Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
12
Person Goes No Contact With MIL And FIL After They Said They Were Thinking On Calling CPS
Almost half of American households own a dog. Depending on their financial situation and housing capabilities, households may have more than one pet. But, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, on average, one family owns 1.5 dogs and 1.8 cats.
So, when these young parents told their family that they’re sheltering eight dogs in their home, there were some questions. The in-laws started fearing for their new baby’s safety, raising concerns about the dogs possibly harming the child. But soon, the parents found out that it was more about control than genuine concern for the baby.
RELATED:
A couple got in a fight with their in-laws about owning too many dogs
Image credits: Jonathan Borba / Pexels (not the actual photo)
The grandparents believed that the eight dogs in the household posed a danger to the baby and threatened to report them to CPS
Image credits: Sarah Chai / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Engin Akyurt / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Significant_Try_1044
“They are animals, and we always have that in mind.” The mom defended their decision, saying that they already took safety precautions
“It’s totally acceptable to go no-contact with them,” the commenters said, giving their verdict
Image credits: Leeloo The First / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Even the most loving and friendly dogs can be unpredictable around a baby
Multiple dogs and a baby living under one roof might sound dangerous, but it can be pretty special and rewarding if done with enough care. Pet lovers might protest and say that their pooch would never do anything to harm even a fly.
Yet experts still argue that pet owners should take steps to prepare the home, the pet, and the family for a new baby’s arrival. Why might dogs act aggressively towards a baby? As Las Vegas-based dog behavior consultant Eileen Koval, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, MSc, explains:
- They’re guarding their resting spots, food, and toys;
- They’re competing for attention;
- Or their predatory behaviors are triggered inadvertently.
Most owners think that these three things can be avoided through extensive training and preparation. But Koval writes that accidents can happen. Always.
“Some dogs can be incredible dogs, but still are never going to be safe enough to live in the home or neighborhood with young children and babies present. They may be dangerous due to unpredictability,” she continues.
“They may be around children or small dogs 100+ times with success, but in only one instance there is some noise, context, or specific child’s movement that somehow resembles prey behavior that inadvertently triggers that behavior pattern.”
Image credits: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Pets might also carry serious diseases and illnesses
Behavioral problems aren’t the only risks that a pet might pose to a newborn baby. Pets can spread illnesses and diseases, and because babies have barely developed immune systems, they’re more susceptible to them.
The Irish public health provider HSE warns that children often get stomach illnesses from pets. These include germs and bugs like salmonella, campylobacter, giardia, and cryptosporidium.
The experts also caution parents to be wary of infections that can best be prevented by keeping up good hygiene: keeping pet areas clean, washing hands often, keeping the pet’s toys and food out of the baby’s reach, and vice versa. Some children may be allergic to pets, so that might lead to keeping the pet outside if possible.
Image credits: Shiva Kumar Reddy / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Parents should never leave their baby or child with any pet alone
So how should parents proceed when there’s a baby and a dog, or even multiple dogs, in a house? According to the UK-based vet charity PDSA, there are four main things to remember:
- Keep your dog busy with exercise. A dog needs to expel their energy throughout the day, and it’s best to do so when the baby’s not around. Adequate exercise will also keep the dog happy and away from destructive behaviors.
- Pets need their private space. Parents should ensure that a pet has a corner of the house where they can go to decompress.
- Do introductions gradually. Make sure that the baby and the dog’s first meeting is when the pet feels calm and relaxed. Some experts even advise introducing the baby’s things like blankets and clothes to the dog to smell prior to the baby’s arrival. Be sure to introduce them to each other with close supervision!
- Don’t ever leave a baby or child with a dog alone, unsupervised. However well-behaved and sweet your dog is, they’re still an animal. “Direct supervision of children and dog interactions by a responsible adult is necessary and, where not possible, dogs and children should be physically separated by a secure barrier,” the specialists at the RSPCA write.
The wife came back with an update: “I am going NC with the in-laws for the foreseeable future”
Image credits: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Significant_Try_1044
In another update, she wrote that the in-laws, after all, didn’t contact CPS
Image credits: Wolf Art / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Andrew Neel / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Felipe Cespedes / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Significant_Try_1044
Commenters reveled in the uncommon happy ending
Poll Question
Total votes ·
Thanks! Check out the results:
Total votes ·
Newsletter
Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls
By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
KatSaidWhat 2 months ago
MIL asked for NC the moment she dropped the CPS bomb. Problem is that will trigger her to actually go through in which case you file a false report to them and a harassment charge to authorities if she keeps this s**t up. As for the dogs issue, seems to be a lot of people don't understand that you can keep many different dogs without any problem at all. don't believe the pack mentality hype.
Ben Aziza 2 months ago (edited)
Even then, the pack mentality for most dogs usually extends to humans. As in the little humans are part of said pack! That is how it was with our dog (rip ola) and my little brother. She saved his life by blocking him from crawling head first down some stairs using her tiny body. Most, not all but MOST dogs are very protective of babies!
Load More Replies...
Nota Robot 3 months ago
I think OP's spouse is non binary and the dog-issye is just an outlet for homophobia. I had a feeling this was the case due to OP talking constantly about their 'spouse', but the nail polish/long hair comment made it clear for me.
Tyranamar Seuss 2 months ago
One of my foster homes had a ton of dogs like this. Even though they kept everything clean it was miserable and overwhelming. Everything smelled like dog or dog sh!t. I can see why the grandparents are concerned. CPS is too much. But they've every right to voice their concerns.
KatSaidWhat 2 months ago
MIL asked for NC the moment she dropped the CPS bomb. Problem is that will trigger her to actually go through in which case you file a false report to them and a harassment charge to authorities if she keeps this s**t up. As for the dogs issue, seems to be a lot of people don't understand that you can keep many different dogs without any problem at all. don't believe the pack mentality hype.
Ben Aziza 2 months ago (edited)
Even then, the pack mentality for most dogs usually extends to humans. As in the little humans are part of said pack! That is how it was with our dog (rip ola) and my little brother. She saved his life by blocking him from crawling head first down some stairs using her tiny body. Most, not all but MOST dogs are very protective of babies!
Load More Replies... Nota Robot 3 months ago
I think OP's spouse is non binary and the dog-issye is just an outlet for homophobia. I had a feeling this was the case due to OP talking constantly about their 'spouse', but the nail polish/long hair comment made it clear for me.
Tyranamar Seuss 2 months ago
One of my foster homes had a ton of dogs like this. Even though they kept everything clean it was miserable and overwhelming. Everything smelled like dog or dog sh!t. I can see why the grandparents are concerned. CPS is too much. But they've every right to voice their concerns.
You May Like Couple Trick Clingy MIL By Changing Their Vacation Plans Last Minute: "Cue The Waterworks And Victimization" “I Can’t Allow Her To Live With Us”: Man’s Suspicions About Why His Wife’s Dog Went Missing Are Confirmed Woman Refuses To Host Thanksgiving For 30 People, Pushy Family Still Tries To Guilt-Trip Her Into It
Mantas Kačerauskas
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Indrė Lukošiūtė
Related on Bored Panda
44
20