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).

I love my dog, I wouldn’t go without them on Xmas day
But just because I got a dog doesn’t mean everyone else suddenly has to love it and want it in their house

It’s your choice to go and leave the dog

@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!! 😂

100%

as long as you're clear that you respect her wishes and if it's as simple as 'we don't want the dog' that's okay too.

Asking when she's already said no is disrespecting her wishes. She's been perfectly clear. She's not looking for some thoughtful solutions.

I feel for your aunt. I think if I was doing Christmas for 22 people I’d be asking them not to bring pets too.

I hope you can work something out.

22 people for Christmas?

I'd rather stay home with my dogs!

Should I just respect her wishes or AIBU to push back and least ask why don't "push back" you should be grateful you've been invited round there in the first place! If it's really bugging you why then just say "sure no problem, is that because 22 people is a bit much with a dog on top?" And then she can reply "no its coz your dog is a pain and gets hair everywhere" or whatever.

I'm a huge animal lover, but wouldn't dream of taking my dog to a gathering of people for a celebration. Your dog will be fine at home and to him Christmas Day is simply a day.

I also take issue with those who say a dog cannot be left home alone. What do you think happens to dogs belonging to people who work? Would you rather dogs lived in rescue centres all their lives rather than be given a home?

Should I just respect her wishes

Hosting a gathering for 22 is no small undertaking. Why would you not respect her wishes?

I would have to say no to your dog as well. I have 3 cats and my DH is allergic to dogs. I would feel bad about it, as I know that dogs can’t be left home alone for long periods. And I do actually like dogs.

Not everyone who says no to having a dog in their home is a dog hater.

Am sure there was a thread on here just the other day but from the opposite perspective! Someone plucking up the courage to tell their relative they didn't want them bringing their dog on Christmas Day.
Sorry but I think you should be reading the room a bit better here.

Are you kidding?!?! She’s hosting 22 people.

Either go without the dog or don't at all.
No matter how clean the owner thinks their dog is, no dog or any other animal would be allowed in my house.

Of course you should respect her wishes! If I was your aunt I’d totally understand you not being able to come, or just for a shorter time, if your dog isn’t able to stay at home for long. But I wouldn’t be having anyone’s dog in my home.

Surely the dog can be left alone for a while…don’t dog owners go to work?

Usually. I've seen some lunatics online who think it might be fun for everyone if dogs came to the office.

and if other guests have dogs?

OP most people are being polite by saying it's fine for the dog to be at events. It's not. It's sad. It is a dog.

Dogs smell, I know their owners don't think so, but they do. To people like me they absolutely stink to high heaven. And they leave their smell behind them.

So not only is your aunt hosting 22(!) people she does not want to deal with a dog and all that entails.

She's probably had to say it up front as she knows you will just bring the dog otherwise. And it's her house and you shouldn't.

Do not bring the dog and do not insult her by asking if actually you can.

I think that the answer is clear, tbh. I'd plan to be there less time.

Has dog done Christmas Day before? Because a family gathering like a BBQ or something else is a different kettle of fish really, bit more space and expectation of being outside, freer and more relaxed with the timetable, less excitable kids/presents/crackers etc. Might be that bringing the dog would be fine for another event, but Christmas is just a bridge too far.

What a miserable bunch of folk on here tonight.

Christmas is surely about extending a welcome to everyone. That includes dogs in my family - we have a house full of people and dogs on Christmas day and it can be chaos but I'd never ask someone to leave a much loved pet at home. Dogs are pack animals and hate being left alone.

Christmas is surely about extending a welcome to everyone.

People. Not their pets.

You say your dog has been to family gatherings, but have any of those been at your aunt's house?

Sad to think of my dog alone on xmas day (yes i am a crazy pet parent).

Yes, yes you are. It's a FUCKING DOG. It will have no clue what day it is. 22 people in the house - leave your dog at home.

Newsflash - not everyone loves your animal. Hell, some of us don't even LIKE your animals. Keep your animals to yourself.

oh and "pet parent". not envy where's the vomit emoji when you need it.

I am a crazy pet parent too, and I think YABU.
The host makes the rules. It is also fine for you to say you can't stay long too.

I wouldn't want a dog in my house and certainly not at Christmas if I were trying to cater for and entertain 22 people! Just because you like your dog, other people may not. I don't care how well behaved it is, I just don't want dogs in my house.
Make other arrangements for your dog or have Christmas at home with your pet. Simple.