Mark, This is the classic approach I used with my D when she was younger, pick and chose your battles. Of course, your W is not a child! I think most of us would agree that getting a dog at this particular time is not a wise idea!!
Regarding this:
Originally Posted By: Ohio_Mark
She sees the dog as her "ticket" to the kids. After the divorce is final, every kid that lives with her will mean (in her mind) more child support money for her. And she wants as much money as she can get from me. So if the divorce judge says to each kid, "Which parent do you want to live with?" she needs all three kids saying, "MOM!!" This dog is her ticket to a unanimous decision in that regard. In addition, when we split, both dogs will go with her, and the kids will want to be with the dogs. More manipulation on her part.
I mentioned my sister and her soon to be ex awhile in your last thread, and how their bitter relationship and D has ruined their relationship with their kids... Anyway, BIL tried the "BUY LOVE" approach. My sister can barely make ends meet and he's always buying gifts. The last thing was a Wii. The kids told him to take it back. They didn't want it.
Sure, a dog is much cuter but I think your boys are old enough to make a decision that is not influenced by bribery. If that's what she thinks, she's a fool! Kids are much smarter than that. They must see you as being the strong, stable parent right now.
As far as the Christmas gift idea ... get her something for the dog. A nice sleeping pad or gift certificate for training or something!
