[Sashy]

Ideally, after seeing all the different opinions and views, the matter should be between yourself and your God. You have been advised, and you've thought long and hard about it, and you make your own decision. After all, when you leave this world, you defend your actions to your God, and not His priests or mufti or religious teachers of this world.

Unfortunately, in the real world, yourself and God sometimes may not be enough, you still have to deal with your neighbours. If your neighbours are the type that think your business is your own, and don't judge you, then you're good to go however you choose, otherwise, if they try to force you to do as they believe, its hard.

It can be pretty unfair sometimes, but thats life. Change can happen, but slowly, and usually painfully.

I'm not saying Yes Muslims can have a dog because ... or NO Muslims cant because ... I strongly believe that everyone must make their own informed choice. Everyone also has to live with the consequence of that choice because in this world, no man is an island.

Good luck to you!