My husband got a poodle in November, and since then, we got married and I moved in with him.
To give some context, we live in a 2-bedroom apartment with a roommate who also has a dog. So there are 3 people and 2 large dogs, making our bedroom pretty cramped. All it can fit is a full-size bed and a dresser. We also had to put the dog’s crate in the room, leaving no walking space at all.
I’m not a dog person. I think they’re cute, but I don’t like them as pets. The dog is about my size, so he takes up a lot of room in the small space. Months have passed since I moved in, and I’m still living out of suitcases and boxes because there’s no space for another dresser.
The dog has been having stomach issues and constantly poops in our bedroom – in the closet, in his crate, and since he’s hairy, he leaves liquid poop on the walls, couch, and carpet. The bedroom smells so bad I can’t sleep in there. Even at night, he rattles his crate and barks, so I’ve been sleeping on the couch for the last few weeks.
We can’t afford to move to a bigger place or hire a trainer because my husband is in school. He’s gone from 8 to 5 every day, and I work from home, where the dog barks constantly during my meetings. The dog doesn’t listen to me at all and only occasionally listens to my husband. When my husband gets home, the dog hangs out with us but keeps barking at things outside the porch.
I don’t have any connection with the dog. I don’t enjoy being around him, and though others say he’s cute, I just don’t see it. He seems like a happy dog, and I feel he’d be better off with a family that has kids or a big yard. I feel guilty for not bonding with him, but I just don’t feel that connection.
On top of that, the dog’s fur collects dirt, poop, and hair every time he goes outside. My husband doesn’t clean up after him, and while I already do the daily cleaning, I can’t handle the extra mess from the dog, too.
I desperately need a clean, dog-free bedroom for just one night. Is it wrong to take him to the pound?