To not want to plan Christmas around a dog?

[Nativity3]

We don't have a dog so maybe this is normal and IABU but I would like to know as it's annoying me!

The in-laws have a dog. He is like their child and they talk about him on the phone like I talk about my dc.

We live about 2 hours apart and always meet up over Christmas. We always end up going to them and meeting at a pub as they can't leave the dog for a day to come to us. I've always accepted this but do find the drive hard as it often takes longer than 2 hours in traffic and when you suffer with IBS this can be a nightmare especially with not many toilet stops on the M25.

This year I suggested they come to us or we meet half way at a restaurant and have a lunchtime meal. We could still see each other but takes the pressure off us a bit.

They've said a flat out no and that it's either a pub/restaurant near them again or they can't see us.

AIBU to want them to make a bit of effort and come and see us for a change?

[MiddletonPink]

It doesn't mean they are crazy though. Only in your mind.

[OttiliaVonBCup]

No, it doesn't mean they are crazy.
Who are you to judge?

[carlsonrichards]

I think they're looney tunes, too, Morloth. And other things.

[addictedtobass]

I love dogs. I still think this isn't about the dog, this is about them not being interested that much in see you guys OP and making an excuse. I think if it wasn't the dog, they'd find something else. Poor dog.

[Morloth]

Crazy is as crazy does.

It is a pretty MN/UK specific behavior though.

Not encountered it anywhere else.

[OttiliaVonBCup]

Well, I'm very much foreign.
Sorry to disappoint.

[SconeRhymesWithGone]

Writer thanks, I did skim rather fast. Of course he would want to go to Scotland. I mean, who doesn't?

[Morloth]

I don't mind if people are crazy about their dogs.

I am just not going to make any allowances in my life for it.

So in this situation I would shrug and think OK and not bother anymore. As a PP said if their relationship with the dog is more important than their relationship with me, that is absolutely fine but it works both ways.

There are other people to have Christmas with.

[Morloth]

But you are on MN Otilla.

[MiddletonPink]

Morloth I have dogs. I also have friends and family that I like to see and spend time with.

I can't just go out for the whole day without thinking of the dogs. This doesn't mean that the dogs are more important than my friends and family. It means that the dogs need walking mid day to stretch their legs and have a wee and a meal in the evening. That's it.

Nothing about being crazy or selfish or not caring about my friends.
Just that I've a commitment to my dogs.

[MothershipG]

I think addictedtobase has hit the nail on the head and the dog is, in fact, a herring, a red one.

Seriously it would not be hard for them to make alternative arrangements for the dog for one day, if they won't they are obviously not that bothered about seeing you.

[Morloth]

Whatever floats your boat Middleton.

[Writerwannabe83]

"Writer thanks, I did skim rather fast. Of course he would want to go to Scotland. I mean, who doesn't?"

scone - well, the owners didn't but they went anyway because they thought the dog might like it.

I'm not even making this up

This thread is brilliant

[Morloth]

MN dog threads are brilliant, mind bogglingly crazy.

They amuse me.

[Four125]

I've RTFT and I still want to know where the dog wants to go on holiday next.

[SconeRhymesWithGone]

This dog has to be a Scottish breed, right OP? He had to visit the land of his ancestors?

[MiddletonPink]

Well no it's not whatever floats my boat.

I either be a responsible dog owner or be a selfish twat who has a dog but doesn't look after it properly.

[Writerwannabe83]

I thought I was a crazy cat lady because of how fond of them I am - but yes, I do feel amused.

I think the way people feel and act towards their dogs can only ever be truly understood by other dog owners and that's fair enough

I'm sure some people think I'm mad because I treat my cats to shiny new collars every few months and buy them kitty treats most days, but ho hum

[OddFodd]

In my experience, dogs and their needs are flexible.

My sister always makes out she can't go far to meet family because of her dog (and this is several different dogs over the course of about 20 years). But she is away competing (eventing) virtually every weekend and works full time. Funnily enough, the dog seems fine home alone 9+ hours on those occasions; it's just when she's at family gatherings that she needs to rush back to care for him

[Writerwannabe83]

Actually Scone, I think he wanted to try and spot the Loch Ness monster. I'm just guessing though, maybe the OP could ask him? I appreciate she can't ask him face to face as the dog clearly doesn't want to visit but maybe he could put me out of my misery via a telephone call with OP?

I wonder what else the owners do, not because they want to, but because the dog might enjoy it...

The mind boggles....

[SconeRhymesWithGone]

I'm imagining something like this:

[VivaLeBeaver]

I must admit I've chosen next years holiday thinking its somewhere the dogs will like

We're off to Wales. I'm not actually thinking the dogs will like Wales.....just that there's lots of nice walking there which I think they'll like.

Am I a bonkers dog lady?

[carlsonrichards]

I agree, Morloth.

[Writerwannabe83]

That made me laugh out loud Scone!!!! Not good when I've got a sleeping baby next to me!!!

He looks like a proper tourist. I can imagine his owners in the background, miserable at being somewhere they hate but finding their hearts being warmed somewhat by seeing the doggy enjoy his holiday

[Writerwannabe83]

viva - no you aren't Not yet anyway. It's when you find yourself going on holiday to places you dislike but don't want to deny your dog the experience that you become bonkers