First of all, I'm a 35 yr old woman and yesterday I adopted a 7 yr old purebred yellow lab. He's beautiful and quite big. He was given to me by a guy that was going to Iraq and couldnt find anywhere for him to go. Well, my husband's mom and dad thought I was crazy. He is really huge...his owner said he was the runt of the litter and now he is very large. Big block head and huge paws. He is very well-behaved and intelligent. Well, my father-in-law said I was crazy for getting a dog that big. My mother-in-law acted like she was scared of him. My sister-in-law, who has a pomperanian, started saying to her dog, "I wont let that big old ugly dog step on you!" He wasnt even near her dog, didnt bark or anything. My father-n-law said I better get a big leash and kept saying he was going to be a handfull and I will regret it. I already love him and dont care what he says. What is your opinion and reason on why they acted like this? Thank you.
2007-08-23 04:51:50 · 37 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
They were probably a bit shocked that you got a dog. If you hadn't spoke to them about getting a dog that would be kinda a shocker. If you had been talking about getting a dog, perhaps they thought you were going to get a small dog, like your sister-in-laws. I got a dog a couple of months ago, when I go to my parents house the dog has to stay with a friend from high schools parents because my dad won't allow the dog on his property, I also can't take her to my parents cottage, even though she'd love it as it is on a lake (she's a black lab/German shepherd mix).
2007-08-23 04:57:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know where in the world you live, but in the USA Labs are very, very popular. They are lovely animals and, of course, great at hunting. You may wish to start challenging your family in a "nice" way to get the real reason why -- so, what is it exactly that you don't like about Labs? Counter it with the truth about Labs. I can understand why a Pomeranian owner may have fear for her Pom. I have a friend that has one and the Lab is known as: Cooper, the wonder dog. Cooper is excellent at rapport and all people skills. When a little older than you I bought a Great Dane. My family really yelled but it's my house, my yard and my money. You have done a great deed for someone that is in service to our Country. Enjoy that Lab. If possible, please keep the past owner informed of everything the Lab does. I'm sure it was not easy to give up a beloved best friend.
2007-08-23 05:20:11 · answer #2 · answered by sagebrushdelite 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think what you did was a big act of kindness. You have a huge heart and that guy going to Iraq doesn't have to worry about his dog being cared for.
I certainly think your family is out of line and their over reactors. Size has nothing to do with the dog's behavior, I have seen those Pomperanians have bad behavior. My sister has two Yellow Labs, there huge, but the sweeties dogs. I'm not afraid of them and I don't know anyone who is.
2007-08-23 05:03:44 · answer #3 · answered by M v 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the have a fear of big dogs. I have a lab and he is the sweetest most kind dog I have ever seen unless anyone tries to come on our property he is good. Labs are very well behaved and if someone else owned him all this time, he is probably well trained. Good for you for taking in an older dog, most people only want puppies.
2007-08-23 04:58:55 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Jen♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long have you been married?
Perhaps if you're a new addition to the family they feel threatened that you may be taking their son/brother away from them, so they feel it necessary to be disrespectful to you. They're actually doing more harm than good by driving you (and their son) away.
There's a reason why labs are one of America's most popular and beloved pets. Prove to your in-laws that he is a good pet and that you made a wise decision! They'll probably fall in love with him in the end- just give it time and patience. (Easier said than done) You did a good thing by taking him in- I'm sure that the dog's previous owner will be forever greatful to you!
2007-08-23 06:20:16 · answer #5 · answered by MeLanie20_02 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is so rediculous. I love huge dogs like that, and will get similiar reactions to them from people and it drives me crazy. Just make sure that you keep him well mannered,and after several months everyone will have to admit that he is the sweetest guy in the world, no matter how big he is. Some people just don't like big dogs, and many don't think that they are controllable. They assume that because an animal would be too much for THEM to handle must mean that you can't handle it either! Let them understand that just because he is big does not mean that he is a mean-tempered breed.
2007-08-23 05:08:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have a great dog! What matters is, YOU and your husband love the dog. Don't worry about the in-laws opinions. Some people prefer smaller dogs. Big dogs can be a handful, but with patience and proper training, everything can be just fine.
2007-08-23 05:02:08 · answer #7 · answered by Laura B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all don't give him up for what in-laws say who cares if he's big if you love him and he's well trained keep him I'm not sure why they acted like that maybe they were just surprised by him, but were they nice to you before you know how some in-laws can be love their children, but aren't so pleased with who they married not saying your a bad wife its just their in- laws not your parents so ask your parents what they think if they don't like him either it doesn't matter he's your dog and you shouldn't give him up
2007-08-23 05:08:19 · answer #8 · answered by Unseen-and-Unheard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the dog is well behaved and doesn't bother u, u should keep him. Anyway tell ur sis-in-law that the appearance of the dog should not matter, because she picked her dog who is cute, but may be more destructive than ur dog. You should feel good about helping out the dog, who may have ended up in a bad situation.
Thanks for helping a helpless animal, i'm proud!
2007-08-23 13:04:09 · answer #9 · answered by I love chocolate! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, when you marry your mate...you also marry their family. Don't feel bad, my in-laws are always complaining that we adopted two dogs (they were never "dog people.") Well, they complain about everything for that matter. My mother-in-law will call me up to say, Thanks, now you two will never come visit us because of those animals! (Yeah, like that's a bad thing...)
Family just wants to be involved in your business. They think their way is the best and they want to give you "advice" all the time. The best advice is just to grin and bear it....You keep loving that dog! Good for you for adopting an older pet, he certainly deserves a good home and sounds about as beautiful as can be!
2007-08-23 04:59:50 · answer #10 · answered by KS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋