Animals are some of the world’s greatest gifts. Having pets makes my life infinitely better and I want my partner to feel the same way — in fact, it’s pretty much a dealbreaker for me. When a potential partner doesn’t like animals, it makes me want to run the other way.
- How can you not be down with unconditional animal love? Dogs specifically, but also some cats and other animals, are known for their unconditional love. It’s just something that humans aren’t capable of but magically animals are. My lovely furry friends greet me when I walk in and nuzzle up to me when they can tell I’m not feeling well. They’re the absolute best. It’s just weird that someone would dislike the unconditional love that animals have to offer!
- What’s wrong with you? Honestly, when someone doesn’t like dogs, I question if they’re a sociopath. Like, there are cute and furry things that just want to love you and you’re totally disinterested? Huh? What’s going on up there in that mind of yours?
- I don’t trust ‘em. I already struggle with trusting, definitely more so when someone doesn’t like dogs and cats. Like, if a dog can’t even sniff you out to see if you’re trustworthy, how am I going to? I even have some friends who do the good old “if my dog likes you, you’re good” test.
- Pets bring out your sense of humor. There’s an adorable quote by Sam Butler that says, “The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too.” Dogs and cats are so easy to fool around and laugh with; it’s just bizarre to me that anyone wouldn’t be able to participate in that!
- Animals make you a better person. It’s so cheesy, but I honestly feel like animals make me a better person. There are the simple tasks of having to take care of them that remind you that you hold the life of a tiny (or large) creature in your hands. Then, there’s the silly day to day stuff. Having a big fluffy dog can melt the toughest of hearts! Bring an adorable puppy around anyone and they should melt like a snow cone on a hot day.
- Dogs are the epitome of joy. Think about how you feel in the presence of a giant tail-wagging labrador retriever. It’s impossible not to smile. Anyone who isn’t interested in giant labrador retriever hugs is a weirdo in my book!
- Cats are smart. It’s hard not to love a creature that is quick-witted. I mean, I love my men with a quick mind, so it’s equally as awesome to have a cat with one. When I’ve been sick, my cat seems to know and she comes to spend more time cuddled up against me. It’s totally sweet. Men could learn a thing or two about how she treats me.
- Sometimes I feel like animals can see right through to our souls. John Steinback has felt the same way because he’s quoted as saying “I’ve seen a look in dogs’ eyes, a quick vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that dogs think humans are nuts.” I totally acted like a raving lunatic in front of my childhood dog many times and I can’t even tell you how often I’ve seen that look that John is describing. Maybe you don’t want to be truly seen by the animal. Is that it?!
- You’re allowed to dislike cats or dogs, but not both. Fine, some people just prefer cats or dogs. I’m not going to be thrilled about it because I love both, but it’s more acceptable than not liking any animals at all. I’ll probably still want my cat to warm up to you, though, even if you’re a dog person!
- Being allergic is different. Despite all the huffing and puffing I’ve done here, there are some exceptions to my rules. Sometimes when I hear that people are allergic to dogs and cats, I totally think there is no God. I mean, in what world is that okay?! That’s a pretty crappy hand to be dealt. I’d make an exception to my rule if they were just allergic and couldn’t be around pets. That wouldn’t really be fair if I judged them harshly for that.
- Having trauma from an animal is also another exception I understand. When I was a kid, a girl on my street was bitten in the face badly by a dog. I’d totally understand if she grew up to not only fear dogs but also be disinterested in other pets. If a guy I was dating had trauma from an animal, so he didn’t like them, that’s a caveat that I’d totally understand and forgive. I’m not heartless!
- My animals are here to stay. Let’s be honest, I’ve already accepted that a life with just animals may be what I’m destined for. Crazy cat or dog lady, here I come. I know that I have so much room in my heart for animals, so they’re here to stay for the rest of my days. A guy can either get on board with that or get lost.
