This has been weighing heavily on my mind

[MamaMia]

Last week, my cousin from Texas and his wife, both of whom I love with all my heart brought their welsh terrier to my home for 3 days. They had just spent a few days in Colorado, and we weren't that far out of their way. It was utter chaos. My little 15 lb. Shih Tzu, who thinks he is a German Shepard, was in attack mode the whole time, as was their dog. We had some close calls. My little puppy was terrified. They took turns in the bedroom, which I felt was unfair since my dogs live here. I now have to have my bedroom door redone because they all scratched it up. None of them are use to being locked in a bedroom.

I will also have to replace my brand new drapery sheers because their BoBo is so tall that he was able to jump up and look out the window. In doing so, he made claw marks in the right panel sheer and chipped the wood molding by the window. This is going to cost a bundle to fix. All in all, I have over $200.00 worth of damage. I finally had to take my dogs to the vet for the day. I felt awful for them.

There are doggy friendly hotels in this town and I did mention that to them tactfully. I told them that my niece stays there with her dog when she visits. I guess they didn't want to spend the money and I cant afford to put them up, after all, being the hostess I spent alot on them as my guests.

I like spending time with them and want them to visit again but would not know the first thing to say to prevent this from happening again.

[soonerbrat]

Just say "no"
no explanation necessary

[soonerbrat]

that didn't sound very nice...i meant.."no" to the dog. or offer to board him at the vet for them..would've been cheaper to put the one dog there, right? I'm sure they would understand since they saw firsthand the havoc he wreaked, right?

[Newbomb Turk]

I like spending time with them ans want them to visit again but would not know the first thing to say to prevent this from happening again.

"I would love to have you visit again, as long as you don't bring your dog along."

[Flagstaffsooner]

my cousin from Texas

There's your first mistake, Mom. I wouldn't let a damn texan in my house to begin with.

[MamaMia]

that didn't sound very nice...i meant.."no" to the dog. or offer to board him at the vet for them..would've been cheaper to put the one dog there, right? I'm sure they would understand since they saw firsthand the havoc he wreaked, right?

They had to of known the door was torn up. They heard it happening. I just saw the sheers last night.

I would be willing to pay to board the dog at my vet clinic overnight, but I dont think they would do that. They would probably want to go get him at 5:00, like I did my two.

[soonerbrat]

you're such a sweetie, I know you just want everyone to be happy..but you either gotta say no, or deal with it...maybe they won't be back for a while

[Legend of Ron Mexico]

If you explain how much damage was done the first time, I think they'll understand why it's a bad idea to bring the dog again. Maybe they'll even offer to pay for the damages.

[critical_phil]

people that can't differentiate between animals and humans, and treat each accordingly, have mental problems.




just my .02.

[leavingthezoo]

it's your house mom. make the choice theirs. don't bring your dog, and you're welcome. bring your dog, stay in a hotel that accepts dogs, and you're welcome. if you don't like options one and two... send me a postcard from your next trip.

[Partial Qualifier]

Soak up the cost to get things fixed up, but remember that $200 when they want to bring their dog again. The memory of that will give you strength to say "Sorry but we can't do the dog thing again" when they visit next.

[Ike]

personally, my experience with dogs is that stuff like this generally (not always, but generally) will happen when you bring two dogs that have never met each other together. However, if you stick the dogs in the yard and let em duke it out for a little while to let them resolve the pecking order in their own way, they usually get along fine afterwards.

However, some people are uncomfortable with doing that...so if thats not a route you really want to take, just tell em you don't have room for another dog.

[yermom]

i was basically thinking the same thing PQ

of course, the things you mention are the same reasons i don't have a dog at all... cats are bad enough on the house... and those weren't my choice either

[critical_phil]

it's your house mom. make the choice theirs. don't bring your dog, and you're welcome. bring your dog, stay in a hotel that accepts dogs, and you're welcome. if you don't like options one and two... send me a postcard from your next trip.

this is the right advice.


of course i don't know your cousin, but i've been in a similar situation. be prepared for them to be insulted (that's right, people that impose on others and ignore damages that they are responsible for get insulted over this kind of thing).

my sister-in-law tells everyone that she "refuses" to stay at my house when in town over a situation almost exactly as Mom described. the fact is, my sister-in-law's "not welcome" in my house IF she brings that pizsing, sh!tting, clawing, chewing, biting dog of hers.

[yermom]

so true C_P

(kinda like smokers)

[MamaMia]

Soak up the cost to get things fixed up, but remember that $200 when they want to bring their dog again. The memory of that will give you strength to say "Sorry but we can't do the dog thing again" when they visit next.

Okay.

Oh, and thanks guys. I could never mention any of this to a family member. Its just such an uncomfortable situation. Y'all are good at solving those.

[BoogercountySooner]

I had some friends come to visit last weekend and they said they were bringing their dogs. I told them that they could come but their dog's would have to stay outside if they came. I have a brand new house and I don't even allow my dogs to come in. They found someone to watch their dogs and came on out. No problem. Honest and straight from the hip thats my Motto.

[LoyalFan]

Maybe you could say..."Are you boarding the dog there or here in our town? I can get some numbers for you to call."

(Loud garbled sounds from other end of the line)

"OK, then. I hope BoBo likes our new pet. BTW, did you know it's legal to own a puma here now?"

Just a thought.

LF

[oumartin]

if this is your biggest concern you live a great life mom!

[MamaMia]

if this is your biggest concern you live a great life mom!

Actually, its not my biggest concern. My sons wife is. They just celebrated their 3rd anniversary. No kids though, thank Heaven. Our granddaughter, his only child, and who is from his first marriage, asked her Pa Pa why he refers to her dads wife as "Red Dog" the other day.