Reasonable Dog Owner Gets Kicked Out Of Family Thanksgiving Because She Refused To Be Around Her Cousin’s Sick And Contagious Dog
Much like countless individuals across the United States, this Reddit user eagerly anticipated the Thanksgiving gathering with her family. This year’s festive occasion was set to take place at her parents’ home.
Currently residing with her parents, the OP finds herself in a predicament where the traditional family Thanksgiving might not unfold as expected. A dilemma arises from one of her cousins who wishes to bring her dog along to the festivities.
On the surface, accommodating the dog might seem trivial; however, the underlying concern is that the dog is afflicted with kennel cough. The canine contracted the ailment from a doggy daycare approximately ten days before Thanksgiving.
Kennel cough, being airborne, poses the risk of transmission through shared toys, shared bowls, and even nose contact among dogs. The OP’s apprehension centers on the possibility of her cousin’s dog transmitting the ailment to her own four-legged companion.
In a unique dynamic, the OP has a certified emotional support dog, vital for her PTSD. Conversely, her cousin, who is neurodivergent, firmly refuses to part with her canine companion.
Notably, the cousin tends to react excessively when her desires are not met. Despite the OP’s warning about the contagious nature of kennel cough, the cousin remains steadfast in her decision to bring the dog to the Thanksgiving dinner.
The proposed compromise entails allocating specific time intervals for each dog to roam, minimizing interaction between them. However, the OP disagrees, asserting that her cousin’s dog should be isolated due to the highly contagious nature of kennel cough.
Recognizing her cousin’s history of having her way, the OP worries about family members siding with her cousin’s viewpoint.
Contemplating the health of her own dog, the OP deliberates whether bowing out of this year’s Thanksgiving gathering might be the wisest course of action.
The question looms: Would declining the invitation due to the potential risk posed by her cousin’s dog adversely impact the festivities?
In an effort to accommodate her cousin and her dog, the OP would need to arrange alternative arrangements for her own canine companion.
The situation feels unjust to the OP, as her family expects her to leave her healthy dog behind while her cousin brings a sick and contagious dog into the fold.
Fatt3stAveng3r, show_the_world_light
Given the circumstances, it appears that the best option for the OP and her dog might be to celebrate Thanksgiving in their own company.
SlimyJonson, show_the_world_light
This situation is possibly a result of a pattern where her cousin’s entitled behavior has been enabled by the family throughout the years.
Considering the expectation that the OP should endure being a pushover for the sake of maintaining harmony, one wonders why she would wish to spend a celebratory holiday with such dynamics.
Clarification on the motives behind bringing her dog to Thanksgiving was sought, with comparisons drawn to her cousin’s tendency to surreptitiously introduce her dog.
Notably, the infected dog remains contagious, and online sources recommend a quarantine period of at least two weeks following the cessation of symptoms.
A possible solution is for the cousin to bring a crate for her dog’s containment, though such consideration might be uncertain.
Alarming_Reply_6286, show_the_world_light
It is evident that the cousin’s sense of entitlement extends to her dog, which exhibits behaviors such as toy theft and using other dogs’ bowls. Given these concerns, the OP is resolute in her decision not to subject her dog to a contagious environment.
The OP’s flexibility to accommodate her cousin’s preferences has been substantial, raising the question of whether her family shares the same sentiment.
In alignment with her principle, the OP is steadfast in asserting that she will not attend if the contagious dog is present. Maintaining this stance is crucial for her and her dog’s well-being.
Phoenixrose0623, show_the_world_light
The level of drama unfolding aligns with the hallmark of many a family Thanksgiving gathering.
The OP clarified that her cousin’s dog is not a service animal; rather, the dog is simply brought along wherever her cousin goes.
In light of the ongoing dilemma, the most straightforward solution might be for the OP to forgo attending the Thanksgiving gathering, prioritizing her dog’s safety.
Eastern_Fox5735, show_the_world_light
The simplest solution is for OP not to attend Thanksgiving if only for the safety of her own dog
It looks like her family had the same idea
It appears her family reached a similar conclusion.
ringringbananarchy00, show_the_world_light
In a pithy observation, the current state of this year’s Thanksgiving menu seems to consist of turkey, infused with a touch of lingering family drama. The OP’s family dynamics are evidently strained, and her assessment of the situation leaves no room for ambiguity.
This year’s Thanksgiving, rather than being a harmonious affair, has become a backdrop for the unresolved entitlement issues within the family. The OP’s decision to deviate from this narrative is a decisive step in the right direction.
