'Lawyer up': Wife in 10-year marriage springs surprise ultimatum on husband saying she wants kids or she's out, then swears to take the dog with her in divorce

Happy Furiday, animal fam. We were absolutely pawsitive that we wanted kids before we got dogs, and then, after raising our three dogs, we're not entirely sure. These dogs already push us to our limits daily, so we're not sure how we can manage with hooman children. It's a conversation we're having with our partner, with both of us being open to either pawssibility, but it is definitely a conversation. However, if one of us were absolutely against having children, that would be a whole different subject.

After being married for 10 years, the couple below now faces a very surprising dilemma. A few days ago, the wife sprung an ultimatum on her husband, who made it very clear from the beginning that he did not want children, saying that she wants to have kids…. or she's out. And on top of that, she wants to take their dog with her. With neither party willing to budge, they're left with a terrible decision to make, and the dog is stuck in the middle. Scroll down to read through it all below!

Author image for Blake Seidel Blake Seidel
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  • 01
    Wife of 10 years suddenly saying she wants children or she leaves with our dog
    via from Sydney Moore

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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  • 02
    So after 10 years of her knowing I'm not interested in having kids, she suddenly as of two days ago told me she "realizes we haven't accomplished anything as a couple" and that she needs to have kids or she's done.
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    I told her that I obviously love her and feel differently, that "accomplishments" is a odd metric and I have no idea what she's looking for there.
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    Yet for the final cut, she wants to take our dog because it's equally hers and mine. I feel this is completely wrong - she is doing the leaving and then taking not only our relationship, but the dog's as well now?
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  • 05
    I'm in Texas and just completely blindsided by all this...is there anything I can even do?
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  • We don't even know what we would do if our partner surprised us with this kind of information. Being aligned on children in the future is crucial to the survival of any long-term relationship. 

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    WrestlingWoman Don't fight this. She wants children and you don't. Let her go. Keep the dog if you can. Remind her she's on a quest to have children and the dog might be neglected so it's best if it stays with you.
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    reddixiecupSoFla "Ok, I understand that you have changed your mind about children and we are no longer compatible, but Melly will be staying in the only home she knows if you choose to leave."
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  • 08
    ForcedEntry420 "It wouldn't be responsible for you to have the dog while also trying for kids so the dog will stay with me, but good luck with everything. I hope you find what youre looking for." ::lawyer up::
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    6bubbles Id fight for the dog, but id let her go. Im so sorry.
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    Cheezburger Image 10501750528
    via Dean Drobot / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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  • 11
    Peacock_Faye Tbh this is probably not going to change and is probably a long time coming. A lot of brâ– ders play the long game, hoping we'll change our mind and cave.
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    Once your lease is up, just don't renew or rent elsewhere without her. Check your vet records, if you're the primary owner, and the rabies certificate and microchip are on your name then legally you're the owner and can take him anytime.
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    Call the vet, remove her from the account and let them know you're revoking permission to share medical records, updates, or anything with her or anyone other than yourself.
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  • 14
    Accomplished-Tuna100 This is awful. I'd file for divorce but, since she will be busy with kids, she needs to leave the dog with you. Hire an attorney now.
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    slyndsi Fight like h I for your dog! She isn't stable and the second she gets pregnant who knows what will happen to your dog. I'm sorry you are losing your partner but definitely do not let her take the dog in her current state.
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    Upper-Tour-9564 Sounds like a country song, to be honest. She'll be after your pickup truck next.
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    Cheezburger Image 10501754112
    via Kaboompics.com from Pexels / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • If you tried to take our dog from us…. let's just say that you don't want to even try. Our doggo is our child, and you best believe that we will do everything in our power to keep us from being separated.

  • 18
    UpbeatBarracuda I'm really sorry, this s ks. I will say that your wife's behavior is demonstrating a complete lack of love on her part. If you love someone, you don't threaten them with an
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    ultimatum and cold-heartedly decide to take the dog from them as well. From my perspective, having a loving long-term relationship is enough of an
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  • 20
    "accomplishment" in and of itself -- but the concept of needing "accomplishments" to feel fulfilled in life is dumb.
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    Having children with the goal of showing them off as your "accomplishment" is stupid. It's unfair to the child. That's where you get into the whole
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    narcissist parent thing, where they only 'love' the thing if it's doing something impressive...and any failure is met with retribution. Gross!
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  • 23
    I really agree with you and others that taking the dog is cruel to the dog, and coldhearted to you. If you wife is going to head off on a mission to find a man, get
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    impregnated, and have babies -- the dog is going to fall by the wayside. I really believe that dogs owned by childfree people get a way better life. Try to keep the dog if you can.
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  • 25
    I don't know much about divorce, but it may benefit you to get a lawyer and work on some proof that you should get to keep the dog?
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