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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Yes, it’s another Meghan thread... AIBU to think that it’s really disappointing that she left her dog behind?

274 replies

MaryPoppinsPenguins · 28/11/2017 21:48

I’m not a royalist.. or otherwise! Was mildly interested in the news and always happy for a bank holiday (which we probably aren’t getting anyway Hmm)

But I have followed her for a little bit recently on social media and she seemed to really love her dogs which I always find a lovely trait in a person Grin

So one dog is here, and one dog ‘is with friends’ and was apparently refused access to the uk / was too old to transport... surely when a dog is old is when he needs his owner the most? I’ve lived through that devastating time of losing a dog and they really find comfort in being with their owners. (I think)

They are rescues which she seems to advocate and I think this really sends the wrong message that they are a bit disposable. She is marrying into arguably the most powerful family in the world and she can’t get her dog here?! Hmm

I’m sure people will disagree. But just reading that and looking at my 10 year old dog sleeping on my feet, I could never leave him behind.

OP posts:
ChardonnaysPrettySister · 29/11/2017 09:47

Dogs coming from Canada can do their quarantine in their homes ahead of arriving to the UK.

The flight itself ican be hard though.

CaptainBrickbeard · 29/11/2017 09:53

It is just baffling how many self professed dog lovers really, really couldn't care less about what is best for the dog. So long as they get to sneer at someone else.

She clearly loves her dogs and looks after them properly. So she knows better than anyone on here what the best thing for her dog would be. People suggesting that she should put her dog through this ordeal don't give a tiny fuck about the dog itself. They want to show off about how brilliant and selfless they are. She is the one demonstrating responsible and caring dog ownership. The sniping and desperate attempts to find a reason to criticise her are really shameful and extremely embarrassing.

scaryteacher · 29/11/2017 09:54

ItsNacho The dog could be brought over by sea, Cunard offers this, and the dog could go in the cabin on a private jet doing short hops. Therev are solutions that having lots of dosh can fix. Doesn't seem to be any shortage of that with these two.

BertrandRussell · 29/11/2017 09:55

I think many "dog lovers" are incredibly cruel. But the last time I said that I got deleted!

CaptainBrickbeard · 29/11/2017 09:57

You're right Bertrand. There are a significant number of dog owners here who would force their beloved creature to endure agony, distress and trauma rather than doing the responsible thing. They are people who have heard the sound bite 'a dog is for life' but have never stopped to think about what it really means.

Sallystyle · 29/11/2017 10:02

Lets face it, dogs don't really care as long as they are loved, fed, exercised and warm. The dog will not pine over Meghan for a very long time, if at all (she has left the dog for long periods many times i'm sure).

I love my dogs, but I don't convince myself that they couldn't be just as happy with other people who meet their basic needs. They would probably miss me for a short while then they would forget all about me and love their new owners who are meeting their needs.

Her dog will be absolutely fine.

Mittens1969 · 29/11/2017 10:02

I think one previous poster might be right, the dog in question could well be a banned breed in the UK. Either way, we don't know.

But I'm sure the dog will be happy with MM's friends, who, as others have suggested and I agree with this, have probably regularly cared for both her dogs whilst she was travelling.

Sallystyle · 29/11/2017 10:04

It is just baffling how many self professed dog lovers really, really couldn't care less about what is best for the dog. So long as they get to sneer at someone else.

Which brings us to Bertrand's post

I think many "dog lovers" are incredibly cruel.

Puppymouse · 29/11/2017 10:11

I'm torn on this. I would mostly choose my animals over everything. But I suspect the reality was that it wasn't just about getting a frail elderly dog over to the UK, it's also about how that dog would cope with the upheaval of being in a strange environment, possibly having to be away from her if she's traveling with Harry etc. I think she made a difficult decision but it was probably the right one for the dog's welfare...

Hulababy · 29/11/2017 10:12

You do know that because of her job she probably spent a fit bit of time away from her dogs anyway ? I doubt they were jetting off with her between California and Canada, and then trips to the uk this past year or so, and the other long haul trips she was making for her various work and charities as well as to see family and friends and her boyfriend.

So these dogs will be well used to being apart from her, and in the care of other people. I suspect the dog is with someone who is used to caring for it, maybe someone who has always been involved in its care.

It won't be like some family based pet where at least one member of the family is always around to look after it. It I'll be used to MM not being around.

And sometimes people do have to make hard decisions. We only know why she said very briefly on tv. We don't know what was going in behind the scenes, how she's felt with it, if it's still ongoing in trying to bring the dog over, etc. And the chances are she will still continue to be jetting all over the world - so will no doubt still be in contact with her other dog too. And she won't be with the one in the UK all the time either.

Battleax · 29/11/2017 10:14

I think one previous poster might be right, the dog in question could well be a banned breed in the UK. Either way, we don't know.

It's a Labrador-something cross. Nothing that could possibly be considered illegal in the UK. Unless it's something else entirely and we've been misled (?)

Battleax · 29/11/2017 10:15

Anyone got that photo again? I didn't look closely.

DullAndOld · 29/11/2017 10:18

Dog got its visa refused does make sense...

Lweji · 29/11/2017 10:19

The dog could be brought over by sea, Cunard offers this

I'd send the Queen Elizabeth myself.

BrioAmio · 29/11/2017 10:27

I love my dog but if I had to leave the country without him I know I could find him a happy home for life with family or friends, it would break my heart to be without him but he would be happy and loved.

It’s not like she just left them in her house and walked out now is it?

differentnameforthis · 29/11/2017 10:33

I think you all massively underestimate what the royals etc are capable of... they could’ve got that dog here with everyone none the wiser. It's not about that though. An old fragile dog on a flight/s from the US to London, in a crate, in a hold.

then weeks spent in quarantine could just cause the poor dog enough stress to seriously harm it.

Then you will be criticising her for subjecting it to that.

Why don't you just accept that this lady - who is old enough to marry and change her whole life - knows what is best for her dog instead of calling her out on how much she loves him!

TheFairyCaravan · 29/11/2017 10:35

I think many "dog lovers" are incredibly cruel

So do I.

Why are so many people adamant that the dog could have been brought over some how? I bet if it could have it would have beeen. None of us know the reason why she’s had to leave him behind so the fact that he could have come by sea, private jet, space ship or hot air balloon makes no bloody difference.

Frege · 29/11/2017 10:39

I think it's more of a shame she's had to leave her acting career behind, tbh. A pity she can't marry Harry and carry on working.

SoupDragon · 29/11/2017 10:47

The dog could be brought over by sea, Cunard offers this, and the dog could go in the cabin on a private jet doing short hops

I can only assume that you are either Meghan, Harry or someone very close to them if you know what was best and possible for the dog.

NellGin · 29/11/2017 10:54

Jesus wept OP! How mean are you?
I’m sure MM looked into every possible means of bringing her dog over to the UK and didn’t just think “ cba so I’ll leave him put “ I imagine she’s heartbroken personally.

derxa · 29/11/2017 11:00

It'd be Bitter Betty Central. Grin BRILLIANT

Original poster
MaryPoppinsPenguins · 29/11/2017 12:35

I’m not mean, I’m just asking a question on a discussion forum. And several others felt the same.

OP posts:
Lweji · 29/11/2017 12:49

I suppose the question is why you feel disappointed.
Did you have her on a pedestal of dog lovers?
Does she owe you something?
Or promised you anything?
You simply don't know her reasons.

CaptainBrickbeard · 29/11/2017 12:53

Well, OP, my answer to your question is that she is in a far better position to decide what's best for the dog than you and I feel the balance of probabilities suggest she is most likely acting in the best interests of the dog. Are you still disappointed?

Roussette · 29/11/2017 12:56

Totally agree that some dog owners on here are selfish. They'll keep the dog with them no matter what because it's all about them and their needs and not the dog's. As I said before, the fact she's brought one over means there will be a very good reason why dog no. 2 couldn't come over. Selfless in my opinion but a selfish dog owner wouldn't get that.

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