BellaOnline Forums Relationships Married No Kids Need advise on something to care for

I never wanted kids, and always loved being surrounded by dogs. i am happiest in a pile of dogs and with a pack of my own.

The problem is my DH doesn't like dogs. And one of my dogs he actually hates. Our relationship spends a lot of time being unhappy because he doesn't like things that distract him from his goal of plugging into the computer all day. The perfect dog for him would be a robot or stuffed animal.

What this has to do with MNK is that he would like us to not have dogs. But I don't know if I could handle that. I keep telling him "isn't it better than kids?"

He agrees on that part. But the reality is he would be a lot easier to be around if we were also dog-free.

I think about it and wonder what I would replace it with? he hates cats too and birds. Fish aren't cuddly. Plants might work if i FILLED the HOUSE with them. I don't know.

Are there people who are MNK with this problem? What am i supposed to do here?

Jilly, on my second date with my ex, we went to buy him a chocolate Lab. He handed her to me to hold in the truck on the way home. It was like holding an alien. I never, ever liked dogs. I told her if she peed on me, she was going out the window.

Fast forward six years, and I love that dog. Remember how ET was about the mom in ET? That was Sadie about me. She would look at me with so much love in her eyes. It took her a long time to win me over, but she did. Mostly because she would rather be with me than anyone and no matter what, she loves me. The relationship is over but I still have visitation with Sadie.

If it had been a cat, that relationship would have ended right there--I'm allergic, and cats really don't love people.

I think you'll resent him if you give up your dogs. But, maybe just one?

Or, you could fly my Sadie out and Dan would fall in love. No, I'd want her back. It could get ugly. I can't help you here. Never mind.

So you are saying it's about the right dog? We've had seven different dogs over the years and there has only been one he had no complaint about, as she was an omega animal and never bothered him.

We actually have to get rid of my chihuahua, an alpha personality, after I've had him from puppyhood eight years ago. he hates my little Frodo. He told me yesterday literally it's "him or me."

So all i can think of is to find the mildest, meekest little girl dog who has absolute bladder control, is not an escape artist and never barks.

It's a good thing he doesn't want kids becuase i really think he'd've been an awful father.

Yes, a little barker would have driven me nuts.

Mark liked only big dogs (mostly Labs) and one at a time, and girl dogs. Ergo, Sadie. But, she spent most of her time with me and again, it was a long time before I would even pet her. I was not a dog person. I'd feed her & let her out, but it was many months before we really bonded. She was happy just following me from room to room, waiting for me to come around.

When I started working from home, she was in the office with me most of the time. Just chilling. Very calm and serene. She was good for my "zen".

The thing is I would never have picked her. She picked me.

Frodo doesn't bark. He's just an alpha dog, which ticks dan off.

Any ideas on how to fulfill my need to care for something if we don't have a pet?

Well, maybe you should get a robotic dog:BellaOnline ALERT: Raw URLs are not allowed in these forums for security reasons. Please use UBB code. If you don't know how to do UBB code just post here for help - we will help out!

You can continue to help all of us on this forum.

Hmmm. It's a thought. I don't know. Thanks for the link, Frog .

Bonsai or orchids require lots of TLC.

But, how about you just paint? For real. Now. I'm serious--I'm anxious to see your work!

Deb, i have no idea if i can still paint - it's been since high school. I might totally suck.

Plants might work. And some fish. This really isn't a fair position to be in.