I’m fed up of my husband’s wretched dog

DEAR DEIDRE: I am fed-up with my husband leaving me to look after his wretched dog. I didn’t even want the thing.

My husband bought it as a puppy from a mate in the pub.

I’m 58, he’s 61 and we are grandparents, so my daughter brings her children to visit us every week.

One of them is a baby so I don’t want him crawling around and picking up things covered in dog hair.

I insisted that my husband get a crate for it so it’s locked in there most of the day, but it stinks.

I have to clear up after it and I’m the one walking the dog around the garden on a lead and clearing up the mess outside.

It’s causing huge arguments.

DEIDRE SAYS: I’m not surprised. Bringing an animal into your lives is a big commitment and your husband should not have done this without your blessing.

Do the right thing and talk to him about getting this poor dog rehomed.

Keeping it caged all day, every day, is cruel. Once house-trained, a dog needs some freedom but can use a crate as a sanctuary if their bed is in it.

I get the impression you don’t see this pet as a member of your family so the kindest thing is to move the dog to a place where it will be loved.

You can find support to do this through the Dogs Trust (dogstrust.org.uk, 0303 003 0000), who can advise you about rehoming.