Am I Being Unreasonable?

tesuhoha

Thanks for all your comments. They have really made me think. The other night my husband was really unwell with a heavy cold and just wanted to go to bed when he came home. It was frosty outside and I said to him, 'If you had a dog you would have to take it out for a walk right now. I certainly wouldn't want to in this weather.' He did not reply so I hope I made him think and he hasn't mentioned it since.

However, I know that he will raise the subject again. I have so many practical objections such as those you have all mentioned but he doesn't seem to listen and only has a warm fuzzy feeling about playing with and petting a dog. I had kind of come round to accepting that we would get one but your comments to be honest have really put me off. Maybe I should suggest the borrow a dog thing.

I actually really like cats. I would not mind one on the sofa because they are so clean. I can cope with a litter tray. I like them because they take care of themselves and are independent. I think they are beautiful animals. We had a cat a few years ago but it got run over. That cat was no trouble at all. The year before last I looked after next door's cat when she abandoned him. I posted on here about it. She went off with her new boyfriend and left him with no food. He used to come in here for food and a cuddle. He was very old and ill and I think she must have had him put down because I never saw him again. For the last few years I have looked at cats and thought I would love one but the building work on the house has put me off. Hubby does like cats too.

I don't want to make anyone unhappy but in my heart of hearts I'm not really up for all the hard work a dog entails. I think you have to have the love, which I don't have.

Iain_L

tesuhoha, I certainly don't think you're being unreasonable, in fact I wish everyone would give it the thought that you have. Regarding your original post and the rules, in our experience dogs like rules and routines - it is often when there are inconsistencies amongst family members that issues start.

If you both like cats, then it would seem to me that there may be a good home waiting there......

catkins

I think you would be better off with a cat. You both like cats and, obviously, they are far less work. I have always had cats and dogs but if I had to choose, for me, it would always be a dog.


If your husband still talks about a dog then I really think borrow my doggy could be ideal. Then he could have a dog for a day or weekend and get his doggie fix without the tie of actually owning one

Mojisola

tesuhoha wrote: »

For the last few years I have looked at cats and thought I would love one but the building work on the house has put me off. Hubby does like cats too.

Google "most dog-like cat breeds" and see if any of them appeal.

Katiehound

Another vote for "Please don't get a dog"
I love my dogs but although my life doesn't completely revolve around them they are very important. With the cold icy days we have had lately I have really thought "why do I need a dog today??!!" because they have to go for a walk whatever the conditions.
I love my dogs to bits, what OP is talking about is toleration, that is no way to go for a living animal.

I wonder if there is anyone in your neighbourhood who has a dog they would like walked from time to time , or even on a daily basis.
Sounds like a cat would be ideal.
(ps please ignore the adult children, presumably they will one day leave home and then can become pet owners in their own right if they are fully aware of all the responsibility that entails.)

janb5

catkins wrote: »

I think you would be better off with a cat. You both like cats and, obviously, they are far less work. I have always had cats and dogs but if I had to choose, for me, it would always be a dog.


If your husband still talks about a dog then I really think borrow my doggy could be ideal. Then he could have a dog for a day or weekend and get his doggie fix without the tie of actually owning one

Borrow my doggy is a great site. Since joining a year ago, I have met some lovely people who have met my dog and take him for walks etc . Please bear in mind that it is voluntary so some of the volunteers do fall from the wayside but some of the regulars have been very consistent.


https://www.borrowmydoggy.com/

chucknorris

janb5 wrote: »

Borrow my doggy is a great site. Since joining a year ago, I have met some lovely people who have met my dog and take him for walks etc . Please bear in mind that it is voluntary so some of the volunteers do fall from the wayside but some of the regulars have been very consistent.


https://www.borrowmydoggy.com/

When I lived in Battersea there was a waiting list to do voluntary work at Battersea dogs home (I realise that there are also less enjoyable tasks than walking the dogs to do). So I put an advert in the local shop window asking to walk pet owners' dogs, I offered £10 per walk but got no response. But I have my own dog now after moving to Surrey.