Spouse or Doberman: Who's on First?

Caelestis · 09-17-2008, 08:17 AM

So I've been reading several threads lately where people have stated the spouse or significant other was not a dog person, didn't "get it", or would just be better off out of the picture if they interfered with the dogs. This got me thinking...

If your spouse/SO made you choose, who would be there in the end, them, or the Dobermans?

Would you break off a relationship or refuse to start one with someone who was not a dog person?

My bf of 5 years was not impressed with the idea of my getting a dog, even though I had 4 when we met. He was worried about the commitment, time, cost etc...since we're renovating and we like to go away for weekends a lot. He even hinted that if I went ahead that I may be doing so alone. I told him point blank, there are no guarantees that we'll still be together in a year or 3, but the dog will still be here and I was NOT giving up something I really wanted for a relationship that could be gone tomorrow (we're great btw, no issues, but I do NOT believe in forever, I think any relationship can fall apart, humans are not made to be monogamous, and I'm allergic to marriage. If you beat the odds, great, but that isn't *me*).

Kinder won him over, hook line and sinker. He also sees how much I love her and despite his initial concerns, he's happy to see me happy. He knows there is a puppy coming in the spring and he's ok with that as well, but the reality is, if push came to shove, the dogs would win in my house.

How about you? How do your dogs affect your relationships?

**velmadobe** · 09-17-2008, 08:31 AM

After 17 years of marriage and 2 children, I hope that my husband knows better than to ever give me that kind of ultimatum

And while he enjoys just having a dog, he does not get the whole purebred dog show thing and has yet to ever go to a dog show. He actually will go to one for the first time this coming Sunday to see his two daughters show in Jr's - but will not see breed as that is early in the morning and Jr;s is in the afternoon.........no way is he going to sit around a dog show all day - LOL! The only reason he is going is because it is very close (30 minutes) and I told him that he needs to come clap for his kids. I will say that he is a wonderful dad and goes to every swim meet unless he is away on a business trip.

Baruch · 09-17-2008, 08:34 AM

I have been thinking of just this topic. we have three dog that I do everything for. Because the older two dogs are small breeds my husband wanted a big dog, still I do everything for. There are days where he has not even petted one - how can that be? I know that the dogs are forever and I will not part with any of them (He has made me give up a dog in the past and it won't happen again). Would I end my 18 year relationship with my husband over it - NO - but I think if we didn't have children it might have a greater impact. Good question, I quess where does your loyalty lie? Very tough one because for me (a woman) my pets ARE my children and to my husband they are not. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband and family, but it does make you think.

**2gooddobes** · 09-17-2008, 08:34 AM

My dogs are such a big part of my life that I would never be with someone who didn't want dogs around.

dillonsmom · 09-17-2008, 08:36 AM

My hubby was the dobe fan before me!! but after we had Ben in 1981 I was hooked and a year later we got another. and we have had them ever since! and we have a rottie now too. the only problem we have is when Dillon beats hubby to the bed at night!!!!

Baruch · 09-17-2008, 08:54 AM

Oh and thanks alot Caelestis, I woke up this morning sing Time Warp!!!!!!!!!!

Zombie · 09-17-2008, 08:56 AM

I didn't have a problem with my boyfriend. Although he never had a dog before, he was excited to be getting a Doberman (I imagine if I wanted a poodle he would have said a big 'no' to that). But I still have to convince him in the future that a red female would be an awesome addition.

kirk180 · 09-17-2008, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caelestis

...humans are not made to be monogamous, and I'm allergic to marriage. If you beat the odds, great, but that isn't *me*).

PM sent for #

lol...j/k relax folks.

Ok seriously though, I'd keep the dog. But I'm not married.

The reason I quoted that part was because about a month back my gf started talking about the marriage bug and I had to stand my ground. She says she's over it now, so we'll see.

**dax0402** · 09-17-2008, 09:27 AM

My husband and I have been married 39 years and he has always understood the "pecking" order: Dog, horse, him. LOL. But, actually he is the one who insisted we get a Doberman when we moved to the country (it was the middle of nowhere 32 years ago, now we are in the berbs). And, also after each one of them left us for the Bridge, he is the one who pushed to get another one as soon as possible. I know he hated seeing me sad. Now the horse is a different story. He was never a "horse person". He rode very occasionally and only with my proding. Now we have the same horse for 32 years. She was 3 1/2 when we got her and is now at the ripe old age of 35 1/2. My husband is convinced she is going to outlive him just to spite him! Lois

kirk180 · 09-17-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dax0402

My husband is convinced she is going to outlive him just to spite him! Lois