Baby or Dog?

[Anonymous]

I have an adorable 6 year old Yorkshire Terrier named Tattinger; got her in grad school as a new puppy and have had her ever since. DH and I are newly married (1 year) and very happy. I have always wanted to be a young mom and DH and I are talking about TTC. The only problem is DH insists that it will not be safe for a new DC to be around my precious Tattinger. He says we have to find her a new home before TTC. I can't imagine giving her up and don't think he is being fair. This could cause major problems in our marriage. Please give me suggestions on what to say to him!

[Anonymous]

You sound far to young to consider having children.

[Anonymous]

How old are you? The way you sound seems VERY young.

[Anonymous]

Why does he think that? Is the dog particularly aggressive? Lots of people have both babies and dogs with no issue.

[Anonymous]

Eek. Id get a new husband. It is not unsafe for a dog to be around a baby. Either your husband hates the dog or really doesn't want to have a baby.

[Anonymous]

PP - I am 27...certainly not too young to start TTC!

[Anonymous]

I understand your point, but I'll only give her up to a nice loving home that will take good care of her. Then find a nice loving home that will take good care of her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does he think that? Is the dog particularly aggressive? Lots of people have both babies and dogs with no issue.

This. My brother was born when my parents' lab was 5. Honestly, it sounds like your DH is using your dog as an excuse to put off TTC. He probably knows you won't give him away so it is an easy way for him to not start TTC and putting it all on you. Asshole move IMHO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP - I am 27...certainly not too young to start TTC!

Sometimes age and maturity do not go hand and hand. And I say this as a 28 year old mom of an 8 month old.

[Anonymous]

Choose dog.

[Anonymous]

There are lots of things you can do to train your dog to be ready for a baby. Google "baby proof your dog" and you'll find a book.

In general, just start gradually being more rough with the dog, pulling its ears, poking it.

Also, once the baby is born, you simply don't leave the two of them alone. If you need to tend to dinner, or something else, the baby and dog need to be on opposite sides of a babygate, door, or something. Trust me, the dog will appreciate it. My dog's favorite spot was the bottom of the stairs, on a landing, behind a gate, where she could safely watch what was going on but be beyond the poking hands of a child.

[Anonymous]

Even if dog were bad for the baby, why would you need to give it up before TTC? There is 9+ months in between TTC and having a baby.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Even if dog were bad for the baby, why would you need to give it up before TTC? There is 9+ months in between TTC and having a baby.

This. I'd be willing to bet money your husband is using this as an excuse to put off TTC. Time to have a serious conversation with him. Find books/articles online about babyproofing a dog/stories of your breed of dog and babies. If he still balks, it's time to find out what is REALLY going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eek. Id get a new husband. It is not unsafe for a dog to be around a baby. Either your husband hates the dog or really doesn't want to have a baby.

+1 Dogs + Babies + Common Sense = Just Fine (99.9% of the time)

[Anonymous]

OP here. I think my issue is valid, and perhaps not all that unique considering how important pets are to many here in our area. For the posters questioning my maturity, perhaps you are jealous because you waited so long for TTC and don't know if you are still fertile? Seriously, what was so "immature" about my issue? This issue is wreaking havoc on my marriage.