What to do with family

[Nutty 4 Boxers]

I have a three year old Boxer and we just got our second pup..

They other night, I was at my grandparents house (they are the only family I have left, I need them in my everyday life) and we got to talking about Joe and Jersey.

Then they said something that made me want to scream and cry all at once. My grandmother looks at me and says "Big dogs are to be left outside not in the house." All I could say was "Oh that will never happen, Joe is like our 2nd son and Jersey will soon be that 2nd girl we never had..."

After leaving and coming home, I started thinking and I got even more mad, I thought how could she say something like that... This is our life and we love the animals (shhh Joe might here me say that) that we have and would never dream of putting the outside to live... This is the way that we want to live and if you don't like, don't say anything about it...

I don't know, maybe I overreacted.. But I don't think I did, it really hurt my feelings...

Thanks for listening and sorry it was so long!

 

[MollyMoose]

Your grandparents are probably just old-fashioned. They probably dont know all the "rules" that come with owning Boxers.
Besides, it's only her opinion, not yours. You're doing the right thing by keeping them inside, and dont let anyone who doesnt know better tell you different.
And I dont think you are overreacting. Its right to get a bit angry when someone suggests you treat your dogs differently. But in the end, you make the decisions, so dont sweat it.

 

[bxrbabe64]

Hi,

I can relate to your feelings on your boxers. Where I work I have pictures of my Memphis all over my desk and taped all around the screen of my computer. I have a picture of her sleeping on my bed, and some one made the comment oh, I would never let a DOG on my bed, they belong outside on a chain. Well I immediately said do you chain your kids outside? They said no and I replied then why would I chain my kid outside? I have learned that there are some people that don't feel like we do about our furkids. Some people think I am a little nuts with her, because I choose not to leave her alone very much and I try to include her in everything I do. But then again they aren't the ones that get to come home to that little stub wiggling and loves you no matter what!

Nikki
Mommy to Memphis 5.5 months old, fawn & white

 

[gidget1]

My family is not the problem. We always had dogs and cats as a kid growing up. Even my granparents had dogs inside. Big and small. It's my husband that is the problem. Even though Gidget and Freckles are both inside he never misses a chance to nag "dogs belong outside" and my personal favorite " If God intended them to be inside they wouldnn't have hair. :rolleyes: )
I also understand that he grew up in the depresion, in poor conditions and dogs where strictly for working, they had to "earn" their keep or they didn't stay around long. Your grandparents are just not used to seeing dogs treated as well as you obviously treat yours. It's your chance to teach them just how much joy your kids bring to your life. I work at it EVERY SINGLE DAY!

 

[PSUHeather]

I get similar comments about the wall of pictures of my dogs at work, the dog stories, etc. Some people think I'm nutty for having my Mom watch my pups when no one is going to be home for more than 3 or 4 hours.

Some people see dogs as "just an animal", but aren't we all?

These animals were brought into this world by the will of us, so it is our duty to care for them. I choose to care for them the best way I can, as do you all, as I gather from these posts. Hopefully, the trend will catch on.

 

[luvfritz]

Hi,

Ignore the grandparents - every family has something they don't agree on. I wouldn't dream of leaving my dogs (or cat) out all the time - that's a terrible risk to take. As far as the post that said her husband commented on dogs having hair being able to sleep outside - I'd hardly call a boxer hairy.

To all those who say our precious babies should sleep outside - I would invite them to try it first. After all if Mary, Joseph and Jesus could do it - (December in Bethlehem) what's stopping them?

 

[Nutty 4 Boxers]

I feel a little better, at least I'm not the only one out there.

I was scared to tell them (grandparents) about the new addition, Jersey, as I did not want to see their reaction. However, they heard through my oldest daughter and still have not said one thing to me... I know she knows b/c my cousin mentioned it today while at a July 4th party, I said how did you know, she said your grandmother told me...

I guess I'll hear it sooner or later.........



Thanks for all of your inputs and stories, as I said it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one...

 

[PSUHeather]

I took my babies to a 4th party (no fireworks ) and I was the only one with a doggie diaper bag.

 

[luvfritz]

Hi Heather,

When Fritzi was a young baby I took the doggie diaper bag everywhere. Once a woman asked me seriously "if I was breast feeding?"

 

[Barb_IA]

Doggie diagper bag (crack me up), that's so cute!
I've had lots of people give me that Ewww look when they see that my babies are in the home. Well, now it's just Lacey.
I have to laugh cause I have a cousin that had a new baby. She was a little concerned about her daughter being in my care with the dogs here. I assured her that they were very calm these days and they love kids. I think she's chilled a bit. I have to chuckle though, she lives out in the country and she had a cat in the house until the baby got here. His home is outside now.
I have a friend (love her dearly) and she definitely would not make a good doggie owner.
I always tell people when they make their comments, well at least my homes safer than yours. You'll have intruders before I will. hehehe!