Re: Pet Vs Boy

So I am just wondering what you'all think about this - is it reasonable to let a dog get in the way of people's relationships?
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I'm not quite sure what it is your asking... By letting a dog "get in the way of people's relationships"---are you referring to all dogs, even well-trained ones? Or are you referring to badly trained dogs?

I think that if you (or anyone else) starts dating a person who owns a pet, you need to be a pet lover yourself if it is going to work. If living with a pet isn't something that appeals to you, then it is time to move on. IMO, it would be unfair to ask someone to get rid of their pet because you don't want a pet in your life.

That said, even if you love dogs, no one should have to put up with a badly trained one. It sounds like that dog you're referring to needs to get sent to obedience school.

Also, no one should have to put up with dirty conditions caused by a pet and an owner who won't clean up after the animal.

Now...if you, too, are a pet lover you still need to consider how the person you're dating treats his/her pet. Does the pet always come first? Is the pet allowed to sleep in the bed with you? Does the owner insist on taking their pet everywhere? If the answer is "yes" to these questions, you have to think about if these conditions are acceptable to you---or not.

On the flipside...Does the person mistreat his/her pet? For example, is the pet often getting beaten? Or is the pet not being fed or cared for properly? Whether or not you are a pet lover, if you are dating anyone who treats a pet poorly---run away! After all, if s/he would treat a pet poorly, how would s/he treat a human?

So...you have a lot to think about now. If you don't like the idea of living with a pet, then the relationship won't work. If you aren't sure about your feelings regarding living with a pet, spend some time with her and the dog. Do you enjoy being around the dog? Does the dog's owner have her priorities straight? Does she have boundaries? For example, when she is with you, do you have her full attention or does the dog have it?

Only you can answer these questions. Best of luck to you.