Dear Abby: My wife is threatening to leave me if I don’t agree to get a dog

Greetings, Abby

I’ve been married to my wife for seven years. We are married for the second time. We adore each other and have a nice relationship. Even though I enjoy animals, I informed her before we were married that I did not want a pet. She is now urging me to purchase a tiny puppy because she loves animals. She is hoping that I will shift my stance, but I refuse to.

She may have to leave me and find someone who wants a pet, she told me this morning. I informed her that I would respect her choice and understood it. I now see that she values a puppy more than our relationship, thus I need advice. Please assist. ANGRY IN INDIANA

DEAR ANNOYED:

I would have liked it if you had explained why you are so opposed to owning a (small) dog. More mediation is required between you and your spouse than I can provide in a letter. It might be possible for a marriage counselor to help you communicate better than you have. It was incorrect of her to give you a semi-ultimatum, but it suggests to me that you two might be dealing with deeper issues than just whether or not to adopt a dog.

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Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It offers helpful guidance for everyone, from teenagers to elders. Send your name, postal address, and $8 (in US dollars) by cheque or money order to Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447 to place your order. (The price includes shipping and handling.)

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