Is it required that your S.O. loves your dogs? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Britster · 05-08-2011, 06:05 AM

Is it a requirement that your current or future significant other loves your CURRENT dogs?

Meaning, not in any future dogs you may buy together, but if you had dog(s) before you met your spouse.

Would this be a deal-breaker in a future relationship or has it been one in a current/past one? Does a future SO only have to like or tolerate your dog(s), not love them? Would a non-dog-savvy person be someone you're uninterested in as a SO?

I know, for me, Jackson and I are a package deal. He wouldn't have to love him AS much as I do, obviously, but I don't think just 'tolerating' him would be enough. He would have to appreciate that I am into training, agility, and respect that as my hobby and obviously treat Jackson well. I don't think I could ever be with a non-dog lover.

Mardelin · 05-08-2011, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britster

Is it a requirement that your current or future significant other loves your CURRENT dogs?

Meaning, not in any future dogs you may buy together, but if you had dog(s) before you met your spouse.

Would this be a deal-breaker in a future relationship or has it been one in a current/past one? Does a future SO only have to like or tolerate your dog(s), not love them? Would a non-dog-savvy person be someone you're uninterested in as a SO?

I know, for me, Jackson and I are a package deal. He wouldn't have to love him AS much as I do, obviously, but I don't think just 'tolerating' him would be enough. He would have to appreciate that I am into training, agility, and respect that as my hobby and obviously treat Jackson well. I don't think I could ever be with a non-dog lover.

In my opinion yes. If they don't it could cause friction in your relationship.

ArmaniMan · 05-08-2011, 06:15 AM

Yes, any future SO would need to not only love my current dogs but also KNOW that there will be more dogs/pets in the future. It is not enough to say "I will like these two but then thats it" because dogs (and maybe cats) will always be a part of my life. It is also not enough to tolerate them honestly. They must love them. I lived with my sister for a number of years and she was fine with the dogs being there but isn't really a dog person- honestly its not that great, your always walking on eggshells that a dog is going to pee/poop/ vomit somewhere when they are sick and the person is going to get mad. I don't mind the dogs being my primary responsibility, but when you are running late unexpectedly or something and there is someone home but they won't feed or walk the dogs it does get frustrating. I make sacrifices for my dogs and I would expect the person I am with the understand that. For example, I have taken the dogs on family trips and then refused to leave them in the car to eat- I say I can get something and take it out to the car or a park- and people in the family get upset because they want to sit in the restaurant and eat. I wouldn't want these kinds of petty little arguments always coming between my and an SO. Also NO ONE is going to tell me my little fuzzbutts can't sleep in bed with me, or tell me I spend too much on them. I am willing to sacrifice things for myself so they can have the best medical care- will an SO agree? they better.

HA! Can you tell I have been thinking about this. Basically, any SO needs to really LOVE animals and LOVE my animals in order for it to work out. I know people will say relationships are about give and take but this is not something I am willing to "give" on. So I wouldn't find someone who doesn't like animals and then force my beliefs upon them. I just would not have a relationship with someone who didn't feel the same way I did. If it takes longer to find an SO- thats fine, I am in no rush.

My lil friend · 05-08-2011, 06:24 AM

When we became married my 2 &1/2 lb poodle was part of the deal. She was already 10yrs old and was my friend when I was growing up. Hubby and I had already been together 5yrs,starting in highschool so he was pretty used to her. He didn't particularly like her but he did respect the fact that she ment alot to me.
He would walk her for me when it was dark outside,we lived in apartments and he didn't want me out there,and NEVER said anything ugly about her.
On the otherhand I didn't expect him to gush over her either,she wasn't his baby.
The day that I had to put her to sleep,at age 13, he was there,standing in the waiting room when I came out. He let me cry and talk about her all I wanted because she was so important to me.
I feel that your SO should be kind and not resentful towards your furbaby. Being ugly is not exceptable to me and would be a deal breaker. But respecting how you feel is a good compromise.

Ringo1 · 05-08-2011, 06:36 AM

I think as long as they REALLY LIKE them - they might not have to profess their love for them. They must be kind to them and understand that they are a big part of my life and that we are a package deal.

Actually, now that I say this ~ I can't see me spending any serious time with a non-dog lover.

IsabelleOllie · 05-08-2011, 06:48 AM

I have always been an animal lover. Dogs and cats will always be a very important part of my life and I will never be without them. My ex-husband was understanding of this (one of the very few things that was good about him) and he never gave me any grief about our pets. He was actually just as attached to them as I was.

My fiance is great about my animals, too. He has always had dogs and calls his 2 dogs his "children". I did have to educate him a bit about responsible pet ownership, though. Mia is his female Aussie/BC mix and when we first started dating she wasn't spayed and had an "oops" litter - she's my Ziggy's mother. He was a wonderful Daddy to Mia and her 8 pups. She stopped nursing them at 3 wks. Watching how he stepped up to the challenge of making sure they all ate their "mush" of rice cereal/puppy formula, then cleaned off their little noses and feet, and changed their blankets, and gave them love and attention is what made me fall in love with him. He is amazing.... Perfect for me!!!

TxVicki · 05-08-2011, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

In my opinion yes. If they don't it could cause friction in your relationship.

I toatlly agree.
My hubby has yet to meet Willow and Allie that I have adopted while he has been working oversea's. How ever he has seen their picture's and he was also in agreement with me on the adoption of them.

kdhawks · 05-08-2011, 07:19 AM

Absolutely. Alex (boyfriend) adores Levi almost as much as I do.

There is no way that our relationship would work if he wasn't an animal lover, and if he didn't love Levi in particular. It completely melts my heart to see how Levi and Alex interact.

Our situation is a little different because we were together long before adding Levi to our lives, but it is very important to me that Alex genuinely loves and would do anything for Levi. Levi is much more "our" dog than "my" dog. Al will take him out to potty, even at 6AM on weekends, feeds him and plays with him and completely spoils him. I can't imagine it any differently, and it makes me so sad to hear about significant others who are not involved with the dogs or resent their presence.

JESSY_RN2B · 05-08-2011, 07:19 AM

Absolutely! My ex husband met me with pets and if he wouldnt have at the very least tolerated them and treated them lovingly, that would have been a deal breaker.

I have dated in the past and one guy was incredibly scared of cats and dogs alike. There was no working around it so the relationship didnt move on.

my current spouse is allergic to cats but loves them. He met me with a cat and dogs but made it work. Took his meds faithfully etc. My cat passed away last year and the decision was made not to get another cat but while my cat was alive he was gfeat with him.

I woukd never get rid of a pet for a man. Sounds mean but I couldnt do it.

Taryn0405 · 05-08-2011, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britster

Is it a requirement that your current or future significant other loves your CURRENT dogs?

Meaning, not in any future dogs you may buy together, but if you had dog(s) before you met your spouse.

Would this be a deal-breaker in a future relationship or has it been one in a current/past one? Does a future SO only have to like or tolerate your dog(s), not love them? Would a non-dog-savvy person be someone you're uninterested in as a SO?

I know, for me, Jackson and I are a package deal. He wouldn't have to love him AS much as I do, obviously, but I don't think just 'tolerating' him would be enough. He would have to appreciate that I am into training, agility, and respect that as my hobby and obviously treat Jackson well. I don't think I could ever be with a non-dog lover.

My brother decided, when he just got a divorce, that he wanted the companionship of a dog. He decided to get a Cairn Terrier from a breeder. However, right after he got the dog he started dating. Needless to say, the dating became more important then training and establishing a relationship with the dog. Poor boy has never gotten the patient training and will basically do anything for attention.
Well, now my brother married the girl he was dating and she basically blames all their marital problems on the dog not being trained well. She gets so angry when she comes to my house and sees that Gizmo rings the bells to go potty, doesn't run around barking, doesn't have bone aggression, and stays when I tell him to.
I've tried to explain to my brother and his wife, that this took extensive training for Gizmo, my husband, and I. We didn't go out to a movie and lock him in the crate for hours on end. Instead of going to the mall just for us, we take Gizmo with us and walk him around socializing him and working on his sit and stay with people around.
Needless to say, I've almost adopted their Cairn simply because they think he's untrainable, and because my sister-in-law always says she didn't like the dog, and it's not her dog, it's my brother's dog, etc.

Anyway, the point of my long story is you both have to be in the same boat with regards to Jackson. Granted, I don't know anyone that wouldn't love Mr. Action Jackson. But, it does cause alot of anger and resentment if the significant other starts to think the dog is being maniacal and is set out to destroy your relationship

. Heck, even I'm mad because in my opinion they are doing a huge injustice to the dog who is so lovable.

Lovetodream88 · 05-08-2011, 07:21 AM

It is important to me that they like and are nice to Callie. My ex boyfriend who I still remain friends with was really great about Callie. He made her a four post canopy bed from scratch with her name on it and for holidays even valentines day he always had a gift for Callie as well as for me.

horsnaround · 05-08-2011, 07:24 AM

I came with horses and that was part of the deal. Never a issue and he love dogs too............... I could not be with someone that did not accept animals. I am a packaged deal

DH and i are going on 28 years together... He loves the dogs as much as I

DvlshAngel985 · 05-08-2011, 07:25 AM

I think it's very important for a SO to at the very least like dogs. My boyfriend and I had been together for 3 years when I got Kaji. That's right, I not we got Kaji. I was living on my own with friends, so the only people I consulted about Kaji with were my roomies. I knew boyfriend loved dogs since he had 3 at home and I had seen him interact with then. He actually gave their Bella raspberries on her tummy.

He never put up a fight when I brought Kaji with us on outings. The first time we went out after I got Kaji, he offered to pick up take out because he knew I was dying to get home to my baby after the movie.

My favorite moments were when Kaji and boyfriend were snuggled up on the couch watching the laker game. I wish I had a picture of that! Another sweet moment was when boyfriend took Kaji to the vet for me. Kaji needed a checkup and I couldn't take the day off from work. Boyfriend stepped in, and cared for Kaji the entire day. By the end of the day, Kaji was in love with boyfriend and didn't want to come home. They must have had a very good day together.

Mollysmom411999 · 05-08-2011, 07:57 AM

I have 2 soon to be 3 yorkies, 5 loud and beautiful parrots and 2 older , kids left behind for me to raise, cats. My pets are my world and hubby knows and understands and loves them almost as much. Its why we still are married and best friends after 34 yrs. Your S.O. Must like/love as much as you or would make for a difficult if not impossible relationship. I have seen this sooooo many times. JMHO

gidget529 · 05-08-2011, 07:59 AM

Me and my little dog were a packaged deal. She was my only child. The husband I met ended up falling in love with the breed when he met my Cricket. He says he never knew love until he met Cricket (I hope that doesn't reflect badly on me?!?) After Cricket passed, he wanted another right away. He couldn't stand how quiet the house was without her.

05-08-2011, 06:05 AM	#1
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	Is it required that your S.O. loves your dogs? Is it a requirement that your current or future significant other loves your CURRENT dogs? Meaning, not in any future dogs you may buy together, but if you had dog(s) before you met your spouse. Would this be a deal-breaker in a future relationship or has it been one in a current/past one? Does a future SO only have to like or tolerate your dog(s), not love them? Would a non-dog-savvy person be someone you're uninterested in as a SO? I know, for me, Jackson and I are a package deal. He wouldn't have to love him AS much as I do, obviously, but I don't think just 'tolerating' him would be enough. He would have to appreciate that I am into training, agility, and respect that as my hobby and obviously treat Jackson well. I don't think I could ever be with a non-dog lover. __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

05-08-2011, 06:15 AM	#3
ArmaniMan I ♥ Armani & Chloe Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 3,895	Yes, any future SO would need to not only love my current dogs but also KNOW that there will be more dogs/pets in the future. It is not enough to say "I will like these two but then thats it" because dogs (and maybe cats) will always be a part of my life. It is also not enough to tolerate them honestly. They must love them. I lived with my sister for a number of years and she was fine with the dogs being there but isn't really a dog person- honestly its not that great, your always walking on eggshells that a dog is going to pee/poop/ vomit somewhere when they are sick and the person is going to get mad. I don't mind the dogs being my primary responsibility, but when you are running late unexpectedly or something and there is someone home but they won't feed or walk the dogs it does get frustrating. I make sacrifices for my dogs and I would expect the person I am with the understand that. For example, I have taken the dogs on family trips and then refused to leave them in the car to eat- I say I can get something and take it out to the car or a park- and people in the family get upset because they want to sit in the restaurant and eat. I wouldn't want these kinds of petty little arguments always coming between my and an SO. Also NO ONE is going to tell me my little fuzzbutts can't sleep in bed with me, or tell me I spend too much on them. I am willing to sacrifice things for myself so they can have the best medical care- will an SO agree? they better. HA! Can you tell I have been thinking about this. Basically, any SO needs to really LOVE animals and LOVE my animals in order for it to work out. I know people will say relationships are about give and take but this is not something I am willing to "give" on. So I wouldn't find someone who doesn't like animals and then force my beliefs upon them. I just would not have a relationship with someone who didn't feel the same way I did. If it takes longer to find an SO- thats fine, I am in no rush. __________________ Armani & Chloe

05-08-2011, 06:24 AM	#4
My lil friend Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: FtWorth,TX,USA Posts: 3,269	When we became married my 2 &1/2 lb poodle was part of the deal. She was already 10yrs old and was my friend when I was growing up. Hubby and I had already been together 5yrs,starting in highschool so he was pretty used to her. He didn't particularly like her but he did respect the fact that she ment alot to me. He would walk her for me when it was dark outside,we lived in apartments and he didn't want me out there,and NEVER said anything ugly about her. On the otherhand I didn't expect him to gush over her either,she wasn't his baby. The day that I had to put her to sleep,at age 13, he was there,standing in the waiting room when I came out. He let me cry and talk about her all I wanted because she was so important to me. I feel that your SO should be kind and not resentful towards your furbaby. Being ugly is not exceptable to me and would be a deal breaker. But respecting how you feel is a good compromise. Last edited by My lil friend; 05-08-2011 at 06:26 AM.

05-08-2011, 06:36 AM	#5
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	I think as long as they REALLY LIKE them - they might not have to profess their love for them. They must be kind to them and understand that they are a big part of my life and that we are a package deal. Actually, now that I say this ~ I can't see me spending any serious time with a non-dog lover. __________________ Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew

05-08-2011, 06:48 AM	#6
IsabelleOllie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 1,590	I have always been an animal lover. Dogs and cats will always be a very important part of my life and I will never be without them. My ex-husband was understanding of this (one of the very few things that was good about him) and he never gave me any grief about our pets. He was actually just as attached to them as I was. My fiance is great about my animals, too. He has always had dogs and calls his 2 dogs his "children". I did have to educate him a bit about responsible pet ownership, though. Mia is his female Aussie/BC mix and when we first started dating she wasn't spayed and had an "oops" litter - she's my Ziggy's mother. He was a wonderful Daddy to Mia and her 8 pups. She stopped nursing them at 3 wks. Watching how he stepped up to the challenge of making sure they all ate their "mush" of rice cereal/puppy formula, then cleaned off their little noses and feet, and changed their blankets, and gave them love and attention is what made me fall in love with him. He is amazing.... Perfect for me!!! __________________ Melissa and Belle Last edited by IsabelleOllie; 05-08-2011 at 06:51 AM.

05-08-2011, 07:19 AM	#8
kdhawks Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2,359	Absolutely. Alex (boyfriend) adores Levi almost as much as I do. There is no way that our relationship would work if he wasn't an animal lover, and if he didn't love Levi in particular. It completely melts my heart to see how Levi and Alex interact. Our situation is a little different because we were together long before adding Levi to our lives, but it is very important to me that Alex genuinely loves and would do anything for Levi. Levi is much more "our" dog than "my" dog. Al will take him out to potty, even at 6AM on weekends, feeds him and plays with him and completely spoils him. I can't imagine it any differently, and it makes me so sad to hear about significant others who are not involved with the dogs or resent their presence. __________________ katy&levi

05-08-2011, 07:19 AM	#9
JESSY_RN2B Owned by 3 furballs Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 6,581	Absolutely! My ex husband met me with pets and if he wouldnt have at the very least tolerated them and treated them lovingly, that would have been a deal breaker. I have dated in the past and one guy was incredibly scared of cats and dogs alike. There was no working around it so the relationship didnt move on. my current spouse is allergic to cats but loves them. He met me with a cat and dogs but made it work. Took his meds faithfully etc. My cat passed away last year and the decision was made not to get another cat but while my cat was alive he was gfeat with him. I woukd never get rid of a pet for a man. Sounds mean but I couldnt do it. __________________ Bobbi Yorkietalk http://www.dogster.com/dogs/395435 And now........little Aja too! http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/23776545

05-08-2011, 07:21 AM	#11
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	It is important to me that they like and are nice to Callie. My ex boyfriend who I still remain friends with was really great about Callie. He made her a four post canopy bed from scratch with her name on it and for holidays even valentines day he always had a gift for Callie as well as for me. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

05-08-2011, 07:24 AM	#12
horsnaround ♥Trained by my pups♥ Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: with my yorkies Posts: 11,722 Blog Entries: 1	I came with horses and that was part of the deal. Never a issue and he love dogs too............... I could not be with someone that did not accept animals. I am a packaged deal DH and i are going on 28 years together... He loves the dogs as much as I __________________ loving life with my furry friends

05-08-2011, 07:25 AM	#13
DvlshAngel985 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 12,693	I think it's very important for a SO to at the very least like dogs. My boyfriend and I had been together for 3 years when I got Kaji. That's right, I not we got Kaji. I was living on my own with friends, so the only people I consulted about Kaji with were my roomies. I knew boyfriend loved dogs since he had 3 at home and I had seen him interact with then. He actually gave their Bella raspberries on her tummy. He never put up a fight when I brought Kaji with us on outings. The first time we went out after I got Kaji, he offered to pick up take out because he knew I was dying to get home to my baby after the movie. My favorite moments were when Kaji and boyfriend were snuggled up on the couch watching the laker game. I wish I had a picture of that! Another sweet moment was when boyfriend took Kaji to the vet for me. Kaji needed a checkup and I couldn't take the day off from work. Boyfriend stepped in, and cared for Kaji the entire day. By the end of the day, Kaji was in love with boyfriend and didn't want to come home. They must have had a very good day together. __________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji

05-08-2011, 07:57 AM	#14
Mollysmom411999 YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 373	I have 2 soon to be 3 yorkies, 5 loud and beautiful parrots and 2 older , kids left behind for me to raise, cats. My pets are my world and hubby knows and understands and loves them almost as much. Its why we still are married and best friends after 34 yrs. Your S.O. Must like/love as much as you or would make for a difficult if not impossible relationship. I have seen this sooooo many times. JMHO __________________ Mattie,Abbey,Miley,Dottie,Holly and StevieX6 R.I.P. my Molly Muffin 14/01/11

05-08-2011, 07:59 AM	#15
gidget529 Gidget & Sidney's Mom Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: PA Posts: 3,462	Me and my little dog were a packaged deal. She was my only child. The husband I met ended up falling in love with the breed when he met my Cricket. He says he never knew love until he met Cricket (I hope that doesn't reflect badly on me?!?) After Cricket passed, he wanted another right away. He couldn't stand how quiet the house was without her.