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!

But we need to know what breed of dog it is!!

Run a mile. Dog owners are emotionally deficient and their homes stink. Plus, he'll have been picking up his dog's turds (hopefully) all day. You're worth more. Find a cat owner.

The dog is a Lurcher

@Lincolnfield You put it perfectly!👏👏👏

@Macaroni46 - I think you’ll be very surprised. My son has had both rescue greyhounds and lurchers. His lovely Miss Daisy would lay down under the table in the pub and, seriously, until he got up to leave, nobody would know she was there, she was so quiet and well behaved.

I’d love to know how you get on! Do update us all after your lunch.

Hang on @Lincolnfield, @DogOwnersSuck was unspeakably rude but they don’t represent most of the non-dog owning public. Most people who don’t have dogs or prefer not to spend time around them are normal, well-adjusted people who don’t go around slinging insults. Same as the majority of the dog owning and/or dog liking population. There are extremist loons on both sides of the argument.

I think it’s a bit strange. I’m a dog lover but wouldn’t want your dog on our first date. I’d never leave my dog in the car either, and I’d frown on someone who did. I’d also be concerned that he’s incapable of ever doing anything without it (I do know one or two people like that). But if I were you, from what you’re posting, I’d say that this is not the guy for you, you don’t sound enough of a dog person and it will cause issues in the future.

FWIW, my dog does smell sometimes and does shed. He’s a double coated breed and it comes with the territory. I don’t kid myself that he smells of sunshine and roses, so my house is aired and the ‘dog areas’ vacuumed and the hard floors mopped every day with regular washing and changing of throws and dog bedding.

OP did he say why he’ll have the do with him and why he isn’t leaving it at home?

Like a PP, I’m a bit ‘hmm’ about him leaving the dog in the car too. Not ideal for the dog. I guess it depends on the dog and the car as to whether the dog is comfortable with that.

I think you’ll find the dog making an appearance of some sort tbh OP.

@DeathByPuppy - you’re so right. I know lots of people who don’t like dogs and fully understand that but I appreciate the ones who just give them a wide berth and don’t come out with puerile comments. I just get so fed up of the blatant rudeness and ignorance that some anti dog people display.

I don’t ever inflict my dogs on other people. They are working gun dogs (sorry but my husband shoots, no doubt will horrify some townies!) and well trained not to rush up to people. They don’t jump up at people, they don’t beg for food, they walk to heel and sit and stay on command.

A good friend of ours has a blind daughter. She had to have both eyes removed as a child due to cancer. Her guide dogs, she’s now on number three, have been a life line to give her independence.

When my husband was a serving police officer (he’s now retired) the police dogs were an essential part of the team and invaluable in violent situations- willingly putting themselves in harm’s way for their handlers.

My sister is resident in a care home. She has dementia. The happiness the residents get from the visits by therapy dogs is lovely to see. Some of these poor souls are completely ignored by their ‘loving’ families and the immeasurable comfort they get is from those ‘filthy, smelly, hair shedding’ dogs.

@Lincolnfield Your comment actually left me speechless (in a good way!) what an absolutely beautiful way you’ve put it ♥️
(Dogs are high fiving you everywhere )

Well, they would, if they had human consciousness. But they don't, so they aren't. They're just licking their balls and shitting on the street.

Although maybe the pp is right and every single dog in the world is useful and not a shitting, polluting, dangerous pita.

Had a quick google for 'Lurcher' this article is hilarious 🤣

greydogtales.com/blog/lurchers-for-beginners-5-its-just-not-fur/

@Vallderama. If you are demonstrating ‘human consciousness’ with your bizarre rants then I fear for humanity.

@TheMaddHugger Brilliant article, thanks for posting.

Very funny article! The 'shoulder rub and slide' is the one thing that has me run right up to my dogs screaming!

He doesn’t know exactly how long he’s going to be out and it’s the weekend so of course he’s going to bring dog.

No point in asking if it’s ok, because if it’s not then there’s no point in dating him.

I came back to see how the date went but I’ve just seen it’s not til today!!
What are you going to wear?

Lurchers are lovely and usually very quiet and unobtrusive.

Dear fellow Mumsnetters!
Just got back and it went very well. Lovely gastropub, good food, a glass of wine and the conversation flowed freely.
Met the dog after we'd eaten. He was cute.
His owner seemed to like me and I think we'll meet again.
PS I wore jeans, a nice blouse, boots with a slight heel, a long cardi.

I can't say I would like it Becaue I dont really like animals around food. But if he loves his dog maybe he wants to see how you will react around it. It could be that he wants to see if you are a dog lover before taking it any further.

Did the dog like you though?

I am open to suggestions and advice but I am hurt to be called uptight
Ignore people who say that OP it's not uptight not to want to want someone to take a dog on a first date or even to dislike dogs. That is just nonsense. Some dog lovers just can't understand why everyone doesn't love their dog. You are entitled to your view and it doesn't say anything about your personality.
I am glad your date went well and wish you well.