NWR: but did you have to compromise with animals?

I don't think its unusual for people who live on farms to keep their animals outside or in the barn. Its just not what most of us are used to.

I never had any pets growing up so I really did not like the idea of having to clean up hair everywhere because I was so used to everything being clean all the time. Now my cat is literally my child and sleeps anywhere he wants. Has your FH ever lived with indoor pets? It may not bother him as much as he thinks.

Farm dogs are usually different than a house dog. Does his dog have a job on the farm? Herding, pest control, guarding? If he does, I understand the reasoning for the 24/7 outside... as much as I hate it. But if there is no job for the dog... what the fuck.

And does he/you seriously think you'll be able to keep the cat out of your bedroom? Maybe you can but your doors, carpet, ect. will be at the mercy of very frustrated kitty claws. Not to mention the very sad meows.

It sounds like you aren't on the same page about pets.

My best friend grew up with 100% outside dogs. I don't get it- I was shocked when I went to her house and learned that.

But her mom and I don't agree on several things- and it's not my home.

Best friend has a dog of her own - and they treat that dog COMPLETELY different than the childhood growing up dogs. (inside outside type dog).

But I seriously get annoyed with people who own pets who don't want to deal wtih the shit a pet brings- vet bills, shots, hair, throw up- dandriff, food/water- all these things.

If you don't want to deal with it- go visit an adoption shelter where you can volunteer and then go home. Your FH sounds kind of douchey honestly with that attitude.

FYI- keeping cats out of rooms is also extremely difficult.

and sleeping with out my cat- is awful- cats are the best cuddlers- I don't do dogs in the bed- but I'll be damned if you tell me my cat can't sleep on the bed.

That's cruel. Animals are family members. If you wanna leave it outside then don't have one. They deserve a home with a family who loves them and spends time with them.

I didn't read all of the comments. But our dogs are part of our family. When we eat dinner they are sleeping under the table. When we watch TV they snuggle with us on the couch. When we go to bed, they are right there with us. One of them follows me everywhere including the bathroom. They lay on the kitchen floor while I cook. They chase the vacuum around while I clean. They are so excited to see us when we walk in the door from work. I could go on and on but you get the point. Why would you not have your dog inside with you to love? Why would you leave the dog outside where he/she couldn't keep you company? I just don't understand and it breaks my heart that the dogs that are left outside like that will never know how much they can or would be loved by their humans.

Clearly I am not a germaphobe. I'm missing one dog though. I think he's with FH in the office.

If I was in your shoes I'd find a good vacuum, or a new FH.

How TF is he a "germophobe" who lives on a fucking farm?

I don't remember reading anything about them living on a farm?

OGK - from page 2 "We live in Kansas. We will be moving to a small town. And right now he lives on a farm with his dog. She knows where to go and all that. He even built the house for her up higher so other animals couldn't get into it. I've offered to keep the house clean and keep it out of our room off the furniture and bathe it when it needs it.. we haven't really talked more on it. Cuz I just stopped. But him being a germ freak he doesn't like animals inside."

I would talk to FH about letting the dog inside or rehoming it. No dog should have to spend all their time isolated outside.

Oh look! Here he is. This is why you need indoor dogs.

I missed that whole comment!

Personally I don't care if you live on a farm or not. No dog (that you made the choice to get) deserves to live outside. Plain and simple.

OGS- we adopted a dog that was some former hunting dog (We think)- or abused- unsure. But he frequently didn't want to come inside. He preferred sleeping outside- eventually he would come in- but he was always the last one in- and the first one out at the start of the day. Was kind of sad- but he was happier there. (We had 3 dogs- they lived outside while we were at work- then they would come in and out when we were at home)

Dogs aren't law ornaments. I'd have already cut him loose. My FH has 3 dogs, I 4 dogs, and 3 cats. We currently have 9 dogs and 2 cats. We agreed to rehome the cats only after exhausting all other options because his big dog (who he depends on emotionally) keeps trying to eat them. We involved our vet and two behaviorist before that compromise first. And the cats will stay until we find the best homes possible for them for they are not disposable.

@OGS I agree, I just don't understand how someone who lives on a farm is a germophobe. Seems like a dirty lifestyle.

FH doesn't like dog or cat hair, so we don't have one. I would love to have a cat, but I know he will be miserable. I just have to face that.

I personally wouldn't be getting married to someone like this. I'm not trying to be rude, just a personal preference and animals are a deal breaker for me.

I'm ok with outside dogs if they are working dogs...as in, on a farm for herding or protection. If they have protection and warmth with shelter, it's fine in my opinion.

I will never compromise for my animals...I'm a crazy dog lady.

I think if you live on a farm, it's completely okay for your dog to be an outside dog. I mean, they get to run around free. Dogs LOVE that. I grew up on an orchard and we always had our dogs outside. Granted, if they wanted to come inside, they could, but they never really did. Plus, as kids, we never were inside either, so it was all of us playing together outside. I could see how this situation is completely different, without anyone to be running around wild with them. But, just saying, outside dogs on a farm are not terrible. As long as they are still getting love and attention.

Your fiancé is being cruel to his dog. Atleast he's providing some shelter outside (although ANYTHING outside is not enough during winter months), but that poor dog has got to be so incredibly lonely. Why did he even get a dog if he won't let her in the house?

Our dogs are our babies although I am much more obsessed with them than my fiancé is. He told me once he didn't see a problem with an "outside dog" and we actually got in a huge fight over it.