Pets.

Loveable.

Frustrating.

All-consuming?

I seen this more often than I would like. Person A has dog (or cat or bird or whatever). Person A finds themselves in a committed relationship with Person B. Person B does not like animals. Person A is torn. They love their Ruffy, but they also kind of dig Person B. What to do, what to do.

Why should you have to choose? If you are an animal lover and you had your best friend before you got in this semi-serious relationship, the incoming significant other needs to understand that your pet is your companion. If they are an animal hater, that is likely to cause some serious dissention in your relationship.

I would hate to see relationships fail because of an animal, but I am willing to go out on a limb and say that if you do not agree on your love (or hate) for animals, there may be other differing points of view that will ultimately be the demise of your relationship.

There are exceptions. There always are (see: allergies).

Is it generalizing for me to say that people who hate animals often hate a lot of other things in life? Too bad, I am saying it anyway. Let me follow that up by saying I have no issues with people who do not like animals. I don't understand them, nor would I ever marry one, but that is their right!

My point is that if you love animals and plan on having them as part of your life ’til death do you part, it isn't likely that you will find romantic bliss with someone who hates animals. Animals are part of your life, much like children. They are always there, always need attention and require a financial investment. Better be in agreement about all those things before you commit your, and your pet's, life to this person.

Just a piece of advice, if you are entering into a new relationship and you have a pet you love to death: Introduce the pet and the new love sooner rather than later. That introduction will tell you more than you think.

If you are one of the animal haters (dislikers) I am referring to, beware: Animal (particularly dog) owners will absolutely judge you on how you interact with animals. Keep that in mind when you push Ruffy away because he is getting dog hair on you. I'm not saying you should pretend. I just want you to be aware of it.

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