I really want a dog, DH doesn't......stalemate.

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

I've always wanted a dog and DH has always said no. Now would be an ideal time to get one as I have dropped my hours to 3 days a week. DH works at home for 2 days a week. DD really wants one as well and been an only child I think it would be good for her. I'm happy to do all the walking, etc. His reasons for not wanting a dog are the fact that there will be some weeks (occassional) where he doesn't work from home so the dog will be by itself. And also he says when we go on holiday the dog would be a problem. Er, kennels? Its only 1 week a year!

Well today me and DD passed a Greyhound Rehoming centre that we didn't even know was there. I've always liked greyhounds - so we turned round and went in. Of course we fell in love with a dog, took it for a walk and everything. Came home and have tried to persuade DH and he's still saying no. I've pointed out the work situation is OK now, that we could use kennels when we go away and he just says "I really don't want a dog".

Its not even that he doesn't like dogs. He loves other peoples' dogs and makes a fuss of them. Fair enough he doesn't like my mum's dog but it is an annoying, untraied yappy thing. Any ideas to help me change his mind? DD has been sobbing all afternoon.

He's thinking about it.

me "can dd have a rabbit?"
dh "no we have enough"
me "I was hoping you would say yes"
dh "well I'm not saying yes"
me "In that case might I suggest that you don't go in the yard for a while"
dh "how long is while? and why?"
me "how lonbg do rabbits live? No reason"
dh "you have bought a rabbit haven't you?"

If you suspect they may say no don't ask untill it's too late. But that means that you have t be totally responsible for all walking, cleaning, training etc

Now I admit I got rabbits without telling DH, but they live in the garden. I wouldn't get a dog without telling him.

I've told him that seeing as I gave up the opportunity to have another baby as he didn't want one then the least he could do is "let" me have a dog. I don't see why everything should be his way. Nothing like a good guilt trip.

PMSL, shesells...

I have a dog - and he really is a HUGE commitment - more so than having a child - I mean you can take your children to the shops in restaurants ect
He is a nervous dog - so we havent felt able to put him in kennels yet , meaning that we take him on UK holidays with us - which is very limiting.
When I went out one night this week, DP was really annoyed when I rolled in at midnight, as he had to take the dog for a walk. He won't poo in the garden ( thats the dog , not my DP!!) and actually won't go out for long in the garden on his own and ends up barking, which the neighbours wouldnt have thanked us for at that time of night!!
Believe you me, I love him, but I certainly won't be getting another dog.
I agree that you should try and dog sit or something for a friend for a couple of weeks.