Sorry I can't see you on Thursday because ....

[PaperwhiteTheFriendlyGhost]

... there's nobody to have the dogs. Four golden retrievers. How bad is this? Nobody can have a relationship with Bob because he can't leave the dogs.

I don't have any animals so should golden retrievers always be watched?

He does actually have 4 dogs, doesn't he?

You're sure this isn't some crazy excuse as he has changed his mind about you or found someone else?

One golden retriever is nice. Two is plenty. Three is mad, and four is..... absolutely crazily nuts.

Unless he fosters them for the guide dogs association?

Four golden retrievers. Bob knows how to hoover. I'll have him.

I love dogs, all animals infact and I admire Bob for putting their needs first, however I'd ditch this one because his house will stink and probably his clothes. I couldn't deal with that.

I couldn't see someone with 4 dogs so if you don't want the dogs around why see the person?

There are 6 of you in this relationship and you come last. Bob needs to find himself a woman who loves Goldies as much as he does and understands that, although yes, they’re the best dogs in the land, it’s like living with big blond hairy toddlers. He must go through vacuum cleaners like topsy.

I agree. He wants to date but has no dog care.

I guess he's hoping women will go to his house!

Whether he has 4 or just 1 should make no difference as to whether he can leave them for an evening.

In fact, having 2 dogs or more can make it easier as you know they'll have company.

Everyone I've known who has dogs is able to leave them for an evening (unless they were puppies).

I don't know anyone with dogs who would only leave them for an hour, to two at max... they're generally absolutely fine for an evening.

Bobs made his life choice. It ain't women.

How does bob leave them to go to work? Or shopping? Or socialising? Is bob generally a recluse?

Bob is happy in his bachelor pad with his ddoggy mates... Sorry op.

Am married but am loving all you ladies who say you would never date a man with dogs. If I am ever single, it seems all the men with dogs might be available! Admittedly though, I have more dogs than Bob so I am perhaps a little biased 🤣🤣
In terms of whether his leaving them or not is reasonable, more detail is needed. If I had been at home all day, then yes, I would and could leave them for the evening.
if I had been out at work all day? No, I wouldn’t then leave them in the evening too.
I am very much of the opinion, love me, love my dogs. If you don’t, that’s fine, you aren’t the person for me. We all like different things but I find it best to spend time with like minded folk.

My friend used to - she used to insist she either needed to bring the dog or get a friend to dogsit. It used to baffle me, honestly.

That’s just what I was thinking!

He lives with his son who works from home 4 days out of five, but the son is in holiday this week. Bob's in the pub quiz team and wanted to develop a relationship but I think I'll keep him as a quiz friend. I'm glad I've asked the audience on this one 😀

I’m single and it’s a no for me

I’ve chatted to men who’ve suggested waking their dogs as a first date - errr no thanks!

And one wanted to FaceTime so his dog could say hello to me and when I said no he messaged a sad face and said the dog was crying 🤷‍♀️

What on Earth is going to happen if his son leaves to (finally?) have an independent life??

I think I’d have an issue with the ds still at home too.
The mix of the dogs plus the son sounds like a perfect recipe for you to always come last (if you were deciding to go ahead - which I appreciate you don’t)

Dog walking as a first date? Doggy facetime? Wow, MASSIVE red flags right there. Run - don’t walk - as they say on MN. Pretty certain if I discovered someone had 4 dogs I’d ghost them or change my telephone number. 🤣

I wouldn’t leave my one dog alone to go on a date either, but my dog isn’t my baby he’s just my excuse not to socialise (but I’m not attempting to date anyone). Throw this one back and search for someone else - anyone with 4 dogs are antisocial and don’t actually want a relationship with another human.

I’ve got a friend like this. Can you imagine anything more tedious than having to sync up someone to look after your dog, every time you have to leave the house for more than an hour? I have enough problems securing grandparents to assist with childcare over half term holidays. 🤷‍♀️

I have 2 dogs, I have don’t leave them for more than 3 hours. When I met my now husband he said on our first date he wasn’t an animal person, so as not to waste either of our time I told him we came as a package, thankfully he met my dog and loved him, if fact the 2 of them became the best of friends. 20 years on he is now an animal person, but if that’s not for you then walk away as he won’t ever change (and nor should he)

Also OP, may I suggest getting a tactical cat? Especially if you get a rescue cat you have a cast iron excuse as to why the dog can never come to your house. I once watched a mates dog curl out a giant turd, on my freshly laid limestone patio, that was enough to swear my lifetime allegiance to cats. 🐈‍⬛ 🐈🐈‍⬛

What's Bob's feelings about having puppies babies? And can his dogs disco dance?

I'd be setting up a date with the dogs Bob to see whether there's any potential.

As long as he doesn't say 'We don't like cats/horses/chickens/other dogs' or 'Pack Theory is great' as that would be a massive red flag, picked up and carried by the Best Dog.

Now see, if I was on the market, Bob would be a catch, as in addition to seeing Bob, I get to smooch 4 woofers too....but I'm dog mad. If you're not, I don't think he's the one for you.

I think lockdown psychologically screwed the canine population. Pre-2020, everyone left dogs at home. Suddenly they can’t be left alone and need to be put in doggy nursery, or gatecrash parties and dates.

I was having a meal in a pub with my dd and the couple at the next table were obviously on a first date, and she’d bought her pooch who sat on her lap the whole time. She told him that she couldn’t leave him alone because the dog has autism! I could see he wanted to run!