Nov. 9, 2005 Dear Annie,
We have a dilemma for Thanksgiving. None of my family lives here, so we always go to my husband's family's for holidays. This year they want to have Thanksgiving dinner at his parents' house and they have a dog that is not trustworthy around children. They treat this dog like a person and refuse to shut it in a room or outside, so I have to behave like a sentinel and stay beside our two little ones every second we're there. This doesn't make for a relaxing day for me, especially since the baby just started walking and keeping her and the toddler together and safe from the dog will be really difficult! I hate to say anything and cause trouble. My mother-in-law reads your column every week. Please help!
Concerned Mother in Morton, WA
Dear Mother,
It's sweet that you're willing to try to safeguard your children without complaint to keep peace in the family, but I don't recommend it. A dog bit one of the babies in our family and we were just lucky the little one wasn't injured more severely. That dog is now put behind a closed door when children visit the household, even though he is as loved and pampered as your in laws' pooch. It's not easy, and his master feels sorry for him every time, but also wants his grandchildren and great grandchildren to come and visit. This is what your in laws need to decide: Is the dog's freedom to roam about the house for a short period of time, a few hours of the day, more important than the well being and safety of your family? Your husband needs to ask them that. If they won't put the dog up, offer to host Thanksgiving dinner at your house this year. Take care.
Annie
Please write to:
Annie, P.O. Box 1084, Eatonville,WA 98328
E-mail: letters_annie@hotmail.com
Past Ask Annies:
Nov. 9, 2005 Parents With Untrustworthy Dog Invite Family With Children
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