The prosecution: Jada
I don’t have a problem with dogs, but I am worried about our freedom being curtailed
My boyfriend and I can’t decide on which pet, if any, to get. I’m a cat person whereas Jordan is a dog guy. I don’t feel particularly strongly about either, but a cat seems like more of a compromise and less of a big deal.
We are both 26 and live in a big European city after leaving London in 2021. After being together for three years Jordan suggested getting a pet. He says it will be “fun”. However, we will probably return to the UK at some point, and I keep thinking of the hassle of travelling with a pet. Jordan says we can cross that bridge when we come to it, he lives for the moment, whereas I like to know what I’m getting myself into. I’m also worried about the expenses: vet bills, pet sitters, food, insurance.
Our flat is quite small so I have suggested getting a cat, but Jordan is trying to persuade me otherwise. He says we can get a dog from a shelter as they practically give them away in the country we live in, but that doesn’t draw me in. I’d rather get a pet that’s been properly vaccinated and doesn’t have any issues. Rehoming and adoption isn’t straightforward and shouldn’t be done just to save money.
I think a cat would be far less work in that department, but Jordan says cats are boring. Neither of us grew up with animals, so we don’t have a lot of experience. I don’t have a problem with dogs per se, but I’m worried about our freedom being curtailed. We both work from home, so we are around to walk it, but we travel a lot. This summer, for example, we’ve been away three times. I just don’t think we’d be able to justify the expense of getting a dog sitter for all our trips.
A cat is much easier as you can leave it alone and get neighbours to feed it. Jordan likes to go out each weekend and gets up late, as he works for a US company and his hours are weird. I can’t see a dog fitting into his routine. Until we’re ready, I think no pet is best. Failing that, a cat won’t disrupt our lives too much.
The defence: Jordan
Jada and I work from home and have a flexible routine – a dog won’t change that
This idea that I’m not responsible enough to get a dog grates on me a bit. I know I’m ready. I’m also about 20% dog – I’m always active and full of energy. Someone once said I have “big lab energy”.
I’d like a big dog, like a labrador or golden retriever. I’d train it, take it for walks and dedicate lots of time to generally loving it, as Jada and I work from home. I think we have a flexible routine right now, so in my opinion, a dog won’t really change that.
Jada says a cat would be more realistic, but I find them so dull. They don’t love you like a dog can, and don’t show affection either. You’re either a dog or a cat person, and I’m definitely team dog. I’m actually quite anti-feline – my spirit doesn’t vibe with them. And Jada is OK with either, so we should definitely go with my choice and get a dog.
She says that if we get a dog, she will end up doing most of the care, but there’s no evidence to support that claim. I keep our flat tidy; I’m not the type of boyfriend who has his partner cleaning up after him. The dog could be my responsibility. I’d be fine with that. I also have better hours than Jada as my clients are US-based, so I’m free for most of the day, until 2pm.
I could do the majority of the dog stuff in the day and she could take over for the evening walk. It would be perfect. There’s really nothing left to do except pop along to the local shelter and make ourselves known. I want to adopt, as it would be great to give a dog a home. Jada keeps stalling but I reckon I can persuade her. Once she’s looking into a dog’s pleading eyes, she won’t say no.
Obviously there would be challenges around having a dog, but I’m not worried – I’m mentally prepared. The fact we travel a lot doesn’t bother me either. Dog sitters are cheap where we live, so a weekend here or there won’t set us back loads. If we get a cat and go away, we would still have to enlist the help of someone else and probably pay for that, so we might as well just commit to a dog. That’s a proper pet in my eyes.
The jury of Guardian readers
Should Jada go along with Jordan’s choice or should he listen to her?
Jordan and Jada’s apartment is not suitable for a big dog. Jordan’s response also suggests he has given very little thought about their future (bringing the dog back to the UK), the financial impact, adopting a dog, and how it will cope while they are away.
Claire, 31
Jordan wants a large dog; Jada doesn’t want a pet at all. It’s up to Jordan to paws his lab-like enthusiasm for the dog and address Jada’s concerns about pet ownership in the long run. And the cat as a compromise that no one wants is unfair to all (hypothetical cat included).
Issy, 22
Jordan will definitely need his “big lab energy” if they adopt a dog. Like Jada, I can see so many problems: a large rescue dog that has lived in at least two settings has to be retrained, exercised (not just “walked”) and adjust to life in a small flat with owners working opposite “shifts”. It will be very difficult to keep the consistency a dog needs.
Kate, 68
I sympathise with Jordan’s desire, but he doesn’t seem to be able to compromise. A dog, a large dog, and a dog from a shelter are all concerns raised by Jada that he seemingly brushes aside.
Mark, 33
As a pet owner, I know that getting a dog or a cat is a major commitment. The fact you can’t agree on what to get or who would be responsible is worrisome. For the sake of animals, don’t get any. For now at least.
Alessandro, 37
Now you be the judge
In our online poll below, tell us: should Jada give in to Jordan’s badgering to get a dog?
The poll closes at 10am BST on Thursday 24 August
Last week’s result
We asked if David should put the lid down before flushing the toilet.
33% of you said yes – David is guilty
67% of you said no – David is innocent
