When you have a pet, you'll understand how much love, adoration, and utter affection you have for them within the first few hours, let alone when you've had them for years. So if a partner told you that they wanted you to rehome your beloved animal, what would you do?
One woman was left in this exact predicament as she wanted to move her partner in with her, and they'd decided to go ahead with the moving-in process in June. However, she had a dog, and her partner has recently "discovered she's allergic" and "struggles with the dog hair and smells."
The woman posted on Mumsnet explaining that they've discussed rehoming her dog "as her allergies are quite bad and she's also very allergic to dust" - but she was "quite upset" at the thought of getting rid of her pooch.
She wrote: "I've agreed to do it as I love her and want to marry and start a family with her. I've said I could potentially ask family or a friend to take him, as then I could visit. I will struggle to rehome him with strangers and this way I can ensure he is ok.
"The issue is June is basically around the corner and she is frustrated with my lack of progress on the matter.
"I haven't mentioned any of this to family or my friends yet so as it stands we have no idea if they would even be willing to take the dog. They are all animal lovers so I'm sure at least one of them will say yes.
"I haven't mentioned it to them as it's hard for me to think about. My partner understands it's difficult with me but sees this as me not being proactive as we aren't really able to plan her moving in until the dog is rehomed.
"We've discussed it many times but end up going in circles and she gets teary as I haven't really put a plan in place. She suggested rehoming him by the end of May as she will be moving in the following month."
The woman said she was struggling to articulate how she felt about the situation, and she was becoming stressed that "nothing was resolved", with her girlfriend accusing her of not putting her health and needs first.
She continued: "If I'm being honest I'm afraid of family and friends judging me even though I know they'll likely understand as she's allergic.
"What would you do in this situation? Breaking up isn't an option as she's the person I want to be with but I'm struggling with the whole thing if I'm being honest."
In the comments, the woman received some tough love from people who said she needed to make a decision, stat.
One wrote: "Well, I mean you need to break up, rehome your dog, or tell your partner she can't move in as you're not ready to rehome your dog. The last sounds like the truth based on your post, but it does leave your partner hanging around waiting for you to be ready and understandably she might not be up for that.
"You have to actually decide what you want more: your dog or your partner to move in. And tell her you're struggling, because what's currently happening is really unfair to her. Obviously, she needs to know where she'll be living in June."
Someone else said: "I genuinely couldn't rehome my dogs for a new partner. They just wouldn't be the person for me if that was necessary.
"How old is the dog? Could you not stay living apart? How long have you been together? You haven't lived together and may realise the relationship isn't forever once you do, but you will have rehomed your dog. I feel so sorry for your dog."
The original poster then explained that she'd had her dog for four years, but had been with her partner for less than a year.
"Under a year. OMG. Just no", a Mumsnetter fumed.
Another suggested: "Can your partner see if the doctor can help with the allergies so you can try to keep the dog? And rehome only if that doesn't work? In that situation, family and friends will know you both tried and could be more sympathetic about the situation.
"Also regarding the cleanliness of the dog, can you have a dog-free sitting room/ban the dog from furniture as a compromise? I wouldn't expect someone to rehome their pet for me, especially without trying to make it work first."
What would you do in this situation? Let us know in the comments.
