Just Ticked off my Dad

[Dancind]

My Dad and his SO are in town for a few weeks. Not to see us, but to help out at her daughter's place while they are out of town. He lives in Nevada most of the time, and I would say we're not real close. He's getting up there, though. I just spoke to him on the phone and invited them over for dinner this weekend. He turned me down because I wasn't willing to welcome their huge German Shephard into my home. They take him everywhere since he's been trained as a service dog, though they don't really need one. We have a cat that would be completely freaked about having this dog in our house, and I kind of figure it's his house too. I guess we'll meet somewhere. Am I wrong here? I feel bad, but would feel really bad for the cat if this evening went ahead. Diana

 

[jamsmom]

I think meeting some place is fine. AT least you will still be spending time together.

 

[Serena]

Yes your dad is being a pain.

But, how bad do you want/need to see your dad?
Either meet him somewhere or put your cat in a room to accomidate(sp) the dog.

 

[Dancind]

I guess the thing that's bugging me is that I know my Dad is really offended. Well, so am I. That dog is way more important than spending an evening with his granddaughter. Diana

 

[Serena]

I don't know why some parents are sooo controlling. It makes things difficult for everyone. I hope I'm not like that when I get that age.

 

[Dancind]

I just remembered something else. After I declined to invite the dog, my Dad brought up that he has "papers" that say the dog must be allowed to go anywhere they go. I just made a joke of, saying it was lucky that didn't apply to private residences. I think he was hoping I wouldn't know that. Diana

 

[Talking Hands]

Put the cat in a room and deal with the dog. He is a service dog and you are not the one to decide whether or not your dad needs it. Btw my cats don't freak when my friend comes over with her dog. They just go where they are out of the of the dogs site. Plus a service dog is trained to deal with the presence of other animals and will ignore them.
I really don't blame your Dad for being angry. It would be like my daughter not accepting that I use sign language and refusing to talk to me unless I voiced to her and required me to speechread everything she said. I'd be angry too.

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Could you put the dog in the garage while they are over?

Can you say someone has dog specific allergies and the dog can't be in the house?

 

[Serena]

I was assuming that they truly did not need a service dog and adopted one or something like that. If the dad needs the dog, then there is no question that the dog stays with the dad.

 

[Pooh93]

I usually lock my cats up when we have company anyways out of respect for people that may not care for them. I know that we don't always agree with our parents, but you mentioned he is getting on in years, so I would try to accomodate him. You never know when or if you'll get this opportunity again. {{hugs}} that it all works out.

 

[Dancind]

They don't need a service dog, I already said that. I promise, they don't. They had him trained for this since my Dad's SO's son-in-law is a dog trainer. They just don't like to go anywhere without him, so they got the papers. Now they never leave him, I guess. I didn't realize that when I invited them over since the last few times they've been over, they didn't bring him. This dog tried to attack my husband in our house when he was younger. Then the dog peed all over our living room carpet and ruined it. Even so, I'm thinking about calling my Dad and telling him "I didn't realize M__ can't walk anymore without assistance. If she really needs the dog, we'll shut up our cat". I know she walks fine, guess we'll see what happens. I'll bet they come over, with the dog. Diana