Human Interest Real People Real People Married Life Woman Tells Husband to Return Surprise Puppy, Despite Kids' Excitement: 'I Did Not Want a Dog' "The kids were all excited. He said it was my birthday gift," the woman writes on Reddit By Virginia Chamlee Virginia Chamlee Virginia Chamlee is a Politics Writer at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE for three years. Her work has previously appeared in The Washington Post, Buzzfeed, Eater, and other outlets. People Editorial Guidelines Published on November 10, 2024 04:30AM EST Comments Cute boy looking at father with puppy in window at home in a stock photo. Photo: Getty A woman says she has asked her husband to return a puppy he bought as a "surprise" despite her saying she had no time to take care of both the dog and the couple's children. "My husband and I are in our mid-40s and have been married 15 years," the anonymous woman writes on Reddit, adding that the couple has two kids, ages 11 and 14. The woman adds that the family's senior dog died a couple of years ago and "since then, we’ve talked about getting another dog but maybe when the kids graduate high school." "Dogs are a huge commitment and I have no time. Kids activities 7 nights a week, and I work two jobs (50 hours total). Husband has a full time job too, but works from home three days a week," she adds. Recently, though, she came home to a “surprise.” A new puppy. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. A young couple having a fight with a dog between them in stock photo. Getty Woman Refuses to Rehome Dog Even Though Boyfriend Is Allergic: 'Don't Know If I Believe Him' "I felt angry because I made it clear I did not want a dog," the woman writes. "The kids were all excited. He said it was my birthday gift. I pushed back and said dogs are a family decision and I felt that he disrespected me." Her husband "flew into a rage" at her reaction, threatening separation and spending the night elsewhere. "He came home today and I apologized for suggesting he got the dog because he wanted it, rather than [as] a heartfelt gift. I told him he needs to return the dog," she adds. The husband continues to discuss separation and the wife wants to know if she's in the wrong. Man's Date Gets Mad When He Refuses to Put Dog Outside During Dinner: 'She's My Family' But commenters say the husband is the problem, with one writing, "You sound like you are living in what is called a 'tolerable state of unhappiness.' " "Why would you apologize for saying the truth? This dog is just a burden on you," the commenter added. "He DID get the dog because he wanted it. It certainly wasn't for your benefit. You were clear you didn't want one. And now he's gaslit you into apologizing for saying the 100% truth." Added another: "It 100% isn't about the dog." Close