Bella Giveaway?

Dear Dog Lady,

I am in desperate need of your help. Nine months ago, my wife and I got a cocker spaniel puppy, Bella, as a house dog. Since then, I have found that I am really not a dog person and feel it was a mistake. My wife will have no part in giving the dog away to a loving family but I am becoming miserable and want the dog to go. What can we do? I love my wife dearly but we argue over this issue. I am worried.

Matt, Newton, MA

Matt, you should have done more homework and soul-searching about being a “dog person” before you brought a dog into your home. At this stage, it is terribly unfair to your wife and Bella to decide the dog must go. How ironic that Bella has lived at your home for nine months – a full human gestation cycle – and you want to throw the baby out with the bath water. Have you no feelings of affection for this animal? Dogs are not disposable.

Dog Lady advises you to soldier on because it is the noble thing. Announce to your wife that you’re getting a divorce -- from the dog. Award full custody to your wife. Tell her you just don’t want to be involved in the care of Bella anymore. Kindly ask your wife to assume responsibility for the feeding, training and exercising of her pet. You, as Mr. Persona Non Dogma, can still live under the same roof, but you don’t have to be a participating parent. If your wife agrees to the arrangement, it might save the dog – and the marriage.

Posted by Dog Lady at March 11, 2006 04:33 PM