by Barbara Besteni

Created on: May 06, 2008

You've met the love of your life - the person you want to cuddle with on the couch, snuggle up with under the blanket, share kisses with and enjoy all the wonderful moments that couples share when they're in love.

But while you were busy making goo-goo eyes with your new lovey dovey, baby, sweetheart, you totally forgot about the other love of your life waiting for you at home. And when that someone finds out you've been cheating, well, you better hope the goddess of treats and squeaky toys is at your side to protect you.

Helping your new romantic interest and your pet adjust to one another can be challenging. But with patience, persistence and a pinch of bribery thrown in the mix, your four-legged and two-legged loves can learn to get along. And if you're lucky, they will fall in love with one another just as you have fallen in love with them.

Like any relationship, it takes two to tango. Both pet pal and the partner must make an effort. With a little help from you to choreograph the dance, you'll soon be the envy of everyone on the doggy park dance floor.

Here are a few simple steps to get you started.

Step 1: The First Date

The first meeting between your pet and your new partner is by far the hardest. It's one that will bring dominance issues to the surface faster than you can yell, "No!" when your normally docile Labradoodle lunges for your new romantic interest.

To avoid dominance issues, arrange a first meeting on neutral ground, such as park, beach or other open public space where your pet won't feel crowded. Make sure your new love interest brings along some of your pet pal's favorite treats to create a positive association: new person equals yummy treats.

During the first meeting, let your pet make the first move. Urge your partner to relax, while Fido or Fifi sizes him or her up. Pets can read people faster than it takes you to read a trashy novel. Your partner is just one tense muscle twitch away from being sized up and discarded.

Step 2: Come On Over

Once your pet is comfortable with your new partner on neutral ground, it's time to graduate to a meeting in your home. Don't rush this step, though. It may take a few meetings on neutral ground before your pet is ready to welcome your partner onto what until now has been his exclusive turf.

A few days before this meeting, leave something with your partner's scent in your house. This will help your pet get used to the new person more quickly.

Once your partner arrives, the three of you should go for a walk. When

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