A friend of whom she is dating is facing a difficult choice, as she must choose between her beloved dogs and her new boyfriend, who is allergic to them. The dilemma is similar to an associate of a local board member who chose to keep her cat over a long-term partner, who was allergic to her cat. Years later, she confessed to regreting her decision, and hasn't met anyone who has treated her as well as him. The author suggests that while love is wonderful, it won't out-argue an immune system, pets aren't disposable. The goal is to find a compromise that doesn't leave either person or pet suffering.