Always wondered about this. When you date someone for the first time, or, if you have been with them for awhile.

How does your pet recieve them? Or how are you recieved by their pet? Whether it be a dog, a cat, a snake, ferret, iguana, or even birds. How do your pets react when you bring someone home. I'll tell you my funny story after people have a chance to respond. Is it an omen? Or do we read too much into what our pets think about our prospective dates? What do you think?

I no longer have a pet, but someday I hope to again. And when I do, he's gonna have to at the very least, get along with the pet. And I am a total animal lover--I can't remember one that didn't like me. Hmmm...maybe I should just give up on a man and get a dog...

you can have my dog, but i come with him

I'll take that offer!

that's fine, I hope you do. Sometimes we find ourselves in a "love me love my pet" situation. I was wondering what everyone thought about this subject. For you missCher, might I suggest either a Siberian Husky or a Golden Retriever, if you're into dogs. I think they're beautiful and loyal loving dogs. But you go with what your heart tells you, I just pray you adopt from an animal shelter and not one of the puppy mills or pet stores.

They ARE beautiful dogs, but for where I live and for my tastes, I prefer the smaller ones. And yes, I will always adopt. That's where my last dog (a cockapoo) came from

Well I have a cocker spaniel that is a inside dog. She loves attention from anyone and will go up to anyone that comes to the door wanting to be petted.

Last year went out with this one guy he ended up coming by the house you could tell by the way he acted he did not care for dogs at least.... Sassy still went up to him but his reaction caught my attention and some of the things he said you could tell he did not want her around him.

Well I fixed that for him and did not go out with him again even told him hell ya don't even like my dog and she is staying....

To me now if she was to act weird and growl at them or shy away from anyone then they are history for she is just too loving.....

So here it is. I met this incredible woman named Erica, you might know her as RedSoxFan1. She has a cat, a female named Mittens. My mom used to have a Tomcat named Mittens until he ran away. I have two cats myself, both queens, both tuxedos. I showed up in Moab about a week ago, and despite everything that was going on between me and Erica, this cat of hers actually loved me. Erica said that no one that has ever walked through her door has ever won the affections of her cat, and that I was the first. This cat, Mittens, loves me, and I've only known her for a short time. Is this a sign? I love cats, but not all cats love me. Erica's cat loved the hell out of me, like she missed me. How do I read into this?

I think animals are a great judge of character, and I'll choose my dog (rednose pit named Chevy) over anybody, anyway, anytime.

They have that instinct, even though we might not. Glad you see it, trib.

Animals can sense when others are scared of them or just don't like them. I would say take it for what it is and be glad the cat likes you. Hummmmmmm or ya might not be invited back.....

So looks like ya made a impression not only on the owner but the cat too so guess ya past the test................

I think it depends on both the animals and the owners, and has less to do with the newcomer's qualities.

I think my lab would happily lick an axe murderer if I brought one home. He loves everyone. My male cat is much more of a distrusting character though, vacating the premises unless he decides you're cool.

Their reactions seem to be based on my feelings for the newcomer. If I'm comfortable around them, my pets seem to sense that and get along with them well. If I'm hesitant or have misgivings about the person, they sense that too and keep their distance. If Trot growls at someone, I'd immediately distrust the person; he's only done that on a few occasions when we came upon super sketchy folks in our travels. Never had him react like that to someone I brought home. But then again, I haven't brought anybody home in years!

If I ever do find a man, he better be able to accept my pets, because he wouldn't like my decision if he foolishly gave me the "It's me or the dog" ultimatum. I've loved that dog for four years...longer than any man in my life, family excluded. Trot and I are a package deal!

My animals have generally gotten along with everyone. The ones who didn't, there was a reason, and it was the person.

Belladonna, the Dogo, has what's jokingly known as the "Lick of Death". She likes to becomes one with the person. Literally, she will attempt to mush her body against the person. She has manners, but convienently forgets them

The outdoor animals are curious and will check ya out.

OMG!!! Jake is TOTALLY the same way. If someone was robbing my house, he'd hold the damn door open for them.

People show up at my house and he starts barking his fool head off. he sounds all big and bad, so they get a bit intimidated.

Right up until they figure out that he's barking because he gets to meet someone new.

That's Trot too! Give a starving man a PB & J and it's the best damn sandwich he's ever eaten! It's kinda like that. Trot had the misfortune of being adopted as a puppy by a social recluse with damn near agoraphobic status. He's just thrilled to get lovin' from someone besides me. Either that, or he's just a crazy dog from being cooped up in the house with me all this time, which is a distinct possibility!

Oh I don't know about that.

I have yet to see a crabby Lab. LOL

Oh! As far as the question posed in the OP.....

My dog has been around for longer than all but ONE of the women I have been with.

He stays.

you might wanna steer clear of my aquarium. You don't want face an angry Plecostomus. This thing will catch a burglar one day.

Hey Pleco's are cool! Mini whale! We had one that was 2ft long when he died. Had to use gloves to get him out of the tank when it needed cleaning.

After he died, I buried him under the oak tree. Dang tree shot up about 3 feet!

So I guess I get the seal of approval from Erica's cat. And then I find out, after 3 days, that this cat misses me, and is searching for me. I was nice to Mittens and never picked her up, always let her come to me, always gave her her space. I think she liked that about me. Must have been my passive/affectionate nature. But you never know how a girlfriend/boyfriend's pet is going to react. I was just stunned that Mittens trusted me and loved me from Day one. I thought it was cute.