Don't Pit Peaches

Dear Dog Lady,

My fiancée and I have found a two-bedroom condo we love. Unfortunately, the docs forbid dogs over 20 pounds. Peaches, our cocker spaniel, is 27 pounds. I want to go for it, but my guy argues that Peaches will get busted eventually. He wants us to keep looking until we find a place where all of our pounds are welcome. I am so irritated with Mr. Law and Order. I’ve reminded him that he’s copied software, so his criminal record is less than pristine. Should I suggest we put Peaches on a diet? How can I convince him to sign the papers for this condo?

Wendy, Forest Hills, NY

Wendy, if the dog’s permissible weight is a deal-breaker for your guy, then back off. Be grateful he has such standards and respect them. Sure, you can suggest putting Peaches on a diet, but don’t take this out on your innocent pet. When a 27-pound dog loses seven pounds, the animal will suffer. For a healthy cocker spaniel, Peaches’ avoirdupois seems exactly right.

Wendy, keep looking – for real estate. As a couple, you should start off your life united and not divided over an issue, which might seem silly to the outsider but has larger meaning for you and your partner. There will be another condo to love where all three of you can settle down without the stain of original sin. This place is too freighted to be the launching pad for your new life together.

Posted by Dog Lady at February 9, 2008 02:01 PM