My husband can't stand my dog

Another typo – honestly, these bloody phones! You have to keep proofreading constantly before posting. I meant solar energy, of course, not ovary... Lol 😁

Thanks 30 juillet for not being judgemental, and thanks énergies ovaire. I made a typo—I meant to say my husband is very squeamish, not a swimmer... Lol 😁. The kids have to go and wash their hands straight away as soon as they touch the dog, and it's the same for me, otherwise it completely grosses him out... Anyway, he can't help it, that's just the way he is. As far as he's concerned, there's no point in having a furry pet; they shed everywhere, they're dirty, they stink and they're a source of allergies... I'm not going to change my husband now, so we all just have to try and live together in harmony...

Very, very few bacteria are passed from dogs to humans. Whereabouts is he swimming? Actually, you’re a much bigger infection risk to him :) I don’t think humans are going to be catching kennel cough anytime soon.

My husband didn't want any pets, but because I’m animal-mad, I’ve always told him I’d want them and he’d just have to put up with it if he was going to take me as I am. So, he grudgingly agreed to me getting another pet and preferred a dog over a cat for the practical side of things, thinking it would guard the house. Sod’s law, he doesn't guard the house at all... lol 😁 Anyway, I suppose I’m also a bit to blame, unfortunately...

Thanks for your replies, though I think you’re being a bit harsh at times. It’s still a complicated situation for me because I love my husband—who is a great dad to his kids, despite what some of you were worried about—and I love my dog. My dog smells quite a bit, there’s no denying it, and my husband isn’t an animal lover, which is also undeniable. He doesn’t want me to get rid of my dog because he knows I couldn't bear it, but he would have preferred him to live outdoors. In his view, that’s where a dog belongs; I think it’s mainly a hygiene thing for him, being a swimmer and seeing my dog as nothing more than a source of bacteria... Yes, I know that might sound shocking, but some people are just like that.... I obviously don’t agree, and my dog will be staying nice and warm inside the house until the very end. Now he’s telling me he won't stop me from getting another dog later on (as he knows how much I love them) once my old lad has passed away, but that this time it would have to live outside. I’m not sure I could handle that, as I think it’s sad to make a dog live outdoors. So, I think I’ll just keep trying to give my old boy a lovely end to his life—he had such a sad life before—and my husband will just have to put up with it as best he can. But I’ll probably have to resign myself to not having another one afterwards, even though I would have loved to give a home to another poor rescue dog... Don't worry, my dog is doing very well today and I will never abandon him. Of course, it would have been better if he were loved by every member of the family, but I comfort myself with the thought that, given his age, he was destined to see out his days in a shelter. He’s much better off here with us than having to end his life behind bars in a rescue centre.

One thing that strikes me from re-reading your post is that your partner seems more than a bit 'COWARDLY'; he’s pinning the whole burden of having the dog on you, even though he didn't say no right from the start. That kind of person honestly disgusts me; I’d lump him in with all those people who 'love' then 'stop loving' things as if they were just toys!!! He’s like a child – or rather, an irresponsible 'adult'. All the best, Enicia, and thank you for everything you’re doing for your dog...!!!

Evening, I’ve read your post and there’s something I don’t quite get regarding your partner’s attitude. According to what you’ve written, he seemed fine with the dog’s arrival at first, but now it seems he’s the type to “try things out” and then just toss them aside when he decides he doesn’t like them after all. Is he really the sort of person who would cowardly abandon an animal? Your pooch is a living being, and just like any other living creature (dog, cat, human, etc.)... ...you don’t play games with that!!! Your dog has got older now, and yes, smells are quite common; he needs to act like a responsible adult and not a spoilt, demanding brat. You should also tell your partner that as he gets older, he’s likely to start smelling a bit too. Humans can stink as well sometimes, and it’s not always their fault. Your partner gives me the impression of being incredibly selfish and demanding, only thinking of himself. Anyway, if you feel you’re in the right, stand your ground or just ignore him; emotional blackmail is a thing of the past. Best of luck to you anyway, and do keep us updated. Best wishes...!!!

Oh dear, it’s not going to be an easy road... Well done to you for adopting this lovely boy and giving him a new lease of life. He’s an old lad now and probably has a few aches and pains, so he definitely shouldn’t be kept outside, even in a kennel. As for the smell, it’s only natural. I’ve got two White Shepherds; the older one started ‘smelling’ a bit around the age of six, but the younger one (4 years old) doesn’t smell at all, and neither does the little crossbreed (8 months old) we’ve just adopted. I think older doggies just tend to smell a bit more. To be honest, though, it’s perfectly bearable—mine sleep in our bedroom and it’s fine. It’s certainly true that when you don’t like someone, you’ll find any old excuse... For your sake, he really needs to just grin and bear it. It would be such a crying shame to have to give your dog up; the poor thing wouldn’t understand a thing. To help with the odour, you can get essential oils for diffusers that are safe for asthmatics (I am one myself)—they smell lovely and aren't too overpowering. Best of luck, it can’t be easy living with someone who can't stand your pet.