[smcl]

That's interesting, I would have guessed the opposite - that you might be thought of as having a more caring or loving side if you had a pet. As a dog owner myself I've met a couple of partners just through them coming up to see me about my dog in a pub or a cafe. I never thought it was down to being perceived as more masculine though, I just assumed that it gives anyone who might be interested a really simple excuse to strike up a conversation and introduce themselves, but in a way that avoids figuring out how ask someone out directly.