Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Vacation Turns To Nightmare When MIL Rehomes Couple’s Dog, They Fight Back And Press Charges
Older woman smiling and petting a large white dog outdoors, relating to MIL secretly rehoming dog controversy.
132

Vacation Turns To Nightmare When MIL Rehomes Couple’s Dog, They Fight Back And Press Charges

60

ADVERTISEMENT

Being a pet parent is a proud and emotional bond. Most of us would do absolutely anything to keep our pets safe, spoiled, and living their best, most belly-rub-filled lives. But what happens when someone you trust decides your pet deserves a “better” home: without your consent?

That’s exactly what happened to this couple. Their long-awaited honeymoon quickly turned into chaos when the husband’s mother gave away their beloved rescue dog without telling them. Her excuse? He “deserved a real family.” The couple acted fast, contacted the police and tracked down the unsuspecting new owners. Keep reading to find out how they handled the ultimate betrayal and what happened when the MIL tried to come back.

RELATED:

    People often go above and beyond to make sure their pets live the happiest lives possible

    Older woman affectionately petting a large dog outdoors, relating to MIL secretly rehoming dog during couple’s honeymoon.

    Image credits: Wavebreak Media / freepik (not the actual photo)

    But one person shared how their mother-in-law crossed a serious line by giving away their beloved dog to a “nice couple”

    MIL secretly rehomes rescue dog during couple’s honeymoon, leading to fallout and a police report over the pet’s safety.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text excerpt showing a voicemail about a MIL secretly rehoming a dog while the couple is on honeymoon.

    Text excerpt describing MIL secretly rehoming dog by posting on Facebook Marketplace during couple's honeymoon.

    Text about MIL secretly rehoming dog during couple’s honeymoon, leading to police report and family fallout.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text showing a lawn sign warning MIL is not welcome after she secretly rehomes dog while couple’s on honeymoon.

    Image credits: Much_Performance653

    There are millions of stray animals around the world in need of a safe and loving home

    Image credits: wirestock / freepik (not the actual photo)

    We love animals, especially our pets. Pet owners often go above and beyond to make sure their furry friends are healthy, happy, and loved. But while many animals enjoy cozy homes and full food bowls, millions of strays out there live without even the basics. They deserve care and kindness, too, even if they don’t yet have a family to call their own.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    According to the World Health Organization, there are nearly 200 million stray dogs around the globe, and the number of stray cats is likely even higher. In many countries, these animals are part of the daily street scene: dodging traffic, seeking shelter, and hoping for scraps. It’s a tough life, and the heartbreaking truth is: most of them just want a little warmth and love.

    Thankfully, some kind-hearted individuals choose to foster or adopt these animals, giving them a second chance. One such person is Rupesh Patil, a working professional in Bangalore who has adopted two dogs and a cat, all rescued from the streets. “My first pet, Lucky, I found at a traffic signal,” he shares. “He was injured, and I just knew I had to help him. I had pets as a kid, but this was my first time adopting one on my own.”

    Rupesh admits he wasn’t completely sure at first, as balancing work life and pet care felt daunting. “A lot of people fear strays, and I get that,” he says. “But I truly believe if you just offer them compassion, they’ll surprise you. They’re not so different from the pets we already adore.”

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Of course, Rupesh emphasizes the importance of doing things right. “Take them to the vet, get them checked, get their vaccinations, it’s essential,” he says. “You can’t just bring a stray home and hope for the best. Think it through. It’s a serious commitment, not just a feel-good moment.”

    Whenever possible, offer clean water and appropriate food to strays, it can make a big difference

    Image credits: EyeEm / freepik (not the actual photo)

    But not everyone needs to adopt to make a difference. “If you can’t take them in, offer food or water whenever possible,” he says. “Especially during harsh weather, just providing a temporary shelter can mean everything.” Even the smallest acts of kindness go a long way in a stray’s life.

    And if you come across an animal in distress but can’t help directly? Rupesh urges, “Contact animal control or a local shelter. That’s the least you can do. Don’t ignore it. A phone call could save a life.” He adds that spreading awareness is just as important. “Every animal deserves a safe, loving home, even if it’s just a corner in your heart.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    In Rupesh’s case, his pets are now family. His story is one of compassion and responsibility. In this particular case, the couple’s deep love for their adopted pet clashed with the behavior of the disapproving mother-in-law—leading to police involvement. 

    What would you do in that situation? Was the author’s decision to involve the police too harsh, or completely justified? Let us know how you would have reacted and if you believe, like Rupesh, that every animal deserves a second chance.

    People online were furious at the MIL’s behavior and fully supported the couple’s swift response

    Comment discussing fallout after MIL secretly rehomes dog while couple’s on honeymoon, mentioning police report and social media actions.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment text on screen discussing MIL rehoming dog during couple’s honeymoon and advising microchipping and caution.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment on a Reddit post, stating "Geez, don’t let her watch your kids!" in a chat interface with username Newbosterone.

    Reddit comment about MIL secretly rehoming dog during couple’s honeymoon and resulting police report fallout.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment advising to microchip dogs to ensure they are returned if lost.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment praising someone for setting boundaries after MIL secretly rehomed dog on couple’s honeymoon.

    Comment text on social media about MIL secretly rehoming dog during couple’s honeymoon and facing backlash.

    Screenshot of online comment discussing MIL secretly rehoming dog, leading to fallout and police report issues.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Poll Question

    Total votes ·

    Thanks! Check out the results:

    Total votes ·
    Share on Facebook
    Nikita Manot

    Nikita Manot

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Nikita's knack for storytelling and creativity has led her into the world of writing. With a robust foundation in business studies, she crafts compelling narratives by seamlessly blending analytical insight with imaginative expression. At Bored Panda, she embarks on an exhilarating quest to explore diverse topics, fueled by curiosity and passion. During her leisure time, she savors life's simple pleasures, such as gardening, cooking homemade meals and hosting gatherings for loved ones.

    Read less »
    Nikita Manot

    Nikita Manot

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Nikita's knack for storytelling and creativity has led her into the world of writing. With a robust foundation in business studies, she crafts compelling narratives by seamlessly blending analytical insight with imaginative expression. At Bored Panda, she embarks on an exhilarating quest to explore diverse topics, fueled by curiosity and passion. During her leisure time, she savors life's simple pleasures, such as gardening, cooking homemade meals and hosting gatherings for loved ones.

    Viktorija Ošikaitė

    Viktorija Ošikaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    I'm a senior visual editor here at Bored Panda and I enjoy a good laugh. My work ranges from serious topics related to toxic work environments and relationship difficulties to humorous articles about online shopping fails and introvert memes. When I'm not at my work desk, checking if every single pixel is in the right place, I usually spend my free time playing board games, taking pictures, and watching documentaries

    Read less »

    Viktorija Ošikaitė

    Viktorija Ošikaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I'm a senior visual editor here at Bored Panda and I enjoy a good laugh. My work ranges from serious topics related to toxic work environments and relationship difficulties to humorous articles about online shopping fails and introvert memes. When I'm not at my work desk, checking if every single pixel is in the right place, I usually spend my free time playing board games, taking pictures, and watching documentaries

    Jonas Žvilius

    Jonas Žvilius

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    In my spare time, I enjoy creating art - both in traditional and digital form, mainly in the form of painting and animation. Other interests include gaming and music. Favorite bands include Swans, The Strokes, The Beatles.

    Read less »

    Jonas Žvilius

    Jonas Žvilius

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    In my spare time, I enjoy creating art - both in traditional and digital form, mainly in the form of painting and animation. Other interests include gaming and music. Favorite bands include Swans, The Strokes, The Beatles.

    What do you think ?
    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a b***h, she would be banned from my property too and would never see my kids.

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would disown her, and just not have a MIL—-and my husband had better decide he no longer has a mother, if he doesn’t want to be stuck ALONE with her for the rest of his life, while I take the dog, the kids, the house, and ever I can get, and move TF on, concentrate on my little family (dog and kids, if we have any), sans husband and MIL, then when I’m ready, go find a better man.

    Load More Replies...
    Damned_Cat
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It kind of sounds like the MIL did this as a punishment on the couple. I wonder if she was jealous of the trip or mad that she was being left behind or something like that, so she used this as a way of lashing out. Like, "you're depriving me of something, so I'll deprive you of your dog".

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "You took my son away from me, no[w] I'm taking your dog!"

    Load More Replies...
    G A
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Take MIL to a nursing home, tell them she's raving, and abandon her. Tell her "It's for the best"...

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Quite seriously, an incident like this may suggest the onset on genuine mental imbalance.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a b***h, she would be banned from my property too and would never see my kids.

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would disown her, and just not have a MIL—-and my husband had better decide he no longer has a mother, if he doesn’t want to be stuck ALONE with her for the rest of his life, while I take the dog, the kids, the house, and ever I can get, and move TF on, concentrate on my little family (dog and kids, if we have any), sans husband and MIL, then when I’m ready, go find a better man.

    Load More Replies...
    Damned_Cat
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It kind of sounds like the MIL did this as a punishment on the couple. I wonder if she was jealous of the trip or mad that she was being left behind or something like that, so she used this as a way of lashing out. Like, "you're depriving me of something, so I'll deprive you of your dog".

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "You took my son away from me, no[w] I'm taking your dog!"

    Load More Replies...
    G A
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Take MIL to a nursing home, tell them she's raving, and abandon her. Tell her "It's for the best"...

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Quite seriously, an incident like this may suggest the onset on genuine mental imbalance.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
    You May Like
    Related on Bored Panda
    Popular on Bored Panda
    Trending on Bored Panda
    Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT