When can we get a dog?

My desire to get a dog doesn't seem to ever fully go away. Jessica wishes it would because to get one would cause her great suffering from the smell... And my ongoing wanting for one makes her feel like she cannot ever make me content.

I don't want to make her feel like she cannot please me if she cannot grant this wish. How would I feel if there was something Jessica always wanted but I could never give without great discomfort? Wouldn't I be hurt that she would want something that would cause me problems? I would feel helpless, and a false-guilt, like I'm the bad guy for always saying no.

Maybe I just need to pray daily to be happy without a dog... Ask God to change this desire in me...

I recognize that I do need to relearn the secret of being content in any and every circumstance. Dog is not my God. Dog is not my spouse, or kids.

But don't they each fill different holes/needs in life?

Do I want a dog because I'm depressed, or am I depressed because I still want a dog?

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. 

I know that a dog doesn't solve any problems in life, and that I have to go to God for  my comfort and help... But I guess I feel like a dog helps me get there- helps me to seek God.

A dog to me represents unconditional love. Positivity every morning. The best listener. One who feels with and for you. In those ways, it reminds me of those quality of God. A dog gets me (prayer) walking and makes me want to play...

So when would it be right to reconsider getting a dog?

-when my job is secure

-when we are out of debt

-when I've saved up enough for initial costs ($2k)

-when Bella has no accidents

-when I have time to train it and help it integrate into our family (PTO)

-when there is nothing else crazy going on

-when I get advice first : outside perspective about the readiness of our family for adding a member. Do others see us as ready? What potential problems am I blinding myself to?

-when Buddy and Roxy are gone(?)

-when I'm doing well spiritually: consistent with God and content in life, so that I'm not seeking a dog out of desperation or need for an emotional escape

What is the REALITY of owning a dog vs the IDEAL in my mind of what it is like...