I am getting married this summer, and while my fiance would be open to coming with me, it seems really difficult to get a work visa in Italy. Even though the prospect of leaving him (and my dog) for 9 months isn't going to be easy, we've been a part for up to 4 months before. He moved with me to grad school and has supported me all the way, so if (fingers crossed) I get the Fulbright then I know he won it too. You can make it work.
The worst thing is that I can't explain to my dog why I'm leaving, and my fiance says my dog mopes around the house for weeks after I leave. Anyone else sad to leave pets behind lol?