Help! My Bed’s Been Taken Over by a Four-Legged Furry Overlord

Dear Abby,

About a month ago, I reconnected with a woman named Fran, whom I’ve known since seventh grade. We’re both divorced—me for 20 years, Fran for four—and have grown children. Though we live about 90 minutes apart, we’ve been spending a lot of time talking on the phone and have enjoyed a couple of weekends together. Our relationship is very emotionally close, but not physical, by mutual choice, to keep things special and uncomplicated.

Here’s where I need advice: Fran has a large, energetic dog named Goliath who has free run of her home—including her bed—and travels with her almost everywhere, even when she visits me.

Goliath is a sweet dog and clearly attached to me, but I don’t have pets myself and really don’t want the dog jumping on my furniture or sleeping in my bed. Fran thinks it’s adorable, but Goliath sheds black hair everywhere—especially noticeable on my white sheets.

I care about Fran deeply and want this to be a lasting, meaningful relationship. But I’m worried that the dog might cause tension between us. How can I gently set boundaries about Goliath in my home without offending Fran or making it seem like I don’t like her dog?

Thanks for your help—
Vacuuming Again

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