Everyone does not have to live their lives in fear of the future. Your girlfriend has a job that she goes to every workday. If that job disappeared, then she could easily go and get another job--dealing with the situation at that time. It's great that you are trying to be prepared for the future, but how can you possibly know what the future situations are that you will have to deal with? Maybe all of the plans that you come up with will br not applicable and you could have just relaxed and enjoyed your life, dealing with issues as they appear. If you want to travel, then do so now. When you have children, it will be more difficult (though not impossible). Does your girlfriend know that more dogs and traveling are deal-breakers? Have you discussed how serious you are about these 2 issues?