Correlation between affinity for animals and quality of partner?

[Anonymous]

There was a thread that mentioned dogs and it reminded me that I was pondering this question: "Have you noticed whether there is a correlation between how well a guy treats dogs and how good of a partner they are generally?" How guys treat dogs was my original question, but I suppose I'd be curious whether there is any difference as between genders, and maybe it's not just dogs, but any animal.

My thought is that guys who are reflexively nice to dogs are probably more likely to be kind, empathetic partners. And, guys who ignore, avoid, or just don't like dogs are probably more likely to not have those qualities. But, my sample size is pretty darn small, so this is just a guess.

[Anonymous]

This has been my experience 100%

[Anonymous]

Clearly you are a dog person and should date someone who likes dogs.

Personally I never want to have a dog ever, so an enthusiasm for dogs would be a caution to me.

[Anonymous]

There are some very nice, good men who are cat people. They're just not the right men for me. When I was dating DH, I can't recall why, but he was at my place when I came home, and I found him dancing while cradling my dog and singing something about being a pretty princess.

Has he danced with both our daughters until they fell asleep? Yes he has.

[Anonymous]

My neighbor can be aggressive to humans but loves dogs. So not quite.

However. I notice that women who are very much into their animals generally have dud husbands. They don’t wish to or cannot divorce and therefore get their emotional needs met with pets, and the socializing associated with it.

[Anonymous]

Good with and enjoys being with dogs and cats has always been a prerequisite for me!

[Anonymous]

I had a dog. My boyfriend was always great with my dog. Turns out my boyfriend was a dog too. I ditched the bipedal dog.

[Anonymous]

Not always. I know a man that loves his dog so much that the family can’t go on vacation without the dog. That means no out of town weddings, no resorts, etc. If he goes on vacation with the dog, no eating at places that don’t take dogs. The family will go inside and eat and he will stay outside with the dog. Some animal lovers are crazy.

[Anonymous]

My kids and I love cats but my DH is not a cat person but he does tolerate them. He is an awesome partner. I’m sure he’d like a dog but cats are so much easier to take care of.

[Anonymous]

Yeah my boyfriend is shockingly dismissive of and cold toward and also just a jerk to my dog -- in ways that mirror his complete lack of emotional support for me.

[Anonymous]

My ex tried to give my cats away to the shelter when he wanted to move.

My boyfriend works with endangered animals.

Guess which one is kinder, gentler, and a better lover?

[Anonymous]

My husband’s place was a mess but his dog was happy and healthy.

It holds in terms of good intentions and personality, but actually dogs can be happy and healthy it’s very little consistent care so I should have looked more at the mess in terms of roommate-type stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are some very nice, good men who are cat people. They're just not the right men for me. When I was dating DH, I can't recall why, but he was at my place when I came home, and I found him dancing while cradling my dog and singing something about being a pretty princess.

Has he danced with both our daughters until they fell asleep? Yes he has.

Awww!

[Anonymous]

I can't be with someone who's never loved a dog, like really loved them

[Anonymous]

It depends on your definition of partner.

Parenting partner? Sure.

Romantic partner? I don't think so.