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.

Woman Thinks Her Service Dog Takes Priority Over Bride, Groom Gives Her A Reality Check
Woman Thinks Her Service Dog Takes Priority Over Bride, Groom Gives Her A Reality Check
3.3K

Woman Thinks Her Service Dog Takes Priority Over Bride, Groom Gives Her A Reality Check

46

ADVERTISEMENT

Every bride and groom deserves to have the wedding of their dreams. For some, that could mean getting a picturesque venue; for others, it could mean wearing the perfect dress. But there’s no point in all these things if the couple is not able to enjoy their special day to the fullest.

A groom took to Reddit to talk about how his effort to ensure his soon-to-be wife’s comfort led to family drama. The author faced a dilemma as his sister has a service dog and the bride is allergic to doggos. Keep reading to find out how he dealt with this tricky situation.

RELATED:

    No bride wants to battle an allergic reaction on her wedding day

    Image credits: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    A groom requested his sister to leave her service dog at home due to his soon-to-be wife’s allergies

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: Frames For Your Heart / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: Free_Standard_7276

    Service dogs provide invaluable help to their owners

    As per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are specially trained to carry out designated tasks for individuals with disabilities. These impairments may be neurological, intellectual, sensory, psychological, or physical.

    But not every dog can be considered a service dog. The canines have to be calm by nature and also have friendly behavior. They need to be intelligent in order to perform complex tasks. During their training period, they are taught to pull a wheelchair. They also know how to assist those with visual or hearing problems.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Service dogs help people with mental disabilities by reminding them to take their medications on time. They can perform many other tasks that are specific to each person. In general, dogs have a better sense of smell than humans.

    In the case of diabetes, service dogs can smell the chemical changes that occur if a person’s blood sugar levels drop too low (hypoglycemia) or rise too high (hyperglycemia). When they detect such alarming changes, they try to alert their handler by nudging or barking. This makes the person aware that something is wrong, and they are able to take action accordingly.

    They even help to improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy and PTSD. Not only do service dogs provide their owners with invaluable assistance, but they also grow to be loving friends. Some breeds that make for good service dogs include golden retrievers, German shepherds, and poodles.

    A person is allowed to take their service dogs anywhere with them, as these animals have full public access rights. This means they are permitted to go to places like restaurants, libraries, and public transportation where other animals aren’t usually allowed. Many countries around the world have regulations that ensure these specially trained animals can accompany their handlers in public places.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Pet allergies affect many people around the world

    Nonetheless, this does not mean that those with dog allergies won’t experience an adverse response from a service dog. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 10 to 20% of the world’s population is allergic to cats and dogs.

    In this instance, the woman had dog allergies, which is why the groom requested that his sister not bring her service dog. He even clarified that he wouldn’t ask her to do so for other family events, but since this was the bride’s big day, she deserved to enjoy it.

    Imagine having a sneezing or runny nose during your ceremony. Or you might feel itching in your eyes, nose, or throat. Sometimes the eyes become red and watery, and your face might swell.

    There could be many stressful things that happen during a wedding, but having an allergic reaction shouldn’t be one of them, especially when it can be avoided. Do you think the man was right in asking his sister not to bring her service dog? What would you have done?

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Many applauded the groom for standing up for his bride, even suggesting he uninvite his sister

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    Share on Facebook

    Explore more of these tags

    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.

    What do you think ?
    Miki
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see my comment about diabetic service dog was downvoted. I will just say I have diabetes for almost 21 years. Since i was 15. Such dog for diabetic is a lifestyle choice. Not a necessity. You don't remember to check your sugars? Use a frikkin alarm for half a day when you are on someone's wedding.

    Papa
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm curious. The downvoted comment you made seems to indicate that if it was a service dog for a disability the situation would be different. Maybe I misunderstood? Because it seems to me that if someone uses a service dog, and can't be without it, then he or she should politely decline the invitation instead of subjecting the bride to the dog's presence, knowing she's allergic to dogs.

    Load More Replies...
    C.O. Shea
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Consider this... and do not cave in... your sister, even without dog, would be covered in dander. One hug to the bride... goodbye wedding pictures! Another voice of support. You are a good and strong man with healthy boundaries. Enjoy your wedding.

    James016
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My SIL is type 1 diabetic and in lockdown got an insulin pump and a Dexcom Sensor which monitors her blood sugar level. Before that she measured it herself without the need of a dog.

    Manana Man
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As I read I've been asking myself what a service dog can possibly do for a diabetic.

    Load More Replies...
    All profits to charity
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And as a registered nurse, former roommate to a type 1 diabetic and aunt to a precious niece with type 1 diabetes, the technology available is truly amazing. Having to finger stick for a few hours won’t kill you either. You can’t dose your insulin will just a service dog. So that means you’re checking it regularly somehow. Please stop with this selfish request.

    somed ay
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can ask her not to bring the dog. The laws regarding service animals are for public spaces, not private events.

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As I read further, I realized that the sister could attend by using other means to monitor herself. She chose not to. In any case, the bride comes first. If and when the sister gets married, she's free to bring her dog and let the SIL sit this one out.

    laura lee
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If her face is swelling, it is a "deadly" allergy. Any time the face swells (for any reason you have facial swelling) you run the risk cutting off your oxygen supply within minutes if not seconds and you should go immediately to the ER. You should have epipens on hand at all times to administer at onset of allergy attack and then go promptly to emergency room. Perhaps wife has gotten used to her symptoms, but they need to be taken far more seriously. Also, keep wearing the masks (wear n95 or better), I do they help a lot, if you're concerned others will fear you're sick take a sharpie and write ALLERGIES with a smiley face across the front.

    Tony Zecco
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's be real. Diabetics are pretty low down on the scale of needing service animals. We have a ton of tools for keeping track of our blood sugar levels. If she can't keep track of her readings/levels without the dog for a few hours, she should be in a hospital, not a wedding. So, this guy is definitely NTA. The sister could do it, she just is trying to make this into a much bigger deal than it really is.

    All profits to charity
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m proud of this groom for looking after his wife to his own family. That can be hard. Well done sir. I’m sure your sister can find a way to rejoice with you without making this all about her. But if she chooses not to….thats her choice. Respect it. Enjoy your day without her.

    Margaret Shannon
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks to me like the quarrel is really about power and the need to feel important. While there may be options for dealing with the immediate problem, if the underlying issue remains unresolved I fear there will be many, many more occasions like this.

    Load More Comments
    Miki
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see my comment about diabetic service dog was downvoted. I will just say I have diabetes for almost 21 years. Since i was 15. Such dog for diabetic is a lifestyle choice. Not a necessity. You don't remember to check your sugars? Use a frikkin alarm for half a day when you are on someone's wedding.

    Papa
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm curious. The downvoted comment you made seems to indicate that if it was a service dog for a disability the situation would be different. Maybe I misunderstood? Because it seems to me that if someone uses a service dog, and can't be without it, then he or she should politely decline the invitation instead of subjecting the bride to the dog's presence, knowing she's allergic to dogs.

    Load More Replies...
    C.O. Shea
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Consider this... and do not cave in... your sister, even without dog, would be covered in dander. One hug to the bride... goodbye wedding pictures! Another voice of support. You are a good and strong man with healthy boundaries. Enjoy your wedding.

    James016
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My SIL is type 1 diabetic and in lockdown got an insulin pump and a Dexcom Sensor which monitors her blood sugar level. Before that she measured it herself without the need of a dog.

    Manana Man
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As I read I've been asking myself what a service dog can possibly do for a diabetic.

    Load More Replies...
    All profits to charity
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And as a registered nurse, former roommate to a type 1 diabetic and aunt to a precious niece with type 1 diabetes, the technology available is truly amazing. Having to finger stick for a few hours won’t kill you either. You can’t dose your insulin will just a service dog. So that means you’re checking it regularly somehow. Please stop with this selfish request.

    somed ay
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can ask her not to bring the dog. The laws regarding service animals are for public spaces, not private events.

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As I read further, I realized that the sister could attend by using other means to monitor herself. She chose not to. In any case, the bride comes first. If and when the sister gets married, she's free to bring her dog and let the SIL sit this one out.

    laura lee
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If her face is swelling, it is a "deadly" allergy. Any time the face swells (for any reason you have facial swelling) you run the risk cutting off your oxygen supply within minutes if not seconds and you should go immediately to the ER. You should have epipens on hand at all times to administer at onset of allergy attack and then go promptly to emergency room. Perhaps wife has gotten used to her symptoms, but they need to be taken far more seriously. Also, keep wearing the masks (wear n95 or better), I do they help a lot, if you're concerned others will fear you're sick take a sharpie and write ALLERGIES with a smiley face across the front.

    Tony Zecco
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's be real. Diabetics are pretty low down on the scale of needing service animals. We have a ton of tools for keeping track of our blood sugar levels. If she can't keep track of her readings/levels without the dog for a few hours, she should be in a hospital, not a wedding. So, this guy is definitely NTA. The sister could do it, she just is trying to make this into a much bigger deal than it really is.

    All profits to charity
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m proud of this groom for looking after his wife to his own family. That can be hard. Well done sir. I’m sure your sister can find a way to rejoice with you without making this all about her. But if she chooses not to….thats her choice. Respect it. Enjoy your day without her.

    Margaret Shannon
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks to me like the quarrel is really about power and the need to feel important. While there may be options for dealing with the immediate problem, if the underlying issue remains unresolved I fear there will be many, many more occasions like this.

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