why do THEY always have to win?!?

I have seen this too many times. When it comes to the pet population of a household, why do the MEN always have the last say!?! My brother and his wife, my Dad and Mom, my friends Lisa and Eric even Charlie and I (for a a while, until I wouldn't stand for it any longer). It is always the man who says "no new pets" and the women allow it. Are we not people with our own minds? Do our feelings not count? Please tell me there are couples out there that do not fit this stereotype.