I was actually placed in a situation similar to this about two years ago. I had found a stray and had taken her to the Humane Society. I checked on her every weekend. I was listed as a last resort (call me before they put her down). Well, she was obviously stressed out in there. She wasn't gaining weight and was in really bad shape, very sick and malnourished. I told my husband I was going to go check on her. He told me numerous times not to bring her home. He told me on one occasion that he'd divorce me. So I went to the Humane Society that weekend and they asked if I got their call. They said they called during the week. The dog was scheduled to be put down but one lady there said hold on until after the weekend because this lady always checks on her on the weekends. Well, I immediately brought her home. My husband just shook his head and said I can't believe you brought her home. I looked at him and said, well, if you're willing to leave me and throw all this away over a dog, then this marriage is a joke anyway. He smiled and said you're right. I guess I better go get a new bowl, huh? I guess he was just testing me and he lost.
By the way, the dog in this story is my sweet Patience.