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Wow, quite a few responses already!
A few points of clarification.
1) There is very little risk that friendships will dissolve over this. For one thing - though I didn't mention it before - it is only one half of this couple that has expressed this opinion. The other half is an extemely mellow fellow who I can basically guarantee doesn't feel this strongly about it (and is not likely to tell the complaining half to chill out).
2) The house is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Big, comfortable and free. Relocation is not an easy alternative.
3) Some of you seem to be thinking of this as a situation where a couple has decided not to have kids (or are unable to do so) and so have transferred their love and affection to a pet. Not the case. These two will have children eventually. They are newly married and settling down long-term education and employment plans.
4) The dog is not small. Think small golden retriever size. Or big collie.
5) We're not devaluing the love and affection felt for pets. I've had many pets myself and they were near and dear to me. The specific issue here is whether, for a few nights, it is unreasonable to ask someone to leave the dog somewhere else when they are coming to a home.
6) Nobody has made this point yet, but 3 toddlers and 5 infants can easily make just as much of a mess as a dog. We get the hypocrisy.
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A little silliness now and then is cherished by the wisest men. -- Willy Wonka
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