When my son came back from Iraq, the first thing my daughter-in-law did was get them a dog. It's a lab/beagle/something else mix and he is just amazing. He can get a little hyper sometimes around other people, but if my son is in the room Peanut is as calm and protective as can be. It might just help if you can get your Hubby to just see some dogs, with no intention on getting any. Say it's something like, "just so we can get a feel for what kind of breed or size you want." He might just find relaxation with seeing and playing with some of the pooches, and who knows, maybe he'll fall in love with one and take it home.