When you're in a relationship with someone who has pets, it can be difficult to navigate the topic of moving in together, as it means that you'll have to get used to living with their furry friends around all the time.
But one mum-to-be is at her wits' end with her partner and his dog, because she feels as though he constantly puts the pooch before her - and treats his pet with more respect than he gives her.
The pregnant woman explained she has spoken to her partner about his dog several times and wants him to agree to certain terms such as making sure the pooch always sleeps downstairs instead of in their bedroom, and keeping them away from her blankets and items she's bought for their baby.
And what's more, the woman claimed her partner even washes his dog's paws in their food bowls, which she finds "completely gross" and led her to storm out of the house.
In a post on Mumsnet, she said: "For some background, I'm heavily pregnant. I'm not exactly going to be able to do much but want some reassurance that I'm not insane. The dog belongs to my partner from before our relationship.
"Despite me asking since falling pregnant, [my partner] won't put the dog in the living room to sleep - I don't want the dog upstairs at night because the baby will set the dog off and vice versa, and I want the dog to not associate the change with the baby.
"[He also] lets the dog sit on anything in the house including all of my blankets. He lets the dog chew on them and the baby's [blankets].
"He washes the dog's paws in our FOOD BOWLS when I've complained enough about why there is mud trekked around the house, and then leaves them outside the house for me to collect up.
"He also leaves the dog with me for over half the week and says I can't leave the dog alone EVER.
"I love this man and some of this isn't new but the washing paws in the food bowl has driven me completely insane and I've stormed out. Am I overreacting? I know the bowl will get washed but I think it's completely gross.
"I feel like I am being completely disrespected."
Commenters on the post were firmly on the mum's side, with many agreeing that her partner's behaviour was unacceptable. However, some also came to the man's defence, saying the dog was in his life before the two of them started dating.
One person said: "The fourth bullet point is the one that would drive me mad. He doesn't get to decide whether or not you can leave the house."
While another added: "Totally gross. I couldn't live with that. Why have a kid with someone who does things like this?"
But a third disagreed, stating: "He's had the dog since before you were together. He's not being disrespectful, he always behaved like this. Your mistake was assuming he would change because you are pregnant. He won't. Put up with it, or move out, or you will make both of you miserable."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at yourmirror@trinitymirror.com.
