I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has taken time out of their busy schedules to respond to my post.  Your thoughts and opinions have been a great comfort to me.

To answer some of your questions:

My husband can be very difficult, but only on a few topics.  For the most part, he's very considerate, romantic and supportive.  We generally don't disagree and find it easy to compromise when we do.  That, and his previous love of dogs, is why it came as such a surprise when he had a strong negative reaction to dog ownership.  He has been there for me through hard times and vice versa.  I wouldn't say that he's complaining verbally all the time - he shows his displeasure in other ways, such as being in a bad mood or avoiding the dog and me.

I wish that I could live happily without a dog.  That would simplify things immensely.  I can't seem to make myself feel differently.  It was very difficult to wait so long to get one.  I always had one growing up.  My dogs were my constant, loyal companions through a lot of really tough times.  I enjoy dog training and the physical exercise I get while playing with my dog is of benefit to my health.

It's not reasonable, IMHO, to expect people to be capable of giving the same unquestioning, endless, optimistic friendship that dogs do.  Humans have more emotional depth, lead more complicated lives, and don't bounce back from hardships as quickly.  To put it simply, humans have bad days.  That's why I feel that a dog fills a niche that a husband can't, no matter how amazing he is.

I found my last dog a good home because I didn't wait too long - he was still a puppy.  I made sure he was up to date on shots, microchipped, neutered, and passed basic obedience training.  This made him appealing to many people.  I interviewed potential new owners for 2 weeks and kept in touch with the people who adopted him.  I didn't change the microchip information, just in case they changed their minds and tried to dump him at animal control (hoping I'd get the phone call).  Right now he's at their house, playing with his Lab companion in a large back yard.

If something happened to me, I have no doubt that my husband would work very hard to find my dog a good home, but he wouldn't keep her.  Because we've fostered lost dogs in the past, he's aware of how to contact rescue groups and adoption agencies, how to interview potential owners, and so forth.

My husband doesn't see her as "our" dog as says as much.  He doesn't do any dog chores.  When he does spend time with my dog, he's very good to her.  He's not a cruel man and he doesn't take out his frustration on the dog - just me.  I think my dog knows that he's not as fond of her as I am.  I'd guess that she sees him as the very distant, aloof alpha who occasionally plays with her.  She does love to play with him.

Overall, I never would have guessed that a dog could be such an issue.  Religion, children, work, lifestyle and other major issues were a breeze.  Dogs are a major responsibility but I never thought having one could be so detrimental to a relationship where money, phobias and allergies aren't a problem.

I did buy her from a reputable breeder, but I desperately want to keep her.  Thank you for the suggestion!

For those of you who did give up a dog for a spouse, how did you cope afterwards?

Here are some pictures of my dog:

Pool Time  --  My Pet's Pet  --  Defeated By Sprinkler  --  Herding "Sheep"

She is a beautiful dog. She looks just like my Dakota. My husband did not have dogs when he was at home. I grew up with dogs in my life. After we got married  we got dogs because I wanted them. He doesnt show affection to dogs like I do. But he is good with them. I don't know how to live a life without dogs. I don't want to know. And now since our kids are grown, we have the fur kids.They are our kids now. If I were you, I wouldn't give up my dog because of the way your husband feels. You said he won't mistreat the dog. So i would keep her. She will be there when you need her. He may not be.When i have problems or are feeling down, i always turn to my dogs. I cry on their shoulders. They are always there for me.Because of me, my husband has gotten to like having dogs around. Eventially your husband might change his thinking about dogs too. I hope you get everything worked out. But  it is a shame to have a dog start loving you and putting her trust in you. And then you get rid of her. You say you would find her a good home. But think about how that dog feels about you. I couldn't do that to a dog. I wouldn't or couldn't give her up.

Oh wow...do I know what this woman has been through.  I found this post when I typed "husband jealous of pet dog" in Google search.  I wanted to know if I was alone out there.  Sadly, I'm not. I know that human psychology is off-topic in this type of forum but please let me explain:

JEALOUSLY OF PETS, FAMILY, FRIENDS may indicate that your spouse is emotionally abusive!!!!!  Your husband agreed to let you have the dog and then resented it afterward.  This is HIS problem not yours and he needs therapy, badly!  I am so sad for you.  Last year, the same thing happened to me.  My husband even went to the pet adoption with me and said I could have the dog I wanted and for 6 months, made my life a living hell with the dog and covertly threatened to run over the dog if he ever got out in the driveway while I was gone.  Sadly, I had to give my dog up for fear of his safety.  I cried off and on for 2 weeks unconsolably and all my DH did was blame me for insisting on getting a dog in the first place!!! It was then that I had my "awakening".  After reading up on emotionally abusive relationships and talking to a counselor, I discovered that my DH had SEVERAL of the characteristics of an abuser. 

I currently have no pets and still live with this man but I am leaving him next month and have filed a temporary restraining order against him.  My goal is for me and my daughter (21) who loves animals too and still lives at home with me, to have our own place and start over again with a newly adopted dog or cat that we can both freely enjoy without fear or abuse. BIG CLUE here: if  your husband is jealous and intolerant of pets, what is he capable of doing to children or YOU?????  Get him some help sweetie, and if need be, leave the relationship for a while.  I know that sounds like a mouthful but take it from one who has been there.

When I got engaged to my not-at-all-dog-lover husband 7 years ago I owned two dogs (the same two I still have now) but I was also long term fostering a pitbull that was a very difficult placement since he was either used as bait or fighting. I would have kept the dog had my husband not been so persistant about finding the dog a home. He was worried about the dog's history and liability, future children etc.. which to me seem reasonable even though I wasn't happy about it.  I kept the microchip under my name just in case and three years later got the call that the had been hit by a car and killed. As far as coping with the loss I think even if you think you might find a great home (as I did) you never know what may happen. As it turns out the home with my guy, he swtiched hands two more times before he was killed even though the adopter signed a contract saying he would return the dog to me if it didn't work out. My advice...keep the dog but try to make it more pleasant for your husband. We have dog-free areas in our home like the living room and bedroom. This keeps my husband happy and the dogs are fine with it to. You may also want to encourage time for your husband to bond with the dog like just the two of them going for a walk, jog or hike.  I think when the puppy stage is over things might be easier too. Good luck and I hope everything works out for the three of you!!!

I would get rid of the husband & get another dog, a few dogs are great, men are a pain (sorry men out there )

It seems your husband is not too concerned aboout your feelings on this or what you want at all.

Either get rid of your husband or stop involving dogs/pets in this disfunctional marriage.    Sorry, but your husband sounds like a control freak and is obviously jealous of any time you spend with the dog.   Go to the Disney store and get him a stuffed animal .   A live animal or person doesn't deserve this type of mental games.     

I wouldn't worry about it. If your husband is the dog-lover he says he is and he loves you, then he should allow you to keep the dog without griping about her. I would just continue with training classes and she will do better with time! God bless you and I hope it all works out!

It seems like you have a found a partner who you are in love with and all else in your life is good.  Your hubby is not a nurturer. Probably doesn't like gardening or plants either. Hence no children in your life.  It is such a shame about the animal situation.  Why is he not being honest with you about the dog thing?? That is what I'm wondering. Possibly trying to make you happy; but just not able to adjust to being a dog owner??  Sounds like a counseling issue to me. To have to give another dog away, will be so difficult for you. 

My husband is a great guy; but not a dog lover. We compromised and we have 2 kitties.  He and the kitties get along great.  I get my "doggie" fix from my friend's pooch.  I agree with the comment that said, "make some dog free areas in your home."  Especially your bedroom.  As a kid growing up our dogs were only allowed in the "family areas"  and my bedroom.

Keep in mind, good men/partners are hard to find.  Good dogs are everywhere we look, and too many need homes. I hope you have found some answers in the forum.  I wish you good luck with this issue.

I think there is some other problem.  After 38 years of marriage, I realize it's not all it's cracked up to be.  Your husband should make more of an effort.  My advice is threaten to get rid of the husband if he won't even try to see your side of the story.

I was also wondering what the outcome to the story was, hopefully she didn't get rid of the dog & the man is gone!

You "think" you have so much in common. . .the dog he "picked" is smelly and inconvenient ! Don't kid yourself, this man wants to be "in control"." IF" he truely wanted you to have what you wanted, he wouldn't be whining about the inconvenience of it all. The fact that you gave up your first dog for him and he picked the second and is now whining about it ! Forget it. . he's lying about what he wants and what he thinks. He has HIS best interest at heart, not yours.  You'll see there's more issues along the way! If you want to stay with a man who's very into manipulation. . . buy him some golf clubs and hope he takes an immense interest in them !!