Hair of the Dog

Dear Dog Lady,

I have a wonderful boyfriend who owns a wonderful Golden Retriever. I love the boy and the dog, but she sheds a lot and I find it unclean to have her in our bed. My boyfriend is so used to sleeping with the dog and he’s become accustomed to having her fur all over the place. I just can’t stand it. I always wake up with dog hair in my mouth. Is it as unsanitary? Or should I shut up and stop complaining?

Jocelyn, Peabody, MA

Jocelyn, obviously, you’re not wild about hairy.

Shut your mouth and you won’t wake up with dog hairs, but you also won’t smooth things over with your boyfriend. As far as Dog Lady knows, fur from the dog is not unsanitary -- except for people who are allergy-prone and those in fledgling relationships. You should speak up. Cottonmouth in the morning is annoying enough without throwing in a dollop of dog dander. For people who are not used to lying down with shedding dogs, it’s a big adjustment.

If your boyfriend is as wonderful as you say, he will understand your need to be bed queen, but don’t mount a campaign to ban the dog completely. Perhaps you could suggest canine crib visiting hours. Spin it positively.

Tell him how much you love the dog. Stress how you don’t want to interfere with his relationship with her. But speak up about how you need your private space with him. You might also mention that dog hair in the sheets bothers you. He might not have any idea of your discomfort.

Your attentive boyfriend will understand he must change his mattress manners now that you share his bed. He can place a dog bed nearby so his pet will be close while allowing you enough breathing room not to breathe hair.

Jocelyn, in time, as your relationship with your boyfriend gets stronger, you may come to luxuriate in Golden Retriever fluff. Fur now, you’re entitled to a period of adjustment.

Posted by Dog Lady at April 26, 2004 01:05 PM