If I found myself really starting to like a guy and was invited to go to his house or apartment, I was interested for a few reasons. It's always intriguing to see how a person lives - how the furniture is arranged, whether there are posters or art on the walls, the cleanliness of the space, the music collection, etc. is all very relevant. And I was interested in meeting his pets: I can tell within two minutes if I like animals. Here is where it gets really interesting: I have never ended up pursuing a relationship, professional or personal, with the owner of a pet I didn't get along with. Of course it was never specifically about the pet. Just know that the pets are linked to their owners.
As I write this, I am thinking specifically of the animals whose very sight unnerved me. A fat cat. More than two cats in one house. A dog who barks excessively. A dog with short, stumpy legs.
A client whose house I visited to do work, all the while his cat laid underneath my chair and attacked me with his claws. It was nearly impossible to work in that situation, and the client was difficult. He was a total pessimist who wanted to talk about politics when I wanted to work fast so that I could leave. One time I showed up for a meeting to find out that he had completely forgotten about it. I ended up accepting a better position with another company and told him that I could no longer work with him. Nothing to do with the cat, but I didn't like him, and as it turned out, I didn't really like the job.
A toy dog owned by a former boss who barked at everyone who she paid attention to. It turned out that my boss would begin obedience training with the dog, only to quit because she didn't like the trainer, and the dog's behavior never improved. She was emotionally needy of me, as an employee. That also was a difficult relationship. Coincidence?
I worked on a couple of editing projects with a super organized woman who was very interesting to talk with and the work went fast and smoothly. I met her cats, who were so beautiful and independent, and I loved them.
Fascinating that I love my boyfriend's parents' dog, Buddy. I guess it's his substantial build, his good behavior, the way he perks up around my boyfriend, and how he rolls to his back with his paws in the air, begging for attention to his belly.
When it comes to cats, I like them to be smaller, and I like bigger dogs.
I am unsure if these animals are a product of nurturing, rather than nature; whether their households or owners have total influence over their demeanor. But I know for sure that their outside beauty is representative of their inner beauty. I might have affection for a small stray cat who loves to be brushed, or a huge yellow lab who kicks with joy when his belly is rubbed. Other people like other animals -- (and I'm not likely to like either of them.)
My friends -
