Pets, anxiety and depression

John, There are many studies reporting that pet ownership is beneficial to both depression and anxiety.  As far as anxiety symptoms, pets can be calming by way of petting the animal and enjoying the companionship.  Heart rate and breathing can both be reduced. Depressive symptoms can also be reduced through many means of pet ownership.  Walking a dog is good exercise which is proven to elevate the mood. Unconditional love that a dog can show is also uplifting. Also, stepping outside of one's depression and focusing on something else is proven to be useful as a tool for depression. You might consider a dog that is even tempered, potty-trained and,perhaps, does not shed thereby eliminating more work.  I also think that I would not surprise your wife. She might not like that someone is "taking charge" of "fixing her". Perhaps discussing the benefits of pet ownership might make sense to her. Preface the idea with the fact that you love her so much, you hate to see her struggling and that you would be caring for the dog. She also might like the idea of you both taking walks together and enjoying couple time.  Good luck and enjoy the new member of the family.