I can't believe people think like this....

[tesslynn]

our disposable society

Blessings on your wife for her forbearance in this. You can't change people, and they obviously SAY and DO the most outlandish stuff. When my 2nd sheltie started having seizures, people were SO cruel in what they said to me. That dog was the last of my former life. I had buried everyone else dear to me, and she was my comfort, my companion, a reason to get up in the morning after burying too many of my family, friends, etc. I would NEVER sustain a pet if it was suffering, the seizures, though awful, were an inconvenience, not a death sentence, and not a daily occurrence, when not having one, she was a happy girl. So I completely UNDERSTAND why you are not putting your dog down. It is a PERSONAL choice, one outsiders have no SAY in, period! Though many FEEL the NEED to express their preference, ugh! To which I have retorted "kindly SHUT UP". And abandoning ANYTHING is cowardice, if you must rid your life of a pet, then for goodness sake be RESPONSIBLE and take care of it humanely. I HATE PEOPLE who discard pets, in the country, in the woods, in a park. To me that is ABUSE, plain and simple and I have NO tolerance for that junk whatsoever. Our disposable society makes me LIVID, when did we get so irresponsible? There are right and wrong ways to handle issues in a CIVILIZED society, why can't people DO the right thing, it ain't that difficult!!!!! People are just too lazy. You can't CHOOSE relatives, but you can have boundaries and explain what will and won't be tolerated by way of "opinions" shared in YOUR castle. Good luck!!!!!!!

 

[ghggp]

tesslynn,
Outstanding response... I could not agree more with everything you said!

I am so sorry to hear of all your losses. How awful, thank God you had a dear sheltie companion that shared your life and added the support you so desperately needed.

 

[PatC]

Forgive me for the disrespect to your parents, but some people were just born to be ignored. At least in certain situations.

 

[MissyGallant]

Sorry you have to deal with this. I admire your sifes self control. It is a good thing it wasn't my husband someone said that too. Once we had the minister and a deacon over when one of our kittens started playing around their feet. I had just served lemonade at the time. The deacon stated he didn't like cats and they should all be done away with. My dear sweet husband reached over, picked their still full glasses up and suggested that they leave. He has told people this is the pets (dog and cats) house and if they don't like it, they don't have to come over. He is the soul of tact, my husband! Good luck!

They thought that in the middle ages as well. The lack of cats caused an overabundance of these thingies called "rodents". And THAT helped spread this thing called the bubonic plague. Or as some refer to it, the Black Death. Gee, Minister- that sounds like so much fun. Yes, by all means, let's do it again. THEN I would have told them to leave. And changed churches.

 

[Chris]

I give your wife credit for not saying anything. I'm sure I would have said something like, "thank you for the suggestions. We'll remember you said that when you require too much of our time and are too much work". And then ask if they want to go for a ride.

Different generation, different values. Deep, cleansing breaths. I finally learned you can't change people, only what you're willing to discuss with them. Apology? Why waste your time and annoy the pig? Try practicing, "I think it's best we don't discuss that." Lather, rinse repeat!!

 

[Sheltiemama]

You might want to consider your wife for sainthood. Good thing it wasn't me. I don't know how old your folks are but I'm 61 and I'd have blown up all OVER the place had I been there.

And you're in the middle. Bad place to have to be.

 

[Sullivan]

Different generation, different values. Deep, cleansing breaths. I finally learned you can't change people, only what you're willing to discuss with them. Apology? Why waste your time and annoy the pig? Try practicing, "I think it's best we don't discuss that." Lather, rinse repeat!!

I totally agree Chris. Unfortunately we don't get to pick our families, but we do get to pick our friends.

 

[Tagg]

I think this was more an back handed attack at your wife than anything else. Basically they were saying that your wife is a fool for wasting money. Most people that care about you might think it but wouldn't express it because they wouldn't want to hurt your feelings.
Having said all this, there are plenty of people that won't "waste" money on a dog that is getting older. We get rescues, all the time, that are surrendered to shelters or put up on kijiji etc. and the only reason is that the dog is older and it's needs are greater. I can't tell you how thoughtless people are about my elderly and arthritic horse let alone Tinsel's ongoing health issues BUT those that care about us are sympathetic and supportive. So, take a deep breath and consider the source. You are not going to change people but you can limit your time with them.

 

[Woodbender]

*sigh*

I don't know how you two kept your cool. Hope the talk went well! If it was anyone BUT my parents I most likely would have personally and physically thrown them out. But with parents, that for me would be a very difficult conversation.

 

[MissyGallant]

This whole post makes me thankful to have had the grandmother I had, and that she had the mother she had. She thought dogs belonged inside with their people, and that they were family. One of her dogs even had it's own seat at the dining room table. As she got older, she was absolutely amazed- in a good way- at the advances in veterinary medicine and the "wonderful things they can do now to help save their lives." Love you Grandma!