My girlfriend’s allergic to my dog and wants me to rehome him so she can move in

A woman has revealed how she needs to rehome her dog of four years because her girlfriend of less than 12 months is allergic to the pet and wants to move in.

Taking to UK parenting site Mumsnet, the conflicted poster insisted she loves her partner and wants to start a family together, but is understandably upset to part with her dog.

Commenters were torn as some expressed outrage at the idea of ‘giving up your fur baby’ – but others sided with her partner, who they said is being asked to ‘take a big risk’.

The couple made initial plans to start living together around June. ‘Only issue is I have a dog and we’ve recently discovered she’s allergic,’ the anonymous woman wrote.

‘She’s also mildly OCD and struggles with the dog hair/smells. I suspected she was allergic but didn’t want to admit it to myself.’ 

A British woman sought advice on how she can cope with rehoming her dog – as her partner is allergic (stock image)

The pet owner has agreed to rehoming the dog – but with June only weeks away, her partner is frustrated with the ‘lack of progress on the matter’.

‘I’ve said I could potentially ask family or a friend to take him as then I could visit,’ the post continued. ‘I will struggle to rehome him with strangers and this way I can ensure he is OK.

‘I haven’t mentioned any of this to family/my friend yet, so as it stands we have no idea if they would even be willing to take the dog. They are all animal lovers so I’m sure at least one of them will say yes.’

The woman admitted she’s been silent on the issue because it’s ‘hard for her to think about’. 

‘My partner understands it’s difficult with me, but sees this as me not being proactive as we aren’t really able to plan her moving in until the dog is rehomed,’ she added.

Taking to Mumsnet , the conflicted poster revealed she 'loves her' and 'wants to marry and start a family with' the partner, but is understandably upset to part with her pup. Stock image used

Taking to Mumsnet , the conflicted poster revealed she ‘loves her’ and ‘wants to marry and start a family with’ the partner, but is understandably upset to part with her pup. Stock image used

‘We’ve discussed it many times but end up going In circles and she gets teary as I haven’t really put a plan in place.’

Her partner has suggested rehoming the pet by the end of May – but because conversations around the topic rarely end up with a plan in place, she feels her needs and health aren’t being prioritised. 

And the woman admitted there’s more to the dilemma. 

‘If I’m being honest I’m afraid of family and friends judging me even though I know they’ll likely understand as she’s allergic,’ she added.

‘What would you do In this situation? Breaking up isn’t an option as she’s the person I want to be with, but I’m struggling with the whole thing if I’m being honest. Thank you.’

A flurry of suggestions ranged from calling it quits with the partner to more practical solutions like antihistamines and filters. 

A flurry of suggestions ranged from calling it quits with the partner to more practical solutions like antihistamines and filters

A flurry of suggestions ranged from calling it quits with the partner to more practical solutions like antihistamines and filters 

‘June is very soon,’ one warned. ‘If she is moving in she needs to be making arrangements for the move…

‘You are asking her to take a big risk and she should probably just table moving in until you can show you are actually committed to the relationship.’

Another agreed that a choice must be made one way or another. 

‘Well, I mean you need to break up, rehome your dog, or tell your DP she can’t move in as you’re not ready to rehome your dog,’ they explained.

‘The last sounds like the truth based on your post, but it does leave your DP hanging around waiting for you to be ready and understandably she might not be up for that. 

‘You have to actually decide what you want more: your dog or your DP to move in. And tell her your struggling, because what’s currently happening is really unfair to her. Obviously she needs to know where she’ll be living in June.’

A third person admitted that they couldn’t be with someone who can’t live with their pup.

Others insisted that the partner should try and cope with the allergy using filters and antihistamines

Others insisted that the partner should try and cope with the allergy using filters and antihistamines 

‘I genuinely couldn’t rehome my dogs for a new partner,’ they wrote. ‘They just wouldn’t be the person for me if that was necessary… I feel so sorry for your dog.’

Elsewhere someone suggested holding the move off, as the partner lives with family and wouldn’t need to be worried about things like a lease.

‘I suppose if he went to a family friend and you knew he was OK then that would be some consolation but that would be the only way I could do it,’ they said.

‘Do you think if you have to rehome him it could lead to some resentment down the line? It’s early days really – could you wait another 6 months and then see how it’s going?’

Many felt outraged that rehoming the dog was even a consideration, which they said puts its wellbeing at risk. 

‘This is ridiculous,’ one comment remarked. ‘You’ve been with her 5 minutes. But whatever happens, please don’t ever get another dog if they are so disposable and you think you can just give them away and take them back when it suits.’

Others insisted that the partner should try and cope with the allergy.

‘Take a strong antihistamine, hoover more and if that doesn’t at least help you go to the Drs,’ they advised.

‘You don’t give your fur baby up that you’ve had 4 years. Might be better for the poor s** though if you actually care that little. It’s so sad.’

Another explained they could purchase things and being more diligent about cleanliness to make the issue more manageable.

‘There are also HEPA filters that remove pet dander from your home. You say your home is dusty – how about stepping up the cleaning, investing in a filter and see if that improves things before taking the drastic step of rehoming.’

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk