Dating Doghouse

Dear Dog Lady,

I know this sounds crazy but I judge my dates by how well they treat my dog.

Let’s see, there was Tom. He got miffed when I cooed endearing nicknames to my darling pooch Cleo. And, lo, the shaky alliance lasted 13 dates. Then there was Bob. He pretended to like my dog by stiffly petting her behind the ears for a few seconds each time he came to pick me up. But he banned Cleo from the bed, the sofa, or any reclining surface where Bob was inclined to recline -- even though it was my house. The relationship lasted 8 months.

Am I too unyielding and unromantic in these matters? Does Cleo’s opinion count?

- Sarah, Boston, MA.

Sarah, lighten up. Sure, it matters if Cleo likes a man you bring into her house, but you’re the one who must be pleased – and pleasing. You’re trying to be Alpha in your dating world. Actually, you’re allowing Cleo to be Alpha. You should understand that no guy wants to play second fiddle to his girlfriend’s girl dog -- or boy dog, for that matter. Your dates are merely trying to mark their territory. They want you to pay attention to them. So let them lift their legs freely. You seem to be using Cleo as an intimacy excuse. Eventually, you’re going to have to give a man the unconditional chance to court you. If you fall in love, then Cleo will too.

Posted by Dog Lady at October 3, 2008 12:00 PM