STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Any chance he is depressed?  It sounds like he's displaying classic symptoms of depression:  withdrawal from people, feeling unenthusiastic, and lethargic.  Regardless of whether or not he's depressed, it sounds like something's bugging him and that him not walking the dog is a result of that, and it's not because he doesn't care about the dog.   If you do want to talk to your bf about it, then I'd couch it all in a way so that you come across as concerned about him, not accusatory.

Ugh that's such a tough situation. I'd be furious too. He definitely needs to be more responsible but since he's in a foul mood you're right that he's probably just think you're being bitchy about things. NCshopper's idea is good - just act concerned about the dog instead of lecturing or yelling at him or sitting him down for a serious talking to. Mention how you're concerned about the dog and point out that she needs to get out more or else she'll keep you guys up all night, maybe suggest that he change his gym nights until the dog gets a bit older or your semester ends? I don't' know if that will work but personally I hate letting things turn into a big fight, especially when I'm tired and stressed out about other things, which it sounds like you are!

esquiress wrote:

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this may sound really cold and i really don't want it to because i personally love dogs and can't wait to have one of my own but... maybe he just really doesn't like the dog.  and doesn't want to be responsible for her.   is it your dog or do you both own the dog?  if you both own her he needs to step up to the plate and be a good pet-caregiver but if it's more "your" dog, maybe he's resentful of having to take care of her and thinks you should care for your own dog and this is his way of showing it.  but he's still totally passive-aggressive and in the wrong because if he does resent caring for the dog he should just say so instead of making the poor dog suffer. could you guys look into a dog-walker/sitter so that the dog is taken care of if your bf is going to continue to be an a** about it?-- Edited by esquiress at 21:36, 2005-11-22

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this was my first thought too.  I've never been much of a pet person, and I know after a long day i'd rather zone out in my apt. then walk a dog.  That is just me, and that is why i don't own a dog.  has he always been this way with the dog?  If there is a change in behavior, then that would be odd.  If you usually took care of the dog anyway because you were usually available, then maybe he just is too lazy/forgetful/doesn't care enough.  Which i could see how that could be annoying, but is somewhat forgiveable- though the dog def. needs to be cared for.  I think the pet walker is a great idea!!