Dating With a Dog Along

I have my service dog so I can live a full and amazing life. I've been to a couple of parties, been to social gatherings... I've even gotten to go to a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert that I never would have dreamed of attending before Gabriel! Just like the rest of my activities, my dating life has certainly changed completely... both for better and worse. Step into my world for a moment or two and see what's up with dogs and dating!

I like to think I'm an attractive girl. I take care of myself, and take pride in my appearance. I'm in shape, and I'm usually pretty happy. Since I've gotten out and about in the world, I've been happy to have gone on a few dates. Some have been great, others have been complete disasters, and a few were dead on arrival.

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His Reaction

Well, I've noticed that some guys don't really care. Sometimes it's cool to have a dog everywhere you go! Those are the winners in my book. If I'm going to spend time with someone, I want them to like who I really am... and Gabe comes with that package!

Some guys are a little bothered but get used to it. A few of my friends were the same way, and it's completely understandable. I do get stopped sometimes, and people do ask me why I have a dog in a public place. I know that it can be strange to get stopped by random strangers every once-in-a-while if you're REALLY not accustomed to it.

The ones that make the worst impression are the ones who don't want to be close to Gabe. By my thinking, we should be happy for people who find ways to go on with their lives and get out and about, even if they are somewhat unconventional! I've actually been asked to take the dog home before I went on a date with a boy. I wasn't prepared for that particular reaction at all. Oh, I went home all right, but I never went back!

The great thing about Gabriel is he's an instant preview to a guy's character. I'd never date the guy who sent Gabe home. EVER!!! On the other hand, if Gabe is laid back around a boy, I can guess he's a somewhat decent guy. Of course that doesn't tell me everything, and it's important to really get to know someone! But when my dog stiffens up and doesn't like someone I know to get out of there as fast as my short little legs will carry me!

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Awkward!

It's hard to tell someone I have a service dog! Sure, I'm outspoken and all, but I still get a little nervous. I'm still human. I still have a desire to be accepted just like other people. So, while most people don't have a problem with Gabriel, I'm dreading another reaction like the worst-case boy.

So how exactly do you bring that up in conversation exactly? That's still something I'm trying to figure out. Where in the middle of flirting with a guy do you say "By the way, this dog goes with me everywhere so I don't spaz out and keel over on the floor from a panic attack. Hope you don't mind!"??? What exactly DO you say to someone?

So there's where I am! I'm still learning. I'm figuring out more of what I do and don't want in a guy of course, but I'm still trying to figure out exactly where Gabe fits in to all of this. Wish me luck!