We have 6 rescues-all mixed breeds. We have a large fenced backyard and a nice basement with a pet door so they can come and go. The least is a rat terrier who stays in the house with us most of the time. I bring the others in every day for awhile. I do spend a lot of time taking care of them-grooming, bathing, walking and feeding. I am a homemaker so I have the time, and I keep our house as clean as possible with this many dogs. My son's family has a mix that they want me to take as our grandchildren have lost interest, and it's still not housebroken at 5 months. I would take this little guy in a heartbeat. He has spent the night at my house and got along very well with my dogs. My husband says 6 is enough and doesn't want the dog. I can't get the dog off my mind. My daughter-in-law told me they are just indifferent to the dog. How can I convince my husband?

Best thing to do is to show him a video of what the poor shelter dogs have to go through, and then tell him that you (and him) simply cannot let this happen to the new little one! And please advise the previous owners that dogs are not toys. They can't just be thrown away when they change their mind!

Well it sounds like you are taking great care of the dogs you have now! One more wont kill anyone! You could always bring him home anyway and use the old "He just followed me home!"

That's great that you rescue dogs!! As for your husband I would give him the pros/cons of bringing this new dog into your lives. Obviously you want to show him more positives and then maybe you can show him that you all still have room and enough love for one more.

If he's still hard to get through, maybe you both could come to a compromise. Good luck!

Agreed Yorkie--people just can't throw away any type of animal just because they're tired of him/her.

[wishbone]

Pretty good to hear and nice to see dogs found heaven in your care, warm welcome mate. Like others suggested, better show your husband that there is enough space for new one.

Well, I'd like to agree with the other posters, and in some ways I do. But, you really need to have a heart-to-heart with your husband and try to make a decision that's best for both of you.

I know how you feel about this dog. How do you feel about your husband? Is he as important to you? Are his feelings important? It's great to rescue dogs in need, but aren't husbands at least as important as dogs? Sometimes marriages, husbands, and families need to be considered first.

You have to chose your battles wisely, and if there's a chance this might damage your relationship with your husband, maybe this isn't a battle you really want to fight. He's your husband, and none of us know him like you do. So none of us can know if this is something that could cause a problem between the two of you.

I don't have a husband, but I do have a wonderful gentleman friend that I love dearly. Maybe, one day, I'll have a husband, LOL. But I do know I'd never allow a dog to come between us. He's much too important to me.

Originally Posted by vetgroomer

I don't have a husband, but I do have a wonderful gentleman friend that I love dearly. Maybe, one day, I'll have a husband, LOL. But I do know I'd never allow a dog to come between us. He's much too important to me.

Teehee Vetgroomer, I just had to chuckle here. I divorced one man, in part, because of his disdain for my dogs (there was much more there - like he turned into a pill-popping alcoholic) and before I agreed to go out with my current s.o., I told him that my life revolved around my dogs & rescue, and to never make me choose between him & the dogs...cuz he'd loose. I'm very fortunate that he loves dogs as much as I do and there's no way I could physically care for all the dogs we currently have (our own & rescues) without him.

I have to agree with Vetgroomer-- and as far as giving an ultimatum, a husband is meant to be permanent (unlike a "significant other, " which is not necessarily a lifelong comittment), and the marriage was agreed to before you took on the dogs. Have any of you watched the show "It's Me or The Dog," with Victoria Stillwell? I've seen too many episodes where Victoria was called to help a couple where the problem was one spouse wanted more dogs than the other was happy with, and kept taking in more, despite the other spouse's wishes. This ended up causing problems not only in the couple's relationship, but in the behavior of the dog pack.

Instead of taking on this puppy, try to find him another loving, committed home. Perhaps your husband would be amenable to fostering the puppy until you can rehome it? But I don't recommend stressing your marriage for something like this. If you were given an ultimatum, could you continue caring for the pack without your husband? Is a puppy worth alienating your husband? Is a puppy worth your marriage? (BTW, in just a month, my husband and I will celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. We've been through many years of hell together, so I know what I'm talking about.)

For the record, my post was addressed to Vetgroomer not the OP and I was in no way suggesting (nor did I) that OP give her husband an ultimatum. In addition, my post clearly said my divorce was "in part" due to his disdain for my dogs but if you read between the lines it was obviously due to his addictions to drugs & alcohol (which he refused to acknowledge). I would hope you would not recommend someone stay in a marriage of that nature. I've lived it for almost 10 yrs, survived it, and came out the other side. I would never recommend any one (man or woman) stay in such a marriage if the spouse refuses to acknowledge they have a problem & seek help for their addictions.

Originally Posted by vetgroomer

But, you really need to have a heart-to-heart with your husband and try to make a decision that's best for both of you.

I quite agree. You should come into terms about this matter. Let the two of your decide, not just your or your hubby.

Crestie, I understood where you were coming from-- I did not mean for you to feel attacked, my apologies. My comments were mainly addressed to the op, with consideration for not only all previous comments in general, but also in consideration of possibilities not yet spoken or decided upon by the op. I do not look down upon you in any way for having gone through a divorce-- I did indeed catch the part about the substance abuse problems. (I can relate to that too, btw, been there, done that.) Again, I apologize for not making my comments clearer, as you were not my intended target.

Hi I think you and your husband should talk about this. What are his reasons for not wanting the additional dog? If the pup is too naughty or mischievous then i guess that's one of the good reasons why he doesn't want it. But try asking his opinion again. If he is still unconvinced, then i guess you'll have to let the doggie go. Maybe your neighbors or relatives could take care of it on your behalf.

well you can tell him that is the last dog you are going to get...and give your husband an attention as well he might be jealous to the dogs

My heart wants to keep rescuing and I torment myself daily while looking at all the dogs that need a good home.........BUT I know that I have reached my limit- I agree that a foster agreement is best and a heart to heart- If you can afford to properly house/fed/vet these animals that is great- I was talking to a man that spent 15,000 on his dog that had a heart issue- no matter what I know I could not afford or go into debt that much for my beloved pet. It has prompted me to start my own fur fund where I am putting money aside in case one of my 4 fur babies needs it. Its hard and a catch 22 but everyone has limits wether it be in the number of animals or what one can afford comfortably. I hope it all works out for the dog sounds like you have a great heart