If you are an animal lover, do you think you could be in a relationship with someone who wasn't?

Question

I love animals, and that for me is a deal-breaker! I always find that out on the first date.

Love me, love my animals!

Answer 1

Why would you want to?

Answer 2

It depends on how big the difference is for me. Obviously if someone doesn't like animals and is negative about them, they wouldn't get a shot with me to boot.

Someone who is sympathetic to the concerns of animals and ethics yet may not be interested in personally owning some, may have a shot.

Depends on the guy and the circumstance. I know my husband isn't a huge animal rights nut case, but he respects my opinions and goals and generally likes animals.

I think overall that's the most important thing. People don't always have to agree with eachother but they should at least be willing to accept/compromise the things in people they can't change.

Answer 3

Not my deal-breaker but it is important. I've been through a relationship where the guy said he liked animals, but he had never experienced animals the way an animal person has them. He also didn't like my dogs, but he liked every other dog he'd see, that relationship was long but doomed from the start. However, it could have worked if the guy wasn't such an ***. He enjoyed making me mad and doing everything that didn't make me happy. So, it was messed up and not really completely b/c of the dogs.

So, It all depends on a few things. They don't have to love my animals, but they have to accept them.
I don't expect a man to think the way that I do and they don't have come with animals or even want them. Most people I meet, have not been around animals like I have and don't understand where I am coming from. From experience, I have learned to be more understanding b/c I remember when it was normal for me to have my dogs chained out in the yard and not take them to the vet on a regular basis. That was where I came from and if I hadn't been involved more in the animal world, I would probably not be too far off from that. There is also a cultural difference.

However, they always start out knowing that I have dogs and my dogs live inside with me. They have to be open-minded and willing to compromise. I will give up my dogs sleeping in my bed at night and even coming into my bedroom, but they will not be chained up outside. The compromise would be that they live in my house and have their own room and the man has to accept that. My dogs are not going to be locked up every time I have my man over either. So, acceptance and not being afraid of them is a necessity.

When it comes down to it all, I would give up some things if needed, but only if it was my choice. For example, I am willing to limit my rescue activity and limit the number of animals that I bring in and out of my house. I enjoy hand raising puppies and kittens and bringing young dogs in my house for a transition to a new home. However, I'm not gonna take that over a man and a family. In my opinion, it isn't right for me to throw all of that on someone and I really don't want to anyway.

The first real test for a man in my house is my dog Deja. She already doesn't care too much for men and is very protective of me. After my XBF, I thought that she would never get along with any man in my house, but she is just picky about who she likes and who she doesn't. The man trying to get along with her gets major points in my book.

Other than that, Life and relationships are always a compromise. I'm not going to force my love of animals on anyone and I'm not gonna give up having them just cause I want a certain man, unless it is my choice. I have learned that people change with time as long as they are open-minded and willing to change. I can't expect someone to view things my way, but I can train them to view things my way. If not, then they are not for me.

Answer 4

There is no way I could be with my husband if he wasn't an animal lover. I have animals all over my house and I wouldn't want it any other way. To have someone who cares for living things just as much as you do is such a gift. Also you can usually tell about someones character by how they are with animals or how animals act when they are around them. My life would be so bland with out my critters. :)

Answer 5

Yes, if you can convert them. My husband was raised with only dogs outside and taught to hate cats, because his mother did.

I was leery when I first met him, especially since I love my cats so much. He had just never been around them. He started loving them as much as I do.

We now have cats and kittens that he just adores. I once spent $500 at the vet on a cat and he about died. Last year we had to spend $1000 to get his favorite cats leg amputated because of bone cancer. He didn't bat an eye.

We have dogs, a horse, and a cow. He is loving to all of them. Everything turned out fine.

The only reason he wasn't an animal lover is because he'd never been around them. Someone who truly hated animals, there's no way I could have a relationship with.

Answer 6

One of the first things I talk about with all people. I kinda almost judge them by it. If they are anti animal I kinda look down on them I guess. It is a good judge of character, like most dogs & cats can be very good at judging character when first meeting someone. They have instincts we don't.

Answer 7

No way!!! I have a genuine love & respect for my animals... I've found that people who are not animal lovers do not have that respect. My animals are like my kids, you disrespect them and we're going to have a problem. I will not settle for someone who may do something stupid to my animals, as unintentional as it may be.

Answer 8

It cant be that bad if they really like each other. my mum always had a pet when she was little and loves animals but my dad doesn't really like cats and dogs.
if 1 of them had the pet the ther didn't like it shouldn't be to much of a problem unless;
the person who didn't like it had to look after the pet
it made noise that annoyed the person
etc

Answer 9

nope, i dont think so....they would have to at least appreciate my love for animals if they werent a serious animal lover themselves. i mean, they cant get in my way of that. if they down right didnt like animals that would annoy me too much and they would have to go. i have a passion for horses, so unless they do too, they would have to at least stay out of my way and not interfere with my love for them or it just wouldnt work.

Answer 10

It would be very hard, as people who either dislike pets or are just not fond of them generally find them annoying or smelly, or drooly and most animals will molt which is very undesirable. If I have ever been with someone that wasn't as fond of animals as me it hasn't lasted. When they tell them off or tell them to get out the way it made me angry. Your pets are generally your babies! and your not going to have any one treat them any less.

Answer 11

no way. i've tried and it just dosen't work, but then again i have quite the menagerie. asking an animal lover to give up animals is like asking a person who loves kids to just give them up. even if they do they won't be happy nor will they be very happy with you about it.