Long and short of it- husband wants a dog, I don’t.
I know this is an unpopular opinion but I just don’t like dogs. Never owned one, never wanted one. I think some of them are cute to look at but don’t want them near me/touching me. I think a lot of it stems from visiting relatives as a child who owned dogs that with hindsight weren’t well cared for and drooled/were smelly/left hair everywhere etc. I wouldn’t say it’s a phobia as I’m not frightened of them, nor am I particular germ phobic in general, there’s just something I find gross about dogs and I can’t bring myself to touch them (sorry if this offends dog lovers, it’s irrational and it’s definitely a “me” problem).
But husband loves dogs and it seems cruel to deny him. We also have a toddler and I must admit it’s cute to see him interact with dogs. I can see the benefits e.g. for DH’s health (wfh full time and doesn’t get much exercise). I have no doubt that DH would take full responsibility for walks, feeding etc, I’m just not sure I want one living in my home full time. Of course if we were to get one I’d take care of it- I’d never want to see an animal harmed- but I’d want to love it and not just tolerate it. Can I be converted?