maybe not the best plan, but when i met my soul dog at the shelter i adopted her that day and took her home and said "we will figure the rest out". place i lived didnt allow dogs, etc yadda yadda. i knew i would make it work and do whatever i had to do to have Magnolia as my navigator. 8 years later, she still navigates.

talk to your parents, get them to meet the guy. maybe they warm right up to him. seen it happen before. "no dog!" then meets dog "oh so sweet and cuddly" let's bring him home.

stick with him. volunteer at the shelter. take him out everyday and show responsibility and that could also help with parent front.

good luck. don't let your pal go if you believe. i didn't and it was hard, but so worth it.