Here's a thing. There is of course danger in opening up to a partner, and consequences. But ... Doors closing eventually result in other doors opening. The end of my previous relationship did eventually result in me meeting a gorgeous woman who shares many of my interests, including dogs. I have gone from fear and shame and lil bit of turmoil, to an adventure now where a real beast loving relationship is developing. I'm not suggesting for a moment that everyone throw caution to the wind, just observing that what can at first seem like failure, can often be moving onto your right path.