"No, I don't want a dog!"
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
United States
February 17, 2012 10:22am CST
Would this be a deal breaker? If you are a dog lover would you break up with a person who hated dogs? Me? i love to see the dog show on t.v. That is as close as I want get to any dogs. Thankfully I haven't had to break up with a guy with a dog. I would walk away though. His dog was there first. Your thoughts.
9 people like this
42 responses
@ShyBear88 (59347)
• Sterling, Virginia
17 Feb 12
Well if a guy didn't like my dog or dogs in general I wouldn't break up with them over not like an animal. To me that is just one those silly things and isn't really a big deal. I wouldn't force them to like my dog or want to be around my dog. But maybe he could learn to be okay with the dog but that is only if he wanted to. I wouldn't get ride of my dog unless they have done something like hurt a person but other wise the dog would stay. We would find away around him not liking dogs. If he doesn't want to help take care of a dog or walk a dog or play with a dog that is fine I can do all of that as long as I can still have the dog. If a guy told me I had to get ride of a dog to keep him in my life I would tell him to F off. Because if I was in his shoes I wouldn't do the same. We have that this is issue with cats. We don't have cats because they are a health issue to hubby so no cats in the house which sucks because I like cats and dogs but if we are out and go to a pet store I'm able to put some loving on a cat or two for a few minutes and walk away and wash my hands.
3 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Feb 12
You know how I liked Max Only because he was Far , far away. I didn't have to be in the same room! that is why I wouldn't tell a guy to get rid of Any beloved animal, I'll leave instead.It is best if dog lovers mate with fellow dog lovers. Thankfully my guy does not like dogs.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
19 Feb 12
It isn't out of selfishness that I would leave a guy with a dog , it is the opposite. I want him to be happy. If he loves dogs And Wants or has them, then He Shouldn't want me. Eventually he would Have to choose. Having a pet is more than a hobby , it is way of life. It is not a minor difference. To me It is a deal breaker.Call me sel;fish but it is for both of us. He Has to find a dog lover to Really be happy. I see love as wanting another's happiness as much as your own.
1 person likes this
@ShyBear88 (59347)
• Sterling, Virginia
18 Feb 12
There are many people that have dogs that have a partner that doesn't the same with cat lovers. If you really love someone it won't bother you if they do or don't have a pet or if they like that pet or not. Love is all about finding a balance whomever your with there is always going to be things one of you does or doesn't like but yet you stay and find away to make it work and one doesn't then its really not love but being selfish for only there needs and there wants. The same goes with faith and stuff that won't stop me from being with whom I live weather we both see eye to eye on things its about finding a way to kind of both be happy about something with out one of you being more selfish then the other over what you both need in your life. Animals can be very relaxing what ever one it is. I don't like birds or snakes and guess what we'll have one as a pet you know why because I love my husband and I won't have to deal with the darn thing he will.
3 people like this
@cole585 (167)
• United States
17 Feb 12
Did you have a bad experience with a dog at some point? dogs are great animals and very loyal. Do you like cats? or are you just admittedly against any animal? I dont believe you should leave someone because they like dogs and want to have one. they should however respect your choice as to not have them in the house or your choice to not want to be near them. If the person who wants the dog doesnt understand your situation then find something they dont like and bring it into the house... they will get the point and understand where you are coming from.
3 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Feb 12
When I was about 7 my mom told me my dad was bitten by a dog , from that moment on I avoided dogs And I'm glad. Loyal I have my guy for, And I don't have to walk him when he has to do! I like cats but I wouldn't own one either. What I truly want to own is an Elephant. I mean I want to make sure she has a home, her and her babies. Elephants Are Very Loyal and I don't have to walk them either And they don't bite. I wouldn't make a guy who already has dog Have to choose. I will choose for him. I'm gone! And if a guy without a dog Wants one while we are together , I'll leave too. he can;t have us both. I'll tell Any guy Before hand. Thankfully my guy doesn't like dogs either.
1 person likes this
@mojogurl (1)
•
19 Feb 12
i dont see why a dog should come between you and your beloved spouse. You have to respect each other and come to a certain agreement,I mean thats what love is all about right? Personally i feel there is no love if two people breakup and throw away their happiness just bcos of a dog!
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
21 Feb 12
mojoguri, it isn't throwing away happiness, it is making sure you Are happy. how could a guy be happy if he could not stay over at my place if he Had to bring his dog? Or that I refuse to go over because his dog is there? How long will we remain together if he Has to split his time between his dog and me? And no love isn't about making yourself uncomfortable. If that is what love means , then I will Never love.
@jdyrj777 (6528)
• United States
19 Feb 12
I grew up having pets and always love having them. One favorite dog i had was a pomerian. I gave up my little dog for some looser. I will never do that again. I had a ex trying to come visit me in the state i live now. He didnt after he learned i had 3 manx cats. Which is fine with me. My cats will give me many more years of happiness that he would. Pets love you unconditionally.
2 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
21 Feb 12
Ok. If on the first date when I say , "I don't like dogs .Do you have dogs?" if he lies and says no because for some reason he thinks I'm the One And gives away his dog, then it is fine. Rather stupid but fine. But if he already has dog , there Shouldn't be any room for me in his life, period. see unlike loser ex, I will tell a guy I don't like dogs will Never be in the same room with them. That way if he wants to give up his baby , it is up to him. Love hasn't started yet. I'm not saying Love me then you can't have a dog. I'm saying Don't love me if you love and have dogs. I do not and will not make a guy choose. I respect his love , the love that came before me, way too much.Is this conditional love? Ok/ I have already been told since I won't compromise I can't love. Don't tell my guy that! Thankfully he agtrees with me 99% of the time and he doesn't like dogs!
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
19 Feb 12
No one should Ever give away a pet unless their child is allergic. I have never had any pets but my guy does give me unconditional love.
1 person likes this
@jdyrj777 (6528)
• United States
20 Feb 12
But then you are giving conditional love. Even if you dont ask him to give up the dog. You will leave the relationship instead of asking that from him. But what if he gives up the dog on his own accord to stay with you? The looser ex i was talking about didnt ask me to surrender my pet. He just made it very plain to see that he didnt like them.
1 person likes this
@courtknee525 (3742)
• United States
17 Feb 12
I guess in a truly loving relationship you make sacrifices for the one you love. If they didn't want a certain pet, we'd have to compromise on it. The only thing I wouldn't do is get rid of my pet for someone else. If you love me, then you'll have to accept me for who I am and what I have. I'd be the same if my boyfriend had a pet I didn't particularly like. I wouldn't make him get rid of it, but I probably wouldn't want him to get another one lol.
3 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Feb 12
I know there would be times where I wouldn't want to be near his pet. It isn't fair to him! I would leave. It is best.
1 person likes this
@vt689586 (584)
• India
17 Feb 12
the answer is Never because it is not any issue to broke up with my partner just because i loves a dog and she don't.if i really love her and she really understand my feeling then i don't think this time will ever come in my relationship.it is just all about understanding between you and your lover.
3 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Feb 12
Agreed. My lover Has to understand I will not live or be near any dogs. I would leave before he Has to try to live without a beloved dog.
1 person likes this
@Ernnesto (180)
• Slovak Republic
17 Feb 12
I love dogs, so there is a not big deal for me about my partner. My girlfiend also loves dogs, more than me. I know that it can be thing for starting to be jealousy but break up with someone who I love for a pet is overreacted. There can be also way how to use to be with animal or pet. It is just need a time to get use to.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Feb 12
There is no way I would get used to a dog. I would break whatever connection so he could find the One, you know a fellow dog lover. It isn't an overreaction if I Know I would Have to be in another house while his dog is with him. I could never go to his place because the dog is there. And that soon he wuld see he would have to make a choice between being with me Or the dog. It is better And fairer to leave.
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
17 Feb 12
Hey Sarah.. It is the question of personal choice, I trust... Even in a relationship, one has personal prefrences... I would not want a relationship with such a person, who wants me to love something that I hate or vice versa... It is the question of personal choice, anyhow...
2 people like this
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
19 Feb 12
How correct Sarah... Yes, talking everything over with absolute frankness is the key... I think, every couple should talk about everything they can... Everything should be shared, then there will be less problems in future... and life will be tolerable...
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Feb 12
Hi my friend. I agree. I think dog lovers should stay with fellow dog lovers.The key to all of this is to talk Everything over.
@sukumar794 (5040)
• Thiruvananthapuram, India
18 Feb 12
A lover of dogs will always be one who loves and keeps compassionate relationship with the animal species. In truth a dog is more reliable friendly and faithful than a fellow human being. The dog has utmost sincerity and faithfulness to its master. The dog right deserves back the endearment that it exhibits.
2 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
19 Feb 12
Sukumar, that is why Any dog lover should leave me alone. I will Never see that side of dogs . I stay clear of all dogs.
PointlessQuestions, I like your new Avatar! I guess you will need to get to know me some other way, No dog will be near me enough to judge my character.
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
18 Feb 12
I agree with you. I also feel a dog is a good barometer of a person's character. If a dog doesn't like a person or is scared of a person there must be some kind of reason.
1 person likes this
@JJ4Ever (4693)
• United States
17 Feb 12
This is a tough one for me because my husband is a fellow dog lover, and we have two dogs of our own. I'm also glad you and your man agree on the issue of dogs! That always makes it easier.
If I already had a dog, and my significant other came into my life after that, I'd probably tell him the dog came first so if he doesn't like it, the dog stays and he goes. That's tricky, though, because it seems strange to me putting a pet above a person and a potential partner. However, I believe that if my partner is a soul mate, he'd agreed with me on the issue of pets anyway, (as my husband does). So...this really isn't an issue for me!
If I didn't have a dog, and this man came into my life and hated dogs - then no, we wouldn't get a dog. If I loved dogs, and he hated dogs, but neither of us had pets, I'd probably still not get a dog.
My husband came into the relationship loving cats because he had two growing up. However, I don't like cats all that much (other than seeing them on TV, like you!) On top of that, I'm very allergic. So, my husband had to give up cats for me, but now we have dogs, and he likes them much more so it worked out after all!
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Feb 12
I never liked dogs. I avoided them as a child. My first love was Squirrels and the Bengal Tigers.I like the idea of a Cat Large enough to eat me, not just bite me like a dog may. I only got into dogs by watching the dog show. My sister has had 5 cats , not at a time but from time to time. she does the litter bit so I get to pet them every once in a while and that's it. I believe whoever was there first stays. So If I were to meet a guy with a dog , our first date would be our last. It isn't fair to make him keep his baby at home Or Far away from me.That is why I love that my guy said . no I don't like dogs! I get to stay!!!
2 people like this
@JJ4Ever (4693)
• United States
18 Feb 12
I think squirrels are adorable! Tigers were always fascinating to me. That would be my kind of pet "cat" to have, and I don't think I'd have allergies to those - lol! If you don't like dogs, then seeing them on TV is the best way to go. They can be a lot of work too. However, I think two dogs are easier than one because then they're not asking and begging for your attention all the time; they have each other for entertainment and exercise. haha
I thought it was a bit strange, but I'm glad you agree with me that whoever was first gets to stay. If I meet a guy who has a pet that I don't like, that rules him out for me. If I have a dog, and this guy doesn't like my pet then I guess he's not for me either! That's why I'm glad I found a guy who feels the same way as me, and likewise for you!
2 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
19 Feb 12
No it is not strange. It is so sad many are trying to love a pet they never will. Or worse , they are trying t make a lover love their pet!It is so sad.
@sharra1 (6340)
• Australia
19 Feb 12
I would not give up my dog for anyone. For that matter if a man I was going out with did not like dogs then the chances are I would not like him either. I certainly am unlikely to ever be close to someone who hated dogs. I come with fur kids and that is a take it or leave it fact.
2 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
19 Feb 12
You are like my sister. Me? I'm a Adopt and Elephant family. That way I go visit and then come home, lol!
1 person likes this
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
6 Mar 12
Hel yes. I have 2 dogs and 9 cats. They are part of my family. I took them and agreed to care for them until the end of their days. What if I had skin kids? Should I dump them in an orphanage because some guy doesn't want kids?
2 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
7 Mar 12
I remember the story of a monster who tried to kill her kids because the guy she loved didn't want any kids! I agree, you kids came first. Any lover /partner Must love your pets.
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
7 Mar 12
It happens a lot. Not murder, but getting rid of them. A lot of women send their kids away because the new guy doesn't want them. Needless to say we are shocked as we should be. So why aren't we shocked when someone dumps their pets because the new partner doesn't want them? It's equally wrong to get rid of an animal that we promised to love and care for until the end of it's natural days.
1 person likes this
@pandora22 (868)
• Romania
31 Mar 12
i so agry with you catlady.it is sad that some peole are so emotionally screwed that tehy just get rid of their kids or pets just to have a relationshp.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
19 Feb 12
No, I do mind a thing that any moment will bite me. I do mind that he Loves this thing. I respect him Way too much to make him choose. I rather leave than Stay and see either my love turn to resentment Or his.
1 person likes this
@mattman27 (25)
• United States
19 Feb 12
I gave away two cats that I had for close to 10 years, then my girlfriend brought home a dog. I wasn't too happy at first, and thought it was going to be temporary, as the dog originally belonged to her friend. The dog hated me. but after a few weeks a bond formed and, long story short, I married my girlfriend and the dog, and 8 pound Chihuahua takes up 2 out of 3 couch cushions at all times. Love will not be denied.
2 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
21 Feb 12
By all these terms I Should be all alone. I don't compromise on things that will make me uncomfortable. I have no patience for stupidity or messes and I only show compassion with friends.and if I were to give up a loved one like cats or dogs I would resent it Every minute and whatever love I had for that person would turn to hate! But with all that said, my guy Still loves me!
@mattman27 (25)
• United States
21 Feb 12
well, i made the choice to send the cats away, and she takes care of the dog for the most part, and he does his 'business' outside whereas the cats stunk up the whole house ;) i still love cats and miss my two, but in any relationship, compromise, patience, and compassion always win. there is no resentment.
and the dog is about the size of a cat anyways.
1 person likes this
@shooie (4984)
• United States
18 Feb 12
I am a dog lover and have in the past dated guys that didn't like dogs but it wasn't an issue. Matter of fact I married a guy that prefers cats over dogs...lol I have 2 full blood chihuahua's and one that is half chihuahua and half terrier. If having a dog or a cat causes a break up then the love was really never there.
2 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
19 Feb 12
No , I could love him enough To Break up. Let me explain. If having a dog is a life long dream and I Know this, I would leave so his dream could come true. If I stayed He would Never have a dog. This is why the question should be asked at the first date. That way Love Never starts when it is doomed.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Feb 12
I can deal with cats better than dogs.
1 person likes this
@Ollanna11 (371)
• United States
19 Feb 12
If my guy liked dogs and I didnt we definately couldn't live together. I once had a friend with a big black dog every time I visited his place I was uncomfortable when the dog walked by. I really enjoy quiet and comfort in my home. So I dont see how a barking dog would fit into my life. I don't have any maternal instincts for animals. I do enjoy seeing a bird outside my window and hearing them sing.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
19 Feb 12
I have no maternal instincts period!
1 person likes this
@MRconrad01 (148)
• United States
17 Feb 12
I'm not a huge dog lover, but if I really wanted a dog, I would get one whether or not my girlfriend wanted one (unless she was allergic; that's a valid excuse). It's not because I'm trying to be selfish with how I act. I just expect to be able to do what I want to do, and she can do what she wants to do. It's only bad if one of us is physically harmed by it. In my opinion, of course.
2 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Feb 12
Great avatar! If my boyfriend all of a sudden wanted a dog , it soon would be over. He would see less and less of me. I will not be in the same room as a dog. So we would see less of each other. And then soon None of each other. So it is better to end things.
@nanknibbs (31)
•
18 Feb 12
Love me, love my dog. I would not be with someone who didn't like my dog. My dog was here when I needed someone. She kissed my tears away. She loves me unconditionaly. Has any man loved you unconditionaly? I don't think so. When things go bad, they take off. A dog will stick with you through thick and thin. Just love them and give them lots of love. Of course if you have a man, you can treat him like a dog, lots of love, lots of food, and a loose leash.
2 people like this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
19 Feb 12
I prfer my guy. He Does love me unconditionally, through thick and thin. And he doesn't bite me Or do I ever have to walk him. He is potty trained! No , I will never let a dog near me. And as for treating a man like a dog... I would Only do that if I Didn't love him!
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Feb 12
So true People are allergic to dogs. Me, I'm emotionally Allergic. Meaning I have no good feelings for dogs Period.