bottled up for too long. Yet, the duality of seeking support while maintaining discretion becomes a balancing act you didn't anticipate. You worry about burdening them with your troubles, yet feel grateful for their unwavering support. It's a reminder that while your marriage may be faltering, your friendships remain steadfast. You're acutely aware of the societal expectations and judgments that hover over the idea of a failed marriage. The stigma of divorce, the whispers of failure, and the speculation about what went wrong weigh heavily on your mind. You find yourself crafting narratives to explain your situation, even if they haven't asked for one. This fear of judgment becomes another barrier, keeping you trapped in an unhappy situation longer than you might otherwise stay. In a world that often romanticizes endurance over happiness, you struggle with the idea of admitting defeat. You fear becoming a cautionary tale rather than a story of resilience. This societal pressure can feel suffocating, pushing you to keep up appearances for the sake of preserving an image. Yet, deep down, you know that real courage lies in choosing authenticity over approval. When you spend years in a relationship that's unraveling, you begin to question your own perception of reality. Was it always this way, or did you miss the signs? You sift through memories, trying to pinpoint the moment things began to fall apart. This constant questioning leaves you feeling unsure of your own judgment, as if your intuition can no longer be trusted. You wonder if you've romanticized the past or if you've been too harsh in your assessment of the present. This internal conflict leads to a profound sense of self-doubt, as you struggle to reconcile your feelings with the reality of your situation. The uncertainty makes you question your ability to ever trust another relationship fully. But perhaps this period of introspection is the first step toward rebuilding your confidence and understanding what you truly want. Routine becomes the enemy, a monotonous cycle that drains the vibrancy from both your lives. You miss the days when decisions were made on a whim, driven by passion and curiosity rather than obligation and routine. The spontaneity that once defined your relationship has now been replaced with predictability, making every day feel like a replay of the last. You yearn for the freedom to act on impulse, to rediscover the joy in unexpected moments. This longing for spontaneity isn't just about breaking routine but about recapturing the essence of who you both used to be. It's the desire to shake off the cobwebs of complacency and inject life back into your relationship. Yet, the fear of rejection or indifference holds you back, keeping your desires firmly rooted in fantasy. Still, the thought of rekindling the spark keeps hope alive, even when reality suggests otherwise. When you're caught in a dying marriage, it becomes easy to lose sight of who you are beyond the relationship. Your identity, once tied to a collective 'we,' begins to feel like a relic of the past. You start questioning what makes you, "you," outside of the marital confines. This identity crisis can be unsettling, making you realize how much of yourself has become enmeshed with your partner. You find yourself contemplating the hobbies, interests, and passions that once defined you before marital roles overshadowed them. The need to reclaim your individuality becomes paramount, even if it means stepping into uncharted territory. This journey of self-discovery is fraught with both excitement and fear, as you navigate the path back to yourself. Yet, the liberation that comes from rediscovering who you are provides a glimmer of hope amid the gloom. Despite the hardships, a small part of you holds onto the hope that things can get better. It's a flicker that refuses to be extinguished, even when doubt casts long shadows. You find yourself oscillating between despair and optimism, clinging to the belief that transformation is possible. This hope isn't always rational but serves as a lifeline, reminding you that change is within reach. You look for signs of revival in small gestures, moments that suggest the possibility of renewal. It's an emotional gamble, where the stakes feel impossibly high but the potential payoff is worth the risk. Yet, this hope can be both a comfort and a curse, keeping you tethered to a situation that may never change. Deep down, you know that hope alone isn't enough, but for now, it's what you hold onto.
BBC News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Preston rescue cat Spud becomes a star in two BBC shows
A rescue cat has become a TV hit after starring in two BBC series. Spud, from Preston, has appeared in BBC One's This City is Ours and The Responder with Sue Johnson and Martin owner and manager Carol Walker, who runs the SRPCC cat welfare trust, said the fame feels very surreal."I can't believe how he has taken off - he just takes it in his stride like he takes everything," she said. "The last year has just been phenomenal," she was rescued from a stray litter and rehomed in Walker said she knew from when he was just 10 weeks old that he was born to be a star."I've never had a kitten come in before who has been so confident and won everyone over so fast," she said."He is definitely one of a kind." Spud has become a big hit on social media, attracting more than 8,000 fans from across the world, including New Zealand, Canada and America. "Social media has been very good to him," Ms Walker said."It's a bit surreal sometimes." Ms Walker said Spud was known for being "very nosey" and was more than happy to be handled. "It is very difficult with a cat, it's not like a dog, you can't train them quite as easily," she said."But I couldn't have believed how well he's done with the filming and I'm really happy with all the money we're making for the three cat charities because that just makes such a huge difference." The feline star has appeared alongside The Hobbit actor Martin Freeman, who plays PC Chris Carson in The has also featured in The City is Ours, which was filmed in Liverpool. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
15 Signs You're Attracting The Wrong Men & How To Break The Cycle
f your relationships always feel like emotional reruns—same plot, different face—you're not alone. Sometimes it's not that you have bad taste, but that your nervous system is wired to crave chaos, inconsistency, or validation from people who can't give it. It's not your fault, but it is your responsibility to break the pattern. These signs go deeper than the usual 'he doesn't text back' red flags. They expose the subtle, psychological cues that reveal you're drawn to emotionally unavailable or mismatched partners—and how to finally change the script. If the butterflies feel more like anxiety, that's not chemistry—it's nervous system dysregulation. When someone is hot and cold, you mistake the adrenaline for desire. But that rollercoaster isn't love—it's a trauma bond. Healthy love often feels calm, even boring at first. Healthy love often feels calm, even boring at first. As confirmed by Dr. Sue Johnson, a leading clinical psychologist and developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment theory shows that secure relationships are built on emotional safety and calm connection rather than adrenaline-fueled chaos. Learning to sit with that stillness instead of fleeing it is crucial for lasting bonds. You chase indifferent men, not because they're special, but because they're a challenge. The moment someone is consistent or adores you, you lose interest. That's not pickiness—it's a self-worth issue in disguise. If love has to be earned, it never feels safe. Start noticing who makes you feel calm, not who makes you perform. True connection doesn't require constant proving. You're drawn to emotionally elusive men, thinking they're 'deep' or 'complex.' But often, that mystery is just poor communication and emotional unavailability. Depth reveals itself—it doesn't hide. Research published in the National Institutes of Health's PubMed Central highlights that emotional availability—the ability to share a healthy emotional connection—is a key indicator of intimacy and relationship quality, rather than aloofness or enigma. You fall in love with what could be instead of what is. You're loyal to their future self while ignoring the present damage. That fantasy becomes a trap. If he's not showing up now, promises don't count. You deserve someone who meets you today, not in a hypothetical tomorrow. Love isn't rehab. You shrink to stay likable. You don't speak up when something feels off because you're scared of being 'too much.' But self-abandonment isn't sustainable—it breeds resentment. Suppressing your needs to avoid rocking the boat can lead to frustration and conflict in relationships. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, relational need frustration occurs when partners feel controlled, pressured, rejected, or abandoned, and this frustration is closely linked to negative emotional experiences during conflicts. You love the idea of who they might become, not who they are. You convince yourself they just need the right partner to 'bring it out.' But who someone is now matters more than who they might be later. This mindset puts you in fixer mode, not equal partnership. Choose someone whose current actions align with your values. Hope isn't a relationship strategy. You crave the ones who leave you starving for affection, thinking that hunger is love. But deprivation isn't romance—it's neglect repackaged as longing. The more unavailable they are, the more intense your attachment becomes. As noted by PsychAlive, emotional hunger can often be mistaken for love because it involves intense longing and attention, but unlike love, it drains rather than nurtures the person it is directed toward. You overshare early, mistaking emotional dumping for intimacy. It creates a false sense of closeness without real trust or reciprocity. Vulnerability is powerful—but only when it's mutual and paced. Slow it down. Real connection unfolds over time. Emotional safety can't be rushed. You leave dates or calls feeling anxious, second-guessing yourself, or emotionally fried. That's not butterflies—that's your intuition ringing the alarm. Relationships shouldn't feel like recovery. The right person gives you clarity, not confusion. When it's real, you won't feel like you have to emotionally rebound every time you see them. Pay attention to your nervous system—it knows. Your chest tightens, your stomach knots, but you brush it off as excitement. But your body often registers danger long before your brain does. It's not being 'dramatic'—it's being wise. Somatic signals are early warning systems. Start honoring them. If your body is in a stress response, it's not a green light. He might look different on the surface—job, style, background—but the pattern repeats. Emotionally distant, unreliable, hot-cold—sound familiar? That's not bad luck—it's unconscious repetition. You're drawn to the familiar, even if it hurts. Breaking the cycle starts with naming it. Familiar doesn't equal safe. You feel valuable only when you're rescuing someone. You're the emotional crutch, the fixer, the unpaid therapist. But that's not love—it's emotional labor masquerading as worth. You are not a rehab center. Let people be whole before they come to you. You deserve reciprocity, not rescue missions. You celebrate the bare minimum—'He didn't ghost me,' 'He remembered my birthday.' But basic decency shouldn't feel like a grand gesture. If the standards are on the floor, that's not love—it's survival mode. Raise the bar. Kindness isn't random; it's consistent. Don't confuse crumbs with a feast. You think love means sticking it out while they 'work on themselves.' But healing is personal, not something you can do with or for them. You can love someone and still walk away. You're not a detour on someone else's journey. You deserve someone ready now. Stop waiting for someone to become the partner you need. You know what you don't want, but you haven't sat with what you do. Without a clear internal compass, you'll keep defaulting to what's familiar. And that opens the door to repeated pain. Start defining your values, your non-negotiables, your green flags. Make a new love map. When you know what healthy feels like, you stop settling for chaos.
Forbes
10-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
10 Relationship Books To Reshape Your Perspective Of Love
Author Anne Lamott penned "Help Thanks Wow" as well as "Somehow," one of the best books about ... More relationships. Good relationships form the basis of nearly everything we do in our lives, from spending time with family and friends to advancing in the workplace. Little wonder, then, that so many people desire relationship books that can teach them how to deepen and strengthen their bonds. By reading about others' experiences, building connections between strategies and your own life, and being open to changing your behavior patterns, you can learn things from relationship communication books that will change your life for the better. Many works focus on different types of relationships, offering a range of possibilities for improvement. The best relationship books on this list also answer your biggest life questions. Most of these books focus on romantic relationships, though others cover familial, friendship and work connections. Tomes about relationships are a small niche among general self-help books that give readers insights into specific areas of concern rather than broader self-improvement. The rankings on this list were determined based on the reputation and expertise of the authors, commercial success and the enduring longer-term popularity of these powerful books. Clinical psychologist Sue Johnson shows couples how to form long-lasting emotional bonds in this modern relationship classic that has sold more than one million copies. She advises couples to identify their 'raw' spots, revisit their rockiest moments and recognize unhealthy dialogue patterns to keep love alive. This book is best for those who have been in a relationship for a long time and want to reinvigorate things. Sue Johnson's Hold Me Tight is available from publisher Hachette. A list of books about relationships must include sex, an essential element of many romantic relationships. Emily Nagoski's instant New York Times bestseller lays out the keys to a happy sex life in a long-term relationship. She explains how relationship issues can contribute to problems in the bedroom and provides vocabulary for discussing sex. This book is best for anyone in a sexual relationship. Emily Nagoski's Come Together is available from publisher Penguin Random House. The New York Times called Attached 'gripping.' Written by a neuroscientist and a psychologist, it employs science to suggest ways to improve relationship-building based on the three attachment styles. By determining your attachment style, you can discover the best way to build connections with a partner and improve the way you interact. This book is best for those looking for reasons why a relationship may not be working. Amir Levine and Rachel Heller's Attached is available from publisher Penguin Random House. While memoirs are rarely self-help books, this one based on Mandy Len Catron's popular New York Times essay has elements of both. She delivers revelatory insights on why we fail to achieve intimacy and examines how myths about romance can damage our relationships using the lens of her parents' divorce and her breakup. This book is best for those wondering if everlasting love is possible. Mandy Len Catron's How to Fall in Love with Anyone is available from publisher Simon & Schuster. This essay collection is a breath of fresh air. It reminds everyone they deserve to see themselves reflected in conversations about relationships, focusing on Black joy in romance. The book also demands that relationships be enjoyable and not a grind—and shows the impact of seeing relationships depicted in pop culture. This book is best for anyone (Black or another race) who wants to celebrate romantic joy. Jessica P. Pryde's Black Love Matters is available from publisher Penguin Random House. Considered a modern classic, this New York Times bestseller looks at love from a unique perspective—based on our relationships with one another within the nation and how we can heal as a collective. Whether you want to improve professional or platonic relationships, you can benefit from this directive to use 'love' as a verb. This book is best for those who feel they are still learning to love. Bell hooks' all about love is available from publisher HarperCollins. Author bell hooks wrote "all about love," a book about healing the nation through love and one of ... More the best books about relationships. Conflict between two people is inevitable, yet many shy away from it, not realizing that approaching conflict the right way can actually strengthen relationships. Love Lab co-founders Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman's bestseller discusses the 'right' ways to fight and shows how different styles of communicators can resolve things together. This book is best for conflict-averse readers. Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman's Fight Right is available from publisher Penguin Random House. Before penning Fight Right with his wife, John M. Gottman wrote this New York Times bestseller with Nan Silver. It focuses on ways to repair and strengthen marriages based on studies of couples. Finding common ground and pursuing greater intimacy are two keys to a happier, longer-lasting marriage. This book is best for those getting married or who are already married. John M. Gottman and Nan Silver's The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is available from publisher Penguin Random House. Gary Chapman's much-heralded work has sold over 20 million copies during the past three decades. The book essentially asks whether you and your partner speak the same love language. Where do you stand on quality time, physical touch, gifts, acts of service and affirming words? The answers could change your life. This book is best for those in long-term relationships struggling to see eye to eye. Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages is available from publisher Northfield Publishing. Renowned author Anne Lamott blends personal experiences with insights on love in this book that captures the energy, excitement and even drudgery of love. She notes at one point, 'Love is our only hope,' and this optimistic work shows us that while love can be uncomfortable, it is always worth it. This book is best for those looking for books on grief or love later in life or anyone in search of standout audiobooks. Anne Lamott's Somehow is available from publisher Penguin Random House. Bottom Line Our relationships define us, and we should also have a chance to define what we want from them. By reading these relationship books, you can define what you want in a relationship and how to get it. Start your journey today! Many people dream of finding love, but it is not always a straightforward process. If you want guidance on strengthening a blossoming relationship and taking it to a higher level, check out Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. This 2019 book by John Gottman, Julie Schwartz Gottman, Doug Abrams and Rachel Carlton Abrams gives couples eight conversational prompts related to trust, sex, money and more to help you get to know each other before entering a lifelong commitment. Creating a solid marriage requires an investment of time and a willingness to become vulnerable. Milan Yerkovich and Kay Yerkovich's How We Love (2017) assists couples with identifying their intimacy styles, moving beyond patterns that have derailed you in the past, and healing conflict based on what created the problem. The couple who learns together stays together. Make a joint investment in your relationship by reading Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage: Unlocking the Secrets to Life, Love and Marriage by Mark Gungor (2008). Gungor emphasizes honesty and humor through his nontraditional approach to making marriage work—and he banishes the myth of the 'soulmate.' Relationships require work, especially when one (or both) people have broken the trust that sustains them. While cheating may not have caused your issues, a book addressing the issue offers tips and strategies anyone can use. Janis A. Spring's After the Affair: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful (2020) helps couples through the three stages after trust has been shattered.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Today show slammed for 'most Australian' joke as 'upsetting' video emerges
A video aired on Channel Nine's flagship morning show Today, featuring hosts laughing at a kangaroo being harassed by a large dog, has sparked frustration among native animal lovers. Experts have dubbed the response to the clip 'careless', arguing it highlights a wider misconception many Aussies have about wild animals interacting with domestic pets. As the short clip is played, the Sydney-based team describe the native marsupial as 'very menacing' and joke that its encounter with a dog is 'the most Australian thing'. But further south in Melbourne, where the incident occurred, locals fear the kangaroo could have been serious injured by the attack. The kangaroo in the video is beloved by a large community southeast of Melbourne, where he's been affectionately named Nigel. 'Nigel is a very gentle kangaroo. I've known that kangaroo for four years and I know his movements, but I can't find him,' local shelter operator Sue Johnson told Yahoo News. Despite ongoing searches, Nigel hasn't been seen since the incident occurred a week ago, sparking concern around the southeast suburb of Rowville. And some residents are upset at the tone of the morning TV segment on Monday. 'It was upsetting the way Today handled it. When something like this happens, and they think it's funny, but it's not on,' Sue said. She has reviewed alternative footage of the incident and noticed tiny signs in the animal's behaviour that indicate he could now be suffering from myopathy, a marsupial disease that's induced by stress and causes a long, painful death. 'In the other video, once the dog has gone, he stands up to turn around and his right leg is swivelling. And it shouldn't be doing that,' she told Yahoo. During the segment, the Today team make it clear they don't know what happened to the kangaroo, or where it occurred, suggesting it could be Canberra or Melbourne. After Today posted the clip to Instagram yesterday, it attracted hundreds of comments, with many animal lovers around Australia also taking umbrage with the tone of the video. 'Everyone forgets that poor roo is simply trying to protect himself,' one person wrote. 'This ain't funny,' another said. 'This is not cool at all,' another commented. Others questioned why the dog wasn't on a leash. 'This is absolutely stupid – where is the owner of the dog?' one person said. Meanwhile some expressed concern for the dog's welfare, saying; 'That ain't funny, that dog is lucky to be alive.' Today declined to comment on the community response to its segment. The clip was clearly aired without malice, and experts in kangaroo behaviour believe it was simply 'careless'. They argue the television show's response to the clip indicates a wider issue of Australians misunderstanding how damaging the harassment of kangaroos by dogs is. Some also don't realise that large kangaroos can kill dogs if they fear for their lives. Deakin University wildlife ecology expert Professor Euan Ritchie described the video as 'distressing'. 'The owner of the dog may not realise their dog is in serious risk of being harmed by the kangaroo. Large males are very powerful animals with long sharp claws and powerful feet and are quite capable of killing a dog,' he told Yahoo. 'Of course, there's also the possibility that the dog will harm the kangaroo, which is of course protected native wildlife. And then on top of that, there are pedestrians and drivers in the vicinity of the panicked kangaroo and it could potentially hit a car or bystander. 'Really the whole situation is quite worrying and problematic, and certainly nothing to make a joke about.' Photos captured after koalas gunned down from helicopters Grisly discovery at bottom of ancient well in outback Aussie council backflips on 'blunderous' tree decision Kangaroo expert and documentary maker Mick McIntyre said people in Rowville are lucky to have wildlife in their community, but more 'common sense' is needed. If dogs aren't kept on leashes kangaroos will be forced out as they see dogs as predators. 'When you see a wild kangaroo, give it space, do not harass it,' he told Yahoo. 'The TV commentary made much hilarity. But imagine if that dog had been injured by the kangaroo, their commentary [could] have changed very quickly, blaming the kangaroo. The kangaroo is our national icon and deserves our care and respect.' Alyssa Wormald who founded the Victorian Kangaroo Association, said in 2025, Australians need to move away from laughing at animals being 'attacked'. 'This is presented as a titillating story, but really it is just desperately sad. Not only has this magnificent kangaroo been displaced by suburbia, he is fighting for his life against a dog,' she told Yahoo. Victorian shelter operator Helen Round is also concerned about the longterm welfare of the kangaroo. 'One bite is all it takes. The kangaroo [now could face] a slow, agonising death,' she said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
