[gemy]

For me a marriage is founded on trust, respect,, and love. Even though my husband loved dogs, and we have a big dog, with another big dog on the way, I wanted a Yorkie. A small dog. I would never have thought not to talk with him about getting this little one.

I did how-ever surprise him at the dinner table, when our trainer/breeder and some friends were over for dinner, saying I want a Yorkie, one from Ilona. There were a couple of reasons for this; a) he respected Ilona as the trainer for Magic b) he could ask questions of Ilona about the breed c) Ilona could see how he was feeling about "ankle biters". We then also had a discussion the next day. He said to me; Honey I can see your heart is made up. Are you sure you want another dog; never mind a show dog? I said yes. My sis wants a small dog; and I want to do agility. Ilona said she has no concerns about Magic and a small dog. And you know Ilona's Yorkies, has any of them been ankle biters? He said no; I just don't like small dogs; but if you want to, which I know you do, then sure go ahead. To put this in context, he was not only agreeing to a "small" dog but the showing and training expense of a show dog, which is not cheap as he knows.

He took about ooh let's say 48 hrs to be totally smitten by Razzle, and has said to me, God I never thought I'd be a small dog lover, but Razzle oh he's changed my perceptions.

So in my roundabout way, I am saying it is always best to discuss getting an animal with your husband. If he is adamantly opposed, well then depending upon your needs and beliefs, you either shelve the idea or go your own way, and once settled in your own house/life, get your dog.