My husband and I have been married since 1987. He is 64; I am 62.
I was content with our life together; we have an RV and we would sometimes visit our families in other states. We have no financial problems.
Two years ago he started wanting a dog. I did not want one; I knew I'd end up doing the feeding like I do most everything else. But he got one. I love the dog but I wish he hadn't gotten him. He Never ever walks this dog and I don't either. Sometimes he'll bathe him but usually the groomer does it.
Three weeks ago, without mentioning it to me, he came home with an 8 wk old puppy. I was so depressed it hurt. I had no idea he'd do this. Now our house has dog toys all over, dog bowls, we have to take the puppy outside to go to the bathroom in the flower beds that I alone fixed and planted. The new puppy's kennel is on top of our lovely dinette table; his playpen is in the center of the den. I do not like taking dogs in the RV; the first dog hates travel.
What do you think of these actions on the part of my husband? I know it could be worse. He could smoke or drink or use drugs or be abusive. He is innocent of those things. I feel like I'm living in a dog kennel. I am resentful. I started taking 25mg of
Tofranil recently.
Tell your husband that he will have to take care of the dogs himself. Do not quarrel, just tell him factually "we have a problem, how can we solve it".
Have some beautiful dog free rooms in the house and also fence of an area in your garden for your flowers.
It is quite common that one partner commits to tasks which the other partner has to do. Usually, the partner who is least willing to accept disorder is forced to do the work.
Do I catch some jealousy also in your reactions. Tell your husband that he has to show you affection as much as he does to his dogs.
You might buy a classic book "Leader Effectivness Training" by Thomas Dr Gordon about problem solving.