Dilemma of the week

I am trying to decide what my husband is getting for his birthday. It's a big one, and it looks like it will be coinciding with big news about a promotion that he has been waiting a long time for (and richly deserves).

Dog or very nice new briefcase?

Here's the situation: I did not grow up with pets, and I am afraid of dogs. I'm ashamed to admit this but I have really really tried and can't seem to get over it. I'm not petrified, like I am if a bug or spider walks on me, but I get pretty nervous. Except that our neighbor across the street has a very sweet and well-behaved dog that I love.  I'm also pretty disgusted by the idea of picking up fresh steaming poop left by a creature that will never, ever grow out of it.

We've been having the dog debate since long before we were married, and I have been adamantly refusing. I haven't told him but lately I've been wavering just a tiny little bit. I don't believe he'll really always be home in time to walk the dog every day and I don't want my gardent to get ruined, so I'm still pretty opposed, but how long should I be refusing something he really, really, REEEEALLY wants? But the smell, the hair, and my god, the poop.

In case anyone's wondering, as much as I know people love their pets, this pet debate is in no way analagous to the debate about whether or not to have kids. We know that, right? Yes, there's responsibility with both but it's on a totally different level.

We do already have cats. They're hairy and annoying enough.

The other option is a very nice new leather briefcase, which he really wants. I'm talking like a real grownup man bag.

Did I mention that someone I work with knows someone who's giving away golden retriever puppies?

Yeah. Having a hard time with this one.

Comments

[Lori]

That is a tough one. My husband is a dog guy and I love cats. I know if I ever wanted to give him the best present ever - it would be a dog. And I'm with you on the poop thing. Golden retrievers are supposed to be wonderful dogs. It's hard for me to compare that to a briefcase since J doesn't have that kind of job. The dog would definitely be the way to his heart.

[Lori]

That is a tough one. My husband is a dog guy and I love cats. I know if I ever wanted to give him the best present ever - it would be a dog. And I'm with you on the poop thing. Golden retrievers are supposed to be wonderful dogs. It's hard for me to compare that to a briefcase since J doesn't have that kind of job. The dog would definitely be the way to his heart.

[Portlairge]

I say dog all the way. Goldens are wonderful. You will be a dog person in no time.

[Meg]

I say dog as well. I can't imagine my life without one or two.

[susan]

Oh. What a timely post. I am in the throws of mothering a puppy that I have wanted for a decade. I know how he feels and how you feel. I am the MOST squeemish person around and for some reason the poop/upchuck issue isn't as bad as I anticipated. And with an English Bulldog there is a lot of both.

The one thing I wish someone had told me was how much work it is. It is very intense in the beginning. This is not to discourage you, just to warn you. It is constant. A puppy needs to be watched a vigilantly as a toddler. And despite all of ones best faith efforts they still get into a lot of trouble.

The times when he cute and loving and silly make it worth it but the first few weeks are a nightmare. A delightful nightmare.

[Flicka]

Why not be extravagant and get both? :-) I'm on the fence about us getting a dog too because of my love for my garden and unchewed furniture. But if someone were giving away puppies...it would be hard for me to resist. I think your husband will love whatever you give him.

[Leggy]

I'm going to be the voice of dissent and say get the briefcase. In my experience with friends who have dogs, dogs seem like more work than the kids. A kid you can take out to dinner with you (you might not get much time to eat and it might be hectic, but they are still portable). I've had so many friends who can't make dinner plans or who "have to get home" ASAP after dinner to walk the dog. It just seems like a whole lot of work for something you still aren't all the comfortable with.
My son desparately wants a dog- thank god I'm allergic.

[Dawn]

Hi, I'm a dog person all my life, and my husband wasn't. He finally came around (on his own), and we've now had a dog for the last 5 years. A few things to ponder: our dog can go 12 hrs without having to go outside, so it's very easy for us to be gone for long periods of time. Some little dogs have to be let out much more frequently. I thought I wanted a puppy, but when we went to the humane society, we fell in love with a 8 month old border collie... and it turned out being the greatest thing as she was already housebroken, so there was a LOT LESS work when we brought her home. One last thing, my husband had thought about surprising me and bringing one home, but I'm happy he didn't. Being a dog lover, it was important that I had a say in the dog we choose... there's definitely a "connection" and the dog kinda picks the owner, so I wouldn't have liked being "surprised" with a dog I didn't get to pick out. Good luck.

[statia]

It is tough. Especially if you're afraid of dogs. You can probably find a breed type that would fit you. Something that doesn't shed much, isn't drooly and loves people. Bischon Frise maybe? Or a poodle? It might help you to work through your fear. Bischons are like perpetually happy.

[Amanda]

Definitely a tough call. I'm a cat person myself, so I have no clue about the dog situation. Good luck with your decision. I can't wait to hear what the verdict is.

[thalia]

Oh my husband would love a dog SOO much. This would demonstrate in a huge way how much you love him. If this feels like the right time to do that, then go for it. But yes, the poop.