Question

Walaikum Salaam

Back your answers with Qur'an Martha

Donkeys ! What was your questions exactly. By the way, Islam does not prohibit donkeys. If people do not treat well, its certainly wrong. Islam teaches us to love animals.

In any case regardless of whether Dogs are allowed or not - this case is a bit different anyway. (Converts cannot be expected to make a 360 degree radical change in lifestyle - due to numerous hurdles) Since its not your Dog, but your Wife's. She being a non-Muslim has certain rights (including ownership of pets). It would be unreasonable for one to ask the spouse/expect her to make drastic changes due to change in one's own religious beliefs. I am sure the non-converted spouse already has misgivings or wierd feelings about the conversion - so drastic changes can only aggravate such situations.

The best situation I can think of - is to have a separate Prayer Area, so you don't have to worry about cleanliness. (Any room the Dog's not allowed in). Even though, Like AbuAysha's post mentions, touching/petting a Dog or having it pass thru an area doesnt make it unclean - for the fur is clean. It is only Saliva contact that makes things Najas or unclean. (According to all 4 schools of thought)

Even if your wife is supportive about your lifestyle change - I still don't think that "getting rid of the Dog" should be opted for. Rather, just make slight changes, like move the Dog into the yard. Because it would be a bit sad for the wife, and possible cruel for the Dog. After all, pets are a responsibility too, we are their guardians/wali. And Dogs can get really attached and dependent on the owners.

Salaams,

I too love dogs, my sister's dogs are beautiful and amazing, and are actually quite clean on a whole.

when I visit I just pray upstairs where they do not go. It is the saliva, not the dogs themselves. I agree with Chrysalis about the spouse being a nonMuslim and her rights are different.

Seeks, I understand what you wrote about potential parasites. The reality is that most westerners do not get these parasites, even living with dogs. Because they have access to clean water. All animals contain some parasites.

I had e a friend 15 years ago. She had a cat. Cats, as you may or may not know, will often drink water from anywhere besides their water dish. One time she, my friend, drank out of a glass of water, unknowingly after her cat did. She contacted a rare parasites that left her completely exhausted and a long time to diagnose. It took months and months of recovery.  So cats, which are fine as pets can have dangers too if people are unhygenic. 

so anytime I see "scientific research" I want to know Who are the scientists and exactly what is the study.  Probably all animals contain parasites that are not good for humans.  I agree with Martha, being around dogs or any other animal is about common sense hygiene practices.

Probably all animals contain parasites that are not good for humans