Anonymous wrote:Instead of thinking how annoyed you are by this, stop and think what your kids got out of it. They had fun with grandma and her dog. I think it's the role of grandparents to be (slightly) subversive - offering fun but safe things to do that are just outside the bounds of what parents are prepared to offer. Your kids will love her for it and that's a bond that you should encourage, for everyone's sake. As for the dog licking your child, just chill. It would be so sad to sanitise every part of your child's life. Let them enjoy themselves. You never know, seeing their joy might make you feel happier too.

How about they get the dog exposure AT grandma's house? Why does it have to come to OP's house? Dogs are not welcome everywhere. That's life.

You are not awful OP. What's awful are people who can't understand that dog do not equal humans. It is TOTALLY ok to ask her to not bring the dog. #1: it's against your lease. Meaning you can get evicted if you get caught. Last time you were stuck because you had an emergency, so you took the risk. Simply tell her that and ask her to leave the dog at home, preferably with FIL who sounds helpless anyhow.

Dog people are cultish and crazy sometimes, I don't get it. I've loved animals in the past, but I'd never expect OTHER people to love my animals simply because I do. And I'd *never* bring one to someone's home after being asked not to. It's RUDE, not other way around it.

I can't believe how many people think it is fine for you to break your lease.

Your lease says no dogs. So you shouldn't have dogs in the house, even as guests.

If I was the landlord and found out, I would kick you out.

I'm glad you had to spend so much time cleaning - serves you right for breaking your lease

Instead of thinking how annoyed you are by this, stop and think what your kids got out of it. They had fun with grandma and her dog. I think it's the role of grandparents to be (slightly) subversive - offering fun but safe things to do that are just outside the bounds of what parents are prepared to offer. Your kids will love her for it and that's a bond that you should encourage, for everyone's sake. As for the dog licking your child, just chill. It would be so sad to sanitise every part of your child's life. Let them enjoy themselves. You never know, seeing their joy might make you feel happier too.

Why couldn't FIL just stay home with the damn dog since he's useless with the kid? 3 adults to watch one kid for two days? sheesh.

OP,

I'm curious what the "semi-emergency" was and how that might play into future discussions with MIL re: having her dog in your house.

OP she helped you out when you were in a bind.

Now you tell her that your lease doesn't allow dogs. You let it slide because of the emergency but from now on the dog can't stay.

Anonymous wrote:Loosen up, OP.

+2. You had a free babysitter. The dog and hair are temporary. There are no life-altering allergies. So, get over it.

DC has some great dog friendly hotels. Don't expect her to do you any favors looking after your kids if you can't live with her dog coming, though.

Loosen up about the licking. Studies show it helps kids have stronger immune systems. The only kids endangered by animals are ones with compromised immune systems -- and even then, many kids with those health conditions can safely live with family pets.

Are you me? Add to it that my kid is allergic to her dog - not like sneezing, but covered in hives with swollen eyes. My 4 year old spent both Thanksgiving and Christmas passed out on the couch, and drugged up on benadryl because of it.

Our lease also doesn't allow it, and they have more than once had a last minute "emergency" that "forced" her to bring the damn dog - the dog walker cancelled, they couldn't find a kennel....

Lots of sympathy. If you can afford it, offer to pay to board the dog, or get them a hotel (we cannot afford that right now ourselves). Pay to get the house/car cleaned if you can. But mostly it's a matter of sucking it up to keep the peace in the family.

I agree that you should mention that the dog was allowed because it was an emergency but going forward in situations you can plan for, the dog is not allowed. But you have to get over the hair and slobber issue from the last visit because she was doing you a favor.

If the dog was allowed by your landlord, though, I'd think you were being a little uptight. For holidays or short visits, I'd expect her to keep the dog home, but if she's coming to your house to watch your kids overnight, I'd allow her to bring the dog (barring aggression and allergy issues or real damage like peeing).

Anonymous wrote:It's disgusting and I would have DH tell her not to bring him again. Your kids can see the dog when you visit her at her home.

This

Anonymous wrote:Loosen up, OP.

I agree. You sound so ungrateful.

Tell your MIL to come over to my house. We loves dogs and grandparents who offer to help.

Sounds like she agreed to come but didn't tell you about the dog until it was too late to find someone else? The problem is because you were OK with the dog this time she will see it as being a non issue every time. I would have stuck firm on the no dog because of lease issue because really there was no reason she couldn't kennel the dog, sounds like she just didn't want to. If it was a financial issue of the kennel, I am sure you and DH would have offered to cover that.

I would let it be clear that the dog was only allowed because it was an emergency and you and DH are not comfortable risking your lease or a fine from you landlord because you had a dog over. Is it an apartment or condo building? You could also blame a neighbor tattling on you to your landlord but if it is a house that wouldn't be so believable.

I'm not a dog hater but I don't love everyones dogs. And I would be really annoyed if I had to clean up after someones dog or watch them lick my kid because I personally just think that is gross. I know dog lovers think its cute/sweet/funny but I don't. I guess the having to clean up the dog hair is what it is because you asked last minute for them to come help you with a favor? Is her house covered in dog hair? If so, I would have guessed she would leave my house in the same condition.

Get over it OP. You're lucky she helped you out.