My in-laws gave my teens a puppy. WTF?

[Anonymous]

My 12 and 14-yr old have been begging for a dog for years but we really don't have the time or the inclination for a dog. DH travels for work often and both kids play sports with plenty of weekend travel. For years, my in-laws have been laying it on thick that "every child deserves a dog!" and how wonderful it is and going on about my DH's dogs growing up. Never mind the fact that my MIL is the one who cared for the pets.

I AM SO MAD. They came over an hour ago and said they had a surprise for 12-year-old's upcoming birthday.
Guess what it was.

A PUPPY.

I...do not...know what to say. They are still here about to have dinner and I ran upstairs to post on DCUM just for catharsis since I may lose it (or guzzle five cocktails). My DH is now super edgy b/c he knows I'm mad, my FIL is just hee-hawing in the corner and my kids are over the moon. I....am...speech-less...

[Anonymous]

Send the dog home with the in laws. It’s their dog not yours.

[Anonymous]

“Wow, you got a dog for your house! Our kids will love to come over and visit it!”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Send the dog home with the in laws. It’s their dog not yours.

This. Unless your DH was somehow in on this (another problem), it’s their damn dog and a major boundary crossed for them to leave it with you!!!

[Anonymous]

If this is a real post, of course you don't keep the dog at your house. Let them now how wonderful it will be for you all to visit the dog at grandma and grandpa's!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Send the dog home with the in laws. It’s their dog not yours.

+1. Many unwanted gifts went home with my in-laws to use “when the kids are there.” This one is a little more extreme but same principle applies.

[Anonymous]

They made it clear this dog stays at our house. Going back down now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They made it clear this dog stays at our house. Going back down now.

Make the opposite clear. Stiffen that spine.

My in-laws give MANY unwanted gifts so my muscle on this is very strong. Wish I could lend it to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They made it clear this dog stays at our house. Going back down now.

Tell them it will go to the pound.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They made it clear this dog stays at our house. Going back down now.

Please, they cannot dictate for you whether a dog they got gets to stay at your house.

[Anonymous]

You have to refuse this. And your DH needs to back you up.

Your kids will be in college before this dog's life is 50% over.

I got a cat in 10th grade and it was one of the dumbest things I ever did.

Your in-laws need to take the puppy back or have it be their dog.

You need to explain to your kids that their grandparents crossed a non-negotiable line and that it is unfair to force others to accept responsibility for a living being without full agreement of all the responsible parties.

Your kids will be mad now but they will understand when they are adults.

[Anonymous]

That’s very irresponsible of your in-laws. They need to take the dog and raise it.
A puppy requires training, time, and lots of love. It is part of the family, in this case it’s another child with lots of needs. You alter your life for it. Irresponsible!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They made it clear this dog stays at our house. Going back down now.

Is this their house or yours?! Good luck.

[Anonymous]

This was well said.


“You need to explain to your kids that their grandparents crossed a non-negotiable line and that it is unfair to force others to accept responsibility for a living being without full agreement of all the responsible parties”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Send the dog home with the in laws. It’s their dog not yours.

This they keep the dog and your kids can visit the dog there.