Not wanting a puppy but husband kids do

[Tasha00]

My husband and kids all want a dog. But I am enjoying the little time I can have to myself. I was always bought up with dogs. But have a fear of dogs biting. My son who has additional needs and is 16 has longed for a dog. But he spends most of his time in his bedroom playing games. He has very little patience. My mum has a dog and he adores her as she good as gold. And will curl up on his lap alday untill she wants to play then gets frustrated. My daughter's to young to care for a dog and my husband works long days and on-call every 5 weeks. I guess I'm being selfish as when the kids and husband go to work and school I finally have 2 minutes for myself and I really enjoy it. I now I would be the main carer. But now I feel I'm taking the one thing they want away from them because I don't feel I can take on anymore stress at the moment. My family mean everything to me so the last thing I want is to upset them. We went looking for a puppy but explained to the breeder I was just looking to see how I felt about owning a dog. They were great and filled us in with all the good bad and challenges we could have with owning a puppy. I called them today as last night I was over my head with worry and explained I don't think I'm ready now. They were so understanding and said we can come back for advice anytime. Now I feel awful I said no to a puppy x

Can you look after your DMs dog if she goes on holiday?

It will give your family a much better indication of what dog owning actually involves, and allows you to see what it could feel like.

Puppies are hard work. We got one a year ago, and it’s like having a newborn in the house again, including sleepless nights, etc. it can be relentless and restricting.

Also, the ongoing cost was more than expected - insurance, tick/worming treatment, food, toys, treats, dog training etc.

Definitely don't do it. As pp has said it always falls to the mum.

The kids can get a dog when they leave home and the DH can get one when he retires.

Your family can promise the world but you are default. They'll get fed up and have the luxury of dipping in and out because they've got you there to do everything.

Do you have any friends with dogs that you could offer to have a couple of days a week? Best of both worlds as you don't have full responsibility but your family get time with a dog. A win for a friend too who gets some dog care and can use the time to go to non dog friendly places. I would love it if someone offered me this 😂

I’m always shocked by these threads and unsure when it became normal to have a puppy and it was somehow cruel to your DC to deny them a dog. They are exceptionally hard work, extremely expensive and a humongous tie, even more so than kids in many ways. DH and I like dogs but it would utterly ruin our lives to own one. I can’t imagine anything worse in your situation OP. Stick to your guns and don’t get one.

Nope - as it looks like you will have 95% of the responsibility for this dog you get ultimate veto power. Get a male Maine Coon cat - lots of similar traits but do not require walking!

If you will be mom cater you have every right to say no!!

There are borrow my dog websites you can join and they can find a local dog to take for walks and play.