Oh wow, That is really unfair of your husband. You can’t tell kids they can have something ( especially something they really want) and then turn around and change your mind – That is super unfair and will make them lose trust in your word..

Can you get a different animal? Personally i would still want both. I’m not keen on dogs but i know that we will get one one day as i think it will be good for my boys in terms of teaching them responsibility for something else. Can you try phrasing it around it being an important life lesson for your children?

I would go with the puppy. A holiday is short term pleasure, a puppy is years of happiness and pleasure

Clearly your husband has been ambivalent from the beginning. At a certain point he was willing to give it a go, but now he is not. In my opinion this is not being mean, but being honest.
Personally I wouldn’t push for a dog when one of you hates dogs, most of all for the sake of the dog !!

You can easily get your dog a sitter, while your away and or buy one when you get back from overseas

That’s not fair for your husband to change his mind. Talk to him about it.

That is really unfair on the kids for your husband to do that!! A dog really isn’t that much of an expense. I would definitely sit down and talk to him. Let him know about the learning responsibilities it would give the kids. It’s not like he would have to do anything, I’m sure you would have everything under control with the dog with your 2 boys.

How mean!
I’m sorry but it is just horrible to lead your children along like that then offer you an ultimatum!
I think you need to sit down with your husband & let him know how horrible it was for him to do that to his children! He allowed them to see & choose a puppy & now says no?
You’re right, you probably won’t get to do another trip & I do not think it’s fair that you should cancel it.
Dogs are not a massive expense.
Speak to your local vet about the immunisations & try & get your new friend microchipped at the same time so you don’t have to pay another consultation fee.
Registration is only once a year & is a fair price in most states.
You can also look into pet insurance if you feel it may be something you would be interested in.
Toys can be picked up in most cheap stores, your pup is going to destroy it’s toys so only buy the cheap ones.
Food can be bought in bulk to save money as well.
Your husband is only looking at the cons & is missing the pros.
Your fur friend will provide your family with so much happiness!
They will encourage exercise, teach your children responsibility, & become a great companion!
I do hope your husband reconsiders & you & you’re children get your pup.

It is good reading the comments and interest to this!

it sounds mean that he let them look at a puppy and said yes and now he said no, he sounds very indecisive and also not concerned about the kids feelings. altho as he hates dogs he probably wont change his mind and his threat of losing next years holiday sounds like a way of getting out of it. emotional blackmail. Dogs don’t cost a fortune and really bring alot of love and joy to the family. It will teach the kids responsibility and ownership, but do you think you could talk to him without emotions.

If you have to disappoint the children just tell them that you want to rescue a pet and that you will go and look in the rescue Kennels when you get back from Europe, and you will wait until you find the right one who chooses them, as their is a special friend out there just for them and he”s not born yet.

Dogs aren’t that much of an expense. I avoided getting a pet for years for this same exact fear. You usually get them immunised and wormed, that just leaves micro chipping for under $40. Buy bulk dry food with occasional tinned food when on special. They really only start to cost money when you have to do vet visits, but pet insurance is a available to help with this

Do not get a dog if your husband hates them. He will end up resenting the dog and it will only cause arguments.

It sounds a little unfair that your husband agreed and then threw in that bombshell about no holiday! On the flipside you would have to put the dog into boarding if you went to Europe. I’d suggest a family vote as these decisions affect everyone. I am still unsure how the dog competes with the cost of a family going to Europe!

What about fostering there are lots of rescue places always looking for foster carers

If the boys are old enough explain the cost of a puppy and the impact it will have on the family.
Maybe suggest another pet until you are in a position to get the puppy.

it is simple what is more important?
it sounds like your husband is being very practicle and reasonable

It really depends on what you want and I don’t want to but I agree with your husband to get a puppy and then go on holidays seems silly, you should do the holiday first and then get your pup or no holiday as you will need to find someone to look after the pup when you’re gone and that may cost a lot if you have to send him to a dog Kennel

Take your trip to Europe and then look into getting a pet after you come back.

did you get a cute little puppy?

do both, trip now then find another adorable puppy ( adopt if possible) that your hubby cant refuse and how does one exclude the other? you coudl have pup babysat when u go away