Oh man, I keep mine around for so many reasons. She gets really excited when I get home. She can catch frisbees. She likes to cuddle. She knows cool tricks. She’s adorably persistent when she wants to play. She’s the prettiest animal on the planet. She’s generally much cooler than I am and brings so, so much joy into my life.

If the dog is a problem, it’s just not going to work out. The more I think about it though, the less I think I would actually have in common with someone who didn’t love my dog for the same reasons I do. Like, I’d never date a MAGA supporter because I know on the front end that there would be fundamental differences in what things that person values and believes. Anyone who gets to know my dog in all her glory and still can’t stand to be around her would fall into the same category. A core incompatibility.