I am sooo frustrated I feel like I'm going to SCREAM!!!!
Background info for those of you who don't know: Ranger joined my household 3 years ago as a puppy when I was still married. Fast forward to now - I am no longer married and been on my own with my baby for a 1 1/2 years. Needless to say, I am extremely bonded to Ranger, as he is to me. I'm more than confident that he literally saved me numerous times over during what was a very difficult 12 months and was instrumental in my healing process. So, as I started tipping my toes back into the dating pool, one of my main requirements was that whoever I got involved with would accept and love Ranger. Let me tell you what, Ranger made no bones about who he did and didn't like and those who he didn't like didn't stick around. Now, I'm dating a guy who is wonderful and loves Ranger and is great to him. But, Houston, we have a problem....
I spent the entire weekend painting a beach house that he owns with his Mom. His Dad died 4 years ago and has taken it upon himself to take care of her, which I totally respect. Anyway, Ranger stayed with my parents because I didn't think it was best to paint with a dog running around. As we were heading back, he asked me if I wanted to come back down in 2 weeks to hang up the pictures, etc. I said, sure, but can Ranger come? I can see him get a little uneasy, but says yes. Then, I get an email this morning with this LONG paragraph about how anal we are going to have to be about cleaning up after him and cleaning his paws, etc., etc. because he and Mommy Dearest keep it spotless and he likes it that way and wasn't going to mention to her that we were bringing him. That he didn't want to upset me and that he loves Ranger, but hopes I can understand that he has a lot to consider when taking him down there.
What?
So, basically you love my dog as long as he's not in YOUR space? That is sure as h*ll what it sounds like and I can't help but feel like if Ranger was a small dog this would be a non-issue. Maybe it is the concern for Mommy Dearest, I don't know, but DAMMIT I feel like I have had this conversation over and over again!!! Ranger is the sweetest, most chilled out dog on the planet. Sure he sheds and goobers the sheets every once and a while, but he had never destroyed anything and is super easy to get along with and take care of!! On top of that, what kind of person do you think I am?? Do you really think that I would just let my dog go off half-cocked and ruin your beach house??? JEEZUS!!!!! Ranger is like my child and if he isn't welcome with open arms, then it hurts me and I don't want any part of it!!
So, needless to say, we are now in a tiff about it because my response to the aforementioned email was less than pleasant and our I.M.s were a little heated too. He thinks I'm overreacting.
Is it just unreasonable to think that unless someone has or has had a big paw that they will ever truly "get it?" Am I expecting too much here?? He is soo good to Ranger.. walks him, loves on him, h*ll...even helps me sweep up dog hair at the house.. but this has just flown all over me. Am I being too sensitive?
? HELP!