My aunt doesn't want me to bring my dog to Christmas day

[onethickpony]

My Aunt has told me that she doesn't want me to bring my dog on Christmas day. There are going to be 22 of us so I can understand maybe she is worried about it being overwhelming, but my dog is very clean and well behaved and has been at most large family gatherings without issue.

Should I just respect her wishes or AIBU to push back and least ask why? Sad to think of my dog alone on xmas day (yes i am a crazy pet parent).

@Floralnomad

We go to my sisters on Christmas Day , if the dog doesn’t go then nor do we . Our dog is part of the family .

🤣

I consider my horses part of my family. I don’t turn up with them on Christmas Day!

Your dog neither knows nor cares that it is Christmas Day, ffs.

The problem with asking her why you can’t bring the dog is that she might tell you and you might not like the answer

Ask her and let us know what she says.

Accept it. Why would you push? It isn't your decision.

The thing that surprises me most is why dog owners WANT to take their dog everywhere, even to places where the dog will clearly find it stressful. I see it all the time: in town, at a packed beach, at a busy farmers market. It’s insane and cruel.

Christmas Day with 22 people is no place for a dog - it will be far happier at home. You are putting your own emotions onto your dog. Leave it for as long as it will be comfortable or get a neighbour to let it out.

Unpopular opinion but… It’s a bloody dog!

(I say that as a dog owner btw).

It's amusing how some people see not wanting a dog in a specific situation as dog hating! It's all very black and white in some people's heads!

Dog owner here.
Yabu!

LOL

I was hired to pet sit someone’s dog for the day at their home once. While Christmas Day might be challenging is this an option?

I wouldn’t ask her because she will have to make up a reason rather than say the blunt truth which could be anything from not wanting dogs on furniture to thinking they are dirty/annoying or simply not liking them.

I have a dog and I would spend Christmas with just me and him if he wasn’t invited to wherever I was. And me and him would have a bloody good time walking, eating and cuddling up on the sofa.

Rude to push, but I'd stay with my dog at home and have a nice small Christmas.

Is your sunt close enough that you could pop over for a shorter period (dog free) then be back for your pooch?

Maybe its not your aunt that has the issue personally but myabe therecis another guest who doesn't like them. Its her house though sobyou would be rude to ask why

It is very unreasonable to expect to bring a dog to large gatherings.

@Walkingthedog46

22 people on a Christmas Day? Sounds like hell to me. I’d stay at home with my dog and enjoy the peace and quiet!! 😂

Unless your Aunt lives in a MASSIVE house and has an army of staff cooking the dinner for you all (a bit like the Queen) - STAY at home with the dog. (I don’t even like dogs but in your position I’d be tempted to borrow one for the day!)

Christmas Day with 22 people is no place for a dog
I agree with this too

Can’t believe the amount of dog owners, who wouldn’t leave their dogs for a while on Christmas Day. Your dog doesn’t know what day it is op. My dogs don’t stay by themselves for long periods of time. However, I can go out for 5/6 hours and not worry about them as they’re used to being left for 3/4. Not every day. But a couple of hours here and there. Plus 4 hours other times etc.

I hate to spoil things for you, but dogs don't know it's Christmas.

Unless your dog never leaves your side it will be fine for a few hours.

Gee, lot of dog lovers on here
I’d say she’s being unreasonable but it’s her prerogative. Personally I’d consider not going or only putting in a very brief appearance. Do you have anyone else you can get for a throw together Christmas at short notice.

YABU and selfish. Dogs are dogs and belong at home. They can be home for a day without dying. Do you even have a job, work or ever leave the house without the dog? FFS It's a dog! That's all. If you had a cat or bird would you take them with you to someone's house? If no, there's your answer that you are being unreasonable.

Has she given any reason? Sounds like your dog is a dream, well behaved and not going to be a nuisance so can't say I understand her having an issue.

Personally my dogs are part of my family, I would never leave them alone on Xmas day. Sack off going to your aunts, spend the day with your furry friend! Pets are better than people anyway!

I think it's fine to ask why if it's along the lines of "No problem. Were there any issues with him last time? Just want to know so I can keep an eye out in the future."

But "push back" when your aunt is hosting 22 people, would be unreasonable.

If dog has come along in past with no problems I might ask light heartedly. She may had just had new carpets, new pet, new baby in family, new partner to someone who is allergic.

I can’t have my dads dog now as his dog and mine have started fighting. And I won’t take mine to his for same reason. We just have to limit stays or go home for part of the day.

I wouldn't want to go and leave the dog; maybe 2/3 hours maximum just to have dinner. If your dog is well behaved I think it's mean of your auntie excluding them.