First date - guy bringing dog

[Macaroni46]

So I've been chatting to a guy online who seems very nice etc and we have arranged to meet for the first time at the weekend.
We are going for lunch at a pub I a village half way between where we both live.
I am aware he is a dog owner and very fond of his dog. Talks about him a lot, sends pictures of him etc.
Through the course of our message exchange it transpires that he is bringing his dog to the first date. I'm not sure how I feel about this?
AIBU in feeling it's odd? Or should I just embrace it? After all, a plump middle aged woman can hardly be too choosy!

I hope they are both nice and you enjoy your day out!

You seem to be really uptight about this. You're not meeting two people. It's a dog. Not a crutch or best friend. A pet.

You are insane.

@roarfeckingroar The dog is a bit of a crutch if he brings it absolutely everywhere.

What would happen if things progress and he wants to go on dog walks together? Would this be possible with your knee? A lot of people with dogs like to do this activity with a partner together, would that be an issue for you do you think?
I’m sure you will look lovely in whatever you wear 💐

Wearywithteens - not all dog owners are oblivious to others feelings regarding their dogs?
And not all dogs slobber or shed. Jeez Louise 🙄 Hes respected her feelings now by not having the dog on the actual date, he probably didn’t think it was a big deal, given that you said he should bring chocolates or flowers he probably can’t do anything right in your eyes anyway.

I don’t think you’re compatible. You’re already jealous and put out by his dog being a big focus in his life. I adore dogs and I would never date someone who dislikes them. It wouldn’t be worth my time. Luckily DH loved my DDog as much as me.

@Wearywithteens you sum it up perfectly

But if the dog is in the car during the date, then the dog isn't actually going to be on the date, is it? I bring my dog along to all kinds of events. If he isn't actually going to be walking around with me, I don't see why it is anyone's business that he is in the car having a nap while I am busy.

@sonjadog you are right. Which is why I'm really excited to go along to meet the guy. Since my original post he has clarified this. My AIBU was about the fact I felt he should have, in my opinion, have asked me about bringing the dog first but seeing as he's going to be in the car it's not a problem now.

I'm with you wearywithteens
Always makes me smile when the topic of pets comes up - instantly owners of dogs suddenly deem themselves qualified to preach to all the virtues of dog ownership.
I'm not a animal lover par se, its not the animals that irritate me, but rather the owners.

Is the date tomorrow? Do report back on how it went! I hope you have fun!

If the date goes well, but he is the sort of person that does take his dog absolutely everywhere, is that going to be an issue for you? Likewise if he wants to go on long dog walks with a potential partner and take his dog to pubs for lunch etc. Or you’d like frequent nights away etc and he’s unable to do so. If so, you two probably aren’t compatible.

🍿

Cheese: I don’t think you’re compatible. You’re already jealous and put out by his dog being a big focus in his life. I adore dogs and I would never date someone who dislikes them. It wouldn’t be worth my time.

No indication whatsoever that the OP is 'jealous' of the dog!
Where on earth has that come from.
Barking mad comment.

OP, See how it goes. I can see why he is single though. Anyone who has to take a dog on a first date for moral support is nuts.

“Barking mad comment”

Please report back, OP. My dog is dying to know how you got on!

Not really. It's good dog ownership not to leave it alone @motherheroic . It's a bit shit he's leaving the poor thing in the car for hours.

@roarfeckingroar Leaving the dog at home while you go on a short date isn't bad dog ownership.

I’m just waiting to hear how the date goes!

It's weird, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

If he does it the second time it would be but probably because I dislike dogs so probably wouldn't fit well with a guy who loves them 😂.

If you like dogs even remotely then I'd give it a shot

@motherheroic it depends on the dog. The date could be four hours with travel time.