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

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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.

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

    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”

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    Image credits: Much_Performance653

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    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.

    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.

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    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.”

    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.”

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

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    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.”

    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. 

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    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

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    Nikita Manot

    Nikita Manot

    Author, 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

    Author, 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, Community member

    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, Community member

    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
    9 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
    9 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
    9 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
    9 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
    9 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
    9 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...
    Gen X Feral
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 That dirty btch!!!! I'd have charges for strangling that evil heinous btch! I mean yeah I think pets should have siblings if you're going to be gone a lot , but dmn that's messed up.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes they should totally agree ! But I’m also with u on the charges thing touch my dogs I’m doing time ! If they found her that is !

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

    Why are they not No-Contact with this poor excuse for a human being?

    Deborah B
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless the dog was being neglected or abused, there's no excuse.

    Craig Reynolds
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe misguided! Who are those 2% above???

    Southie
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what a bunch of cr&p. It is against FB community standards to advertise an animal to sell or give away. Her post would have been immediately taken down and she might have gone to fb jail.

    Ginger Winters
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ive seen lots of animals. There's ways around the guidelines like not posting pics

    Load More Replies...
    SheamusFanFrom1987
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone got put in the doghouse and it sure as heck ain't Sam. Kudos to OP and wife for bringing back Sam to a loving home and ensuring Monster-In-Law will never be a part of it. It would make my day if she was hauled off to the human pound (slammer) for trespass or trying to. SMH!!!

    Nikki Angulo
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    MIL will be crying when she doesn’t get to see her grandkids (if they choose to have kids)!

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Touch my dogs ! You will be in icu for a very long time ! Just like u would have u hurt. Y kids end off ! What a full on monster in law ,

    K Barnes
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, if the couple are super hustlers who both work 70 hours a week it might not be the best environment for a high energy dog (lab mix) to be alone for 10+ hours 6 days a week... but that should be met by concern and offers to walk the dog by MIL, not this unhinged BS. That's what makes me think it's some deranged power play by MIL.

    A girl
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They asked her to watch the dog. If MIL felt the dog needed a better home, the decision could/should be made once everyone is present.

    Spencer's slave no longer
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think you misread because the mil begged to look after the dog so she could "bond with her grand dog". There is absolutely nothing to be discussed, rehoming the dog is not any of her business, in any way, shape or form.

    Load More Replies...
    e gads
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I half believe its made up.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom told me to "just put him down and get a new one" when my dog got sick as a puppy, so I genuinely believe that there are people as horrible as OP's MIL in the world. (Note: I did not "put him down" XD He survived distemper, albeit with some disabilities and mobility issues. He has no clue he is disabled and is incredibly happy and friendly. My mother says she "can't stand to look at him" because it "makes her feel so bad" to see how disabled he is. Keep in mind, he is a DOG who has NO IDEA he has any issues!)

    Load More Replies...
    Emilu
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Okay, hate on me, whatever. But I’d rather see a loved dog get taken from its first home (even under misleading circumstances) than what I generally see around here; dogs barking and complaining because they don’t get the attention they deserve. My neighbours on either side of me rarely walk their dogs, and the kids on the right side just yell at the dog to shut up when he barks. The left neighbour is never home so the dog just barks all day. Dogs like this deserve to get better homes. I have been tempted to say if you don’t give a f about your dog, I’ll buy it off you, but the neighbours aren’t exactly friendly (not aggressive, but I’d still feel uncomfortable approaching them and essentially saying they’re s**t dog parents). Trying to look at it from the other side in that if OP is like this, then yes, I think MIL did the right thing. Edit: I find it hilarious how many people think keeping a dog in a s****y environment is better than getting it out, but the people that have responded to this post are largely r******d, so.

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are 100% wrong. And this isn't about you. How do you know that they aren't spending time with the dog? MIL is clearly unstable so I wouldn't trust her judgment. And unless she had proof that the dog was being abused she had NO right to STEAL the dog. That's against the law. If she had concerns she should have spoken with them about it.

    Load More Replies...
    Charolette99
    Community Member
    9 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Weeks ago I started my trading journey with a thousand bucks I did not have much experience, And after few days of consistent work and 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 the guidelines of @𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘧𝘹 on ιиѕτα𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, I've just made my 2nd withdrawal, now 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 forward to 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙮 reinvestmet 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙩 to $24,000 send him a DM on 𝘄a𝘁𝘀a𝗽✙ 𝟒𝟒 7𝟒𝟎76𝟎𝟎𝟏66. For guidance & mentorship on how to get started.

    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    9 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
    9 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
    9 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
    9 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
    9 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
    9 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...
    Gen X Feral
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 That dirty btch!!!! I'd have charges for strangling that evil heinous btch! I mean yeah I think pets should have siblings if you're going to be gone a lot , but dmn that's messed up.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes they should totally agree ! But I’m also with u on the charges thing touch my dogs I’m doing time ! If they found her that is !

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

    Why are they not No-Contact with this poor excuse for a human being?

    Deborah B
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless the dog was being neglected or abused, there's no excuse.

    Craig Reynolds
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe misguided! Who are those 2% above???

    Southie
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what a bunch of cr&p. It is against FB community standards to advertise an animal to sell or give away. Her post would have been immediately taken down and she might have gone to fb jail.

    Ginger Winters
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ive seen lots of animals. There's ways around the guidelines like not posting pics

    Load More Replies...
    SheamusFanFrom1987
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone got put in the doghouse and it sure as heck ain't Sam. Kudos to OP and wife for bringing back Sam to a loving home and ensuring Monster-In-Law will never be a part of it. It would make my day if she was hauled off to the human pound (slammer) for trespass or trying to. SMH!!!

    Nikki Angulo
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    MIL will be crying when she doesn’t get to see her grandkids (if they choose to have kids)!

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Touch my dogs ! You will be in icu for a very long time ! Just like u would have u hurt. Y kids end off ! What a full on monster in law ,

    K Barnes
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, if the couple are super hustlers who both work 70 hours a week it might not be the best environment for a high energy dog (lab mix) to be alone for 10+ hours 6 days a week... but that should be met by concern and offers to walk the dog by MIL, not this unhinged BS. That's what makes me think it's some deranged power play by MIL.

    A girl
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They asked her to watch the dog. If MIL felt the dog needed a better home, the decision could/should be made once everyone is present.

    Spencer's slave no longer
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think you misread because the mil begged to look after the dog so she could "bond with her grand dog". There is absolutely nothing to be discussed, rehoming the dog is not any of her business, in any way, shape or form.

    Load More Replies...
    e gads
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I half believe its made up.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom told me to "just put him down and get a new one" when my dog got sick as a puppy, so I genuinely believe that there are people as horrible as OP's MIL in the world. (Note: I did not "put him down" XD He survived distemper, albeit with some disabilities and mobility issues. He has no clue he is disabled and is incredibly happy and friendly. My mother says she "can't stand to look at him" because it "makes her feel so bad" to see how disabled he is. Keep in mind, he is a DOG who has NO IDEA he has any issues!)

    Load More Replies...
    Emilu
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Okay, hate on me, whatever. But I’d rather see a loved dog get taken from its first home (even under misleading circumstances) than what I generally see around here; dogs barking and complaining because they don’t get the attention they deserve. My neighbours on either side of me rarely walk their dogs, and the kids on the right side just yell at the dog to shut up when he barks. The left neighbour is never home so the dog just barks all day. Dogs like this deserve to get better homes. I have been tempted to say if you don’t give a f about your dog, I’ll buy it off you, but the neighbours aren’t exactly friendly (not aggressive, but I’d still feel uncomfortable approaching them and essentially saying they’re s**t dog parents). Trying to look at it from the other side in that if OP is like this, then yes, I think MIL did the right thing. Edit: I find it hilarious how many people think keeping a dog in a s****y environment is better than getting it out, but the people that have responded to this post are largely r******d, so.

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are 100% wrong. And this isn't about you. How do you know that they aren't spending time with the dog? MIL is clearly unstable so I wouldn't trust her judgment. And unless she had proof that the dog was being abused she had NO right to STEAL the dog. That's against the law. If she had concerns she should have spoken with them about it.

    Load More Replies...
    Charolette99
    Community Member
    9 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Weeks ago I started my trading journey with a thousand bucks I did not have much experience, And after few days of consistent work and 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 the guidelines of @𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘧𝘹 on ιиѕτα𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, I've just made my 2nd withdrawal, now 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 forward to 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙮 reinvestmet 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙩 to $24,000 send him a DM on 𝘄a𝘁𝘀a𝗽✙ 𝟒𝟒 7𝟒𝟎76𝟎𝟎𝟏66. For guidance & mentorship on how to get started.

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