Unhealthy relationship with dog...... say something?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't see why this is "unhealthy." She loves the dog, wants to spend time with the dog, maybe is getting a huge amount of happiness from taking care of this dog who offers her unconditional love.

You are judging her in saying that certain family events should be prioritized over the dog; but that is a matter of your opinion. Reasonable people could disagree--there is no universal right or wrong here. Indeed, your sister disagrees--she clearly wants to be with the dog.

You mention that she does not have kids, as if this is relevant. You seem pretty judgey, OP.

What exactly would you imagine saying to her? Tell her that you think she is "crazy"? How do you think this conversation is going to go over? You think she is going to smack her head and say, "What was I thinking?! Thank you for saving me!"

The fact that you are even contemplating this suggests to me why your sister is in dire need of the kind of unconditional love a dog can provide. This dog is never going to ask strangers online if it should tell her that she is crazy. It's going to act super enthusiastic whenever she shows up and will love her just the way she is.

Look, she's not making choices you would make. That does not make them crazy choices. I don't see any evidence that her mental health is actually disturbed. It seems like you are the one who is disturbed by the idea that she's got something going on in her life other than going to family events. Leave this woman and her dog alone. Better yet, be happy for her! Buy the dog a chew toy!

THIS.

[Anonymous]

I am a dog person but this woman is over the top. Why are people saying that this isn't unusual? No one is saying that she should bring the dog to the fire works--just leave the dog at home! Get a dog service or pay a kid. Using the dog as an excuse to avoid family or feeling pressured to choose the dog over seeing family is NOT NORMAL and totally unnecessary!

[Anonymous]

This is 100% relates to your sister not having a child. Don’t say anything about the dog but do pressure her to have a child. That will solve it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't see why this is "unhealthy." She loves the dog, wants to spend time with the dog, maybe is getting a huge amount of happiness from taking care of this dog who offers her unconditional love.

You are judging her in saying that certain family events should be prioritized over the dog; but that is a matter of your opinion. Reasonable people could disagree--there is no universal right or wrong here. Indeed, your sister disagrees--she clearly wants to be with the dog.

You mention that she does not have kids, as if this is relevant. You seem pretty judgey, OP.

What exactly would you imagine saying to her? Tell her that you think she is "crazy"? How do you think this conversation is going to go over? You think she is going to smack her head and say, "What was I thinking?! Thank you for saving me!"

The fact that you are even contemplating this suggests to me why your sister is in dire need of the kind of unconditional love a dog can provide. This dog is never going to ask strangers online if it should tell her that she is crazy. It's going to act super enthusiastic whenever she shows up and will love her just the way she is.

Look, she's not making choices you would make. That does not make them crazy choices. I don't see any evidence that her mental health is actually disturbed. It seems like you are the one who is disturbed by the idea that she's got something going on in her life other than going to family events. Leave this woman and her dog alone. Better yet, be happy for her! Buy the dog a chew toy!

The fact that you need unconditional love so badly and are looking at a dog for a source suggest that you need therapy. The acceptance needs to come from within yourself. Looking at animals as source of love because humans are not good enough is extremely immature.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:sounds like she finally has the excuse she always wanted.

also sounds like she's never had a dog before.

This

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is 100% relates to your sister not having a child. Don’t say anything about the dog but do pressure her to have a child. That will solve it.

“Pressure her to have a child”?!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is 100% relates to your sister not having a child. Don’t say anything about the dog but do pressure her to have a child. That will solve it.

“Pressure her to have a child”?!!

yes. try to persuade her. people do it all the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is 100% relates to your sister not having a child. Don’t say anything about the dog but do pressure her to have a child. That will solve it.

“Pressure her to have a child”?!!

yes. try to persuade her. people do it all the time.

Lol. Horrible advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is 100% relates to your sister not having a child. Don’t say anything about the dog but do pressure her to have a child. That will solve it.

“Pressure her to have a child”?!!

yes. try to persuade her. people do it all the time.

Lol. Horrible advice.

why? the sister clearly needs a baby but is for some reason indecisive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a dog person but this woman is over the top. Why are people saying that this isn't unusual? No one is saying that she should bring the dog to the fire works--just leave the dog at home! Get a dog service or pay a kid. Using the dog as an excuse to avoid family or feeling pressured to choose the dog over seeing family is NOT NORMAL and totally unnecessary!

plus 1

[Anonymous]

She likes her dog more than going to these events. Her choice. You should MYOB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:sounds like she finally has the excuse she always wanted.

also sounds like she's never had a dog before.

This

+100 she has reached the point to say not doing this family thing!

[Anonymous]

Haha look back over the things sister has bailed on to be with dog. 4th of July party. Paint moms kitchen. Lunch with judge sister. Haha ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haha look back over the things sister has bailed on to be with dog. 4th of July party. Paint moms kitchen. Lunch with judge sister. Haha ?

Exactly. little wonder she would prefer to be with her dog. I would too! It's perfectly normal to want to skip family events if your family is like OP.

[Anonymous]

I don't know what some ot these other posters are smoking, but yes, your sister is a bit cray cray and no, this is not normal behavior.

I have been around dogs my whole life and don't ditch on events that I said I would attend/help to be with my dogs so they won't be lonely or check in on them multiple times in a span of a few hours.
Gtfoh.