My brother-in-law once said, “My wife’s priorities are: 1. The dog, 2. The kids, 3. Me.” Their handsome long-haired dog was fed prime cuts of meat, brushed and hugged frequently, and taken for long walks daily. My brother-in-law was feeling pangs of jealousy.
We all know (or even have in our homes) pets that receive lavish attention from at least one owner. What you may not see is the apprehension or resentment of the other adult in the home. It’s not that the other adult dislikes animals nor would they ever be unkind to an animal. Who does not instinctively understand the joy and comfort that a pet can bring to a home? Pets are invaluable for their companionship. Many studies have shown that animals relieve stress and anxiety for people of all ages. Some serve a function as watch-dogs, warning home-owners of strangers or other animals on the property. Barking dogs have provided warnings of fire and other life-threatening hazards. Let’s not forget the reliable service dogs, such as personal guide dogs for the vision-impaired, and the trusty canine companions for those with physical disabilities. This blog is in no way intended to question the value of pets in our homes.  However, it is not unusual for couples to disagree on the decision of whether or not to bring a pet into their home.

It helps to be mindful of all of the considerations in owning a pet. First, there is the problem of pet allergies. One or more people in the home may be allergic to the pet. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 15 to 30% of people with allergies have an allergy to dogs, cats, or other animals. In the United States, 10 million people are allergic to cats (http://www.aafa.org/page/pet-dog-cat-allergies.aspx).  Symptoms may include itching or swelling of the eyes or nose, and stuffy nose. More extreme cases may involve coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Sometimes rashes develop on the face, neck, or upper chest. In the most extreme cases, cat allergies may cause severe asthma attacks.
Secondly, consider the monetary costs of owning a pet, particularly costs related to dog ownership. These include: food, veterinary care, boarding, beds, treats, grooming, medications, dietary supplements, leashes, and toys.  Factor into the costs the reality that multiple-pet ownership is at an all-time high, with 44% of pet-owning households having more than one pet at a time (http://media.americanpetproducts.org/press.php?include=144262). Pet costs can mount up quickly. If one partner is willing to sacrifice other things to pay these costs but the other is not, conflict and unhappiness can result.