We don't have any animals but I do have allergies. I've often wondered about the Dyson. I've got an old Electrolux that was wonderful in its' younger years but the man I've gone to for service stopped using Electrolux parts and the suction isn't what it used to be. My concern about the Dyson was would it be too heavy for me? There is slim chance of ever gettin my husband to operate a vacuum cleaner! Do you think the Dyson animal or another model Dyson would be best in my situation?

PS - don't buy a vacuum for any special occasion for your wife. Just let her choose to buy a new one any time she would like something to make her work a little easier.