My MIL is Cold Hearted

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Madi100
The dog is a purebred beagle. There are no papers on him, though.

I would love to take the dog back, but I would be really scared with my three year old and seven year old.

Sorry but if you are scared of putting the dog with your kids why one earth should the MIL keep him? I feel that you gave the dog to your MIL and it is now her dog to do what she wants with.

 

[Madi100]

Originally posted by DemonLlama
Madi100
We were in the same boat as you as far as realizing the dog we had adopted was not working out. We were lucky enough to find a good home for her and she is now in her eleventh year with her family. She looked like a beagle, but must have had a hound for a father becuase she got BIG. We see in her in every Christmas card the family sends us.

Anyway, she was a good fit for them at the time, and it worked out, but if they had had a new family member come in and start being mean to the dog, we would have been in the same boat as you. And you don't deserve to be ridiculed for trying to find a good home for the dog when it didn't work out at your place.

Keep us posted!

Thanks so much for your kind words. Last I talked to my husband he was supposed to be talking to his mom about a solution. I've yet to hear from him. I'm not going to call him, because I've left it in his hands.

 

[Madi100]

Originally posted by skiwee1
Sorry but if you are scared of putting the dog with your kids why one earth should the MIL keep him? I feel that you gave the dog to your MIL and it is now her dog to do what she wants with.

Because my three year old is full of energy. She runs all over the place. A 13 old does not do that. At least not my niece. My daughter can be sitting one second and in the next she is half way across the house. I think that if my niece has been rough with this dog he is probably more likely to be jumpy and a 3 year old could scare him easier. And, an older child is bigger, therefore, they can defend themselves easier. If my children weren't in the house I wouldn't hesitate.

 

[missypie]

I would be very upset, as you are. However, in your MIL's sort of defense, I will tell you that some people do not love animals and cannot comprehend the love of others for animals.

DH was raised in a family of 4 kids and they never had a single pet. 4 kids and not a solitary stray cat, hampster or turtle. Their parents told them that if they had a pet, they could never ever go on vacation (which is probably true because they are so cheap that they would never pay someone else to look after an animal). Of the 4 grown sibilngs, one brother has a dog and the other 3 think he's nuts.

DH doesn't dislike animals. But he has never loved one and honestly can't comprehend how anyone could love one. Maybe MIL is like that...just doesn't have any affection for animals. (How sad.)

 

[lapinluv]

Unfortunately, you gave the dog to a woman that "likes putting animals down." She has had the dog for several years and it is now hers. You feel the dog has been mistreated and can't be with kids now. If she wants to put it down, I don't see how you can stop it. I don't agree, but can't feel sympathy for you or your MIL. Just for the poor dog. But, it's not your dog anymore.

Just out of curiosity, is it legal just to "put a dog down"? I would think a vet would need a legitimate reason (e.g., health issues) to do that.

 

[Madi100]

Originally posted by missypie
I would be very upset, as you are. However, in your MIL's sort of defense, I will tell you that some people do not love animals and cannot comprehend the love of others for animals.

DH was raised in a family of 4 kids and they never had a single pet. 4 kids and not a solitary stray cat, hampster or turtle. Their parents told them that if they had a pet, they could never ever go on vacation (which is probably true because they are so cheap that they would never pay someone else to look after an animal). Of the 4 grown sibilngs, one brother has a dog and the other 3 think he's nuts.

DH doesn't dislike animals. But he has never loved one and honestly can't comprehend how anyone could love one. Maybe MIL is like that...just doesn't have any affection for animals. (How sad.)

It's funny you say that because I never had pets growing up. My mom and dad don't like animals. Now while I respect and understand how people become very attached to their animals, I'm not that type. I just think it is absolutely wrong to put an animal to sleep if they don't have reason. I don't think she has reason. It's just convenient for her. I really think so. My MIL has had animals all through my DH growing up. She didn't put them all to sleep, though.

 

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by Dee & Greg
"Did you find another home for your children, too?"

OutSTANDING line! Can I use that?! I just don't get how people can see animals as disposable. It's a lifelong commitment and if you can't handle it, don't get an animal!

We've been very lucky to fill our home with rescued animals -- five kitties (one who was literally thrown from a car outside DH's office) and a 7-year-old pug we adopted just last year. They're all amazing creatures that someone just dumped. It boggles my mind.

To the OP, best of luck with your situation. I can see how you got to where you are, no matter the original intentions.

 

[vickyBaby]

Whatever happened to the dog?

 

[Jasminesmommy]

Originally posted by Bojangles
I've never heard of anyone killed, disfigured, or taken to the emergency room for a cat bite.

To the OP, why would you give your dog away to a person who had a history of putting animals down? You also knew that your "mean" neice was around the dog and played rough with him.

If the dog is being put to sleep, why don't you take him back if you feel so bad about it?

I love cats but have to disagree. My son was almost 3 and scratched by my cat and eneded up in the hospital with Cat scratch Fever. He was in the hospital for a week and on IVs for a little over a month. I know this is rear but still happens. and yes I still have this beautiful cat.

 

[missyc]

I have an aunt who is blind because of a cat.

 

[marlasmom]

The dog we put down was not a result of a one bite for being tormented. He went after every kid with no reason whatsoever. It broke my heart but if he had gotten loose he could have and would have seriously hurt a child or worse. I do think, however, that a dog who has bitten a child for whatever reason, should not be allowed near children - ever.

The beautiful German Shephard we had was so gentle. I remember a neighborhood kid coming in the house and without warning, wearing the heavy oxfords kids used to wear then, kicking the dog in her side - hard. She let out a yelp, but remained on the floor - did not go near the bratty kid. I wanted to shoot the kid - not the dog.

We have a rottweiler as a rescue dog - the sweetest dog you can imagine.

My daughter is pregnant. They have a St. Bernard who is very gentle. However I have cautioned her never to leave the dog alone with the baby - even for a minute. The dog, who is very sweet but VERY stupid, could think the baby is toy or a puppy and hurt the baby. You have to use caution.

I am very sorry - but you must assure that the dog will not be allowed near kids.

 

[Madi100]

Originally posted by vickyBaby
Whatever happened to the dog?

She wouldn't change her mind. She thought the dog was very dangerous and didn't want anyone else to have it. I haven't talked to MIL since she told me she was going to put the dog to sleep, and I don't have any intention of talking to her soon.

 

[Pete's Mom]

Poor dog!

 

[snoopy]

I hate sad endings.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

That is so sad. She seems very closed minded.

 

[Deb in IA]

 

[Bojangles]

How sad for the poor dog. I really hope you never get another pet.

 

[trishy]

That's sad! What a witch. I don't blame you for not wanting to talk to her. However, I would send her a condolence card and write in there "For the sake of all animals, never try to own a pet again. Not even a goldfish. It's obviously not in your nature to nurture an animal." I'd also put a copy of this thread in there just to tick her off.

I've had pets all my life - mostly dogs. When I was young, I was bit by our dogs, but I was a rough kid. I would try to scoot my dog off the bed by pushing her with my foot - she got back at me by biting my foot. She put an end to my pushing her off. Dogs do that. When my sister would push me, I'd push her or hit her. Kids do that. I tell my own kids that if they're mean to or pick on the dogs they deserve whatever they get. Your MIL is ignorant. That dog deserved a second chance with a decent home. Shameful situation all around.

 

[MeanLaureen]

Sorry, this will sound harsh, but that was cold hearted, irresponsible and pathetic.

If people cannot value an animal for what it is - a living, breathing, companion to man - they shouldn't even think of having one in their lives.

One bite to a "child" (and at 13 some girls are as big as adults) that has a history of being abusive to it doesn't a vicious dog make.

I just can't understand why the MIL didn't send the dog to a rescue group or - OP, why didn't you retrieve the dog and take it straight to a rescue group.

Heck, even at the pound it would have had a 7 day chance to find a new family to take him - instead he was put to death.

 

[Crankyshank]

ITA with Lauri on this one.

Hell I even offered to take the dog if rescue couldn't place him and could arrange transport and my responses were ignored.