Again, Percy listened to Autumn's professional evaluation of the breed and then glanced over to Oliver. Under ordinary circumstances, he wouldn't want to have a dog. When he was living on his own, the only 'pet' he kept was an owl, and that was because he was useful to deliver posts. He was working a lot and away from the house, but his owl was pretty self sufficient, going out to hunt for food and returning on his own. He didn't have the time or energy at the time to keep any other animal.
In the village, his schedule was different, and Percy could tell Oli really really wanted a dog. If he said no, Oli would pout and that wouldn't do. There really wasn't any other option.
"Alright," Percy told Oliver, feeling like he was giving permission to a child rather than his adult friend. "Which one would you like? You decide."
He smiled warmly and apologetically to Autumn, "I don't think I'll take an owl at this time. Later, perhaps?" He only had so much money in his vault and couldn't afford both an owl and a puppy. Plus, with a puppy, they would need to buy all the things that puppies need, such as food, feeding bowls, leashes, toys and so on.