We don't have animals in the house. Neice is going through a divorce and her dad says the dog is her only friend right now. It goes everywhere with her. My husband told them it is alright. I am NOT happy about the situation at all. Am I being mean? I feel bad but, we have many nice things that are not replaceable. What do I do?
2006-11-27 11:11:15 · 9 answers · asked by juzbcuz 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Sorry that your hubby didn't discuss it with you before the final yes to them...you have a right to be mad at him for that but the damage is done. Unless you want to put yourself in the situation of calling them and saying no and then probably be labled a "B". You certainly have a right to express your concerns of your personal property getting damaged and hoping they will respect you and make sure the dog is house trained, etc. There are always pet boarding places if the dog is a real animal! You could say it is their Christmas gift by paying for it. Good luck and I hope it all works out well. Merry Christmas!
2006-11-27 11:20:41 · answer #1 · answered by Mamma Mia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't go against your husband without starting trouble between you two, but you can still have your way partly.
I would let her bring the dog, but politely tell her that the dog must be kept outside, and in the room she will be sleeping in (if you can dog-proof that room and it has a door that closes.) Let her know that while you don't mind her companion, you also don't want the dog to have free reign in your home. You don't need to bring up any possible damage or breakables that may start an argument about how "well behaved" the dog is, which may or may not be true. Gently tell her that you respect that her dog is her friend, but yours is a pet-free home.
You can say that you want the holidays to go as smoothly as possible for everyone, and a strange environment may be hard on the dog. Many animals don't adjust well to new places, and you would prefer to avoid any nervous behavior from too many new people in addition to the new location. Head her off before she can protest that the dog will be "fine." Just use the old "better safe than sorry" line. She can't guarentee that the dog will get along with every member of the family who will be there, or that no one will acccidently step on the dog's tail in all the confusion.
Another option is to tell her that a friend is allergic to pet dander, or dog hair, if you have frequent meetings or get together at your home. Then it's a health issue, not a mess issue. She can't argue with that.
Also let your husband know that you have set limits so he doesn't unknowingly tell the girl it's OK to have the dog in the house.
2006-11-27 19:33:48 · answer #2 · answered by welches_grape_jelly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of dog does she have? And is it potty trained? Does it sleep out side or does it have to be inside all the time.. Ask you husband to ask his niece and how well does the dog act around people he would recognize on a regular basic? Get some more scoop on the dog then go from there...
But no, I dont think your being mean, but what if you were a dog would you like to be left alone for a few days?
And it wont hurt to be a little nice she just got over a divorce..
Good Luck and Happy Holidays...
2006-11-27 19:16:35 · answer #3 · answered by ♥ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know exactly what she is feeling,I have a Maltese that is my best buddy.Why don't you compromise.My sister-in-law is like you but my brother is crazy about his 3 pugs sooo they put a doggie door in the den and put up baby gates so the dogs could come in and my brother would get inside the gates and play with them,this is extreme.I know.Since she is just coming for Christmas,why don't you fix a nice warm place in your garage with a nice blanket and some dog toys,this will let your niece know that animals are not allowed in your house but that you are at least trying to make poochie feel at home..
2006-11-27 19:19:47 · answer #4 · answered by Zoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and no well that is her best friend right now that she is going through something right now she needs her friend to be with her but is it a vicious dog and there is children's in the house i would say know and there is a problem of have the dog have his shots are not being around people in case he bite someone are children's in the house and is the dog house trained and if all that checks out okay well it shouldn't be a problem to let her best friend comfort her in her time of getting a divorce
2006-11-27 19:29:48 · answer #5 · answered by lavern h 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's your house. Feel free to set a boundary in whatever way you need to set it. You're not being mean, not everyone is a dog person.
Now that your husband has okayed it, you might have a hard time changing what he said.
2006-11-27 19:14:20 · answer #6 · answered by SuzieQ92 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should understand with the niece. The dog can stay in a room or even take the things that can break out just to please your husband and his niece. Plus how do you know the dog its bad behaved maybe its a good dog and wont do any harm. Just try it.
2006-11-27 19:14:41 · answer #7 · answered by kathernva 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Be gracious. If the dog is well behaved and not a big one--you'll be fine. If so, ask her to tie it up outside.
2006-11-27 19:13:40 · answer #8 · answered by smeezleme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you are being mean...
Let them bring the dog and make nice.
You should have animals in the house anyway...
2006-11-27 19:13:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋