My husband and I don't have to work that many hours and when we do they're from home so it puts us in a good position to help our siblings and watch their kids. My husband has 1 sister with 2 children. I have a brother, with 2 children. A sister with 3 children. I also have a younger half brother with 1 child. My husband and I also have a son. So 9 kids all together between the ages 4-12. They’re usually not here all at the same time, but they all do come over often. Sort of a mix and match depending on various schedules. They all seem to have a fun time (in their words we have the “fun house”) and our son loves to socialize with his cousins.
Almost half a year ago we got two dogs. All the kids were very excited and have enjoyed playing with them. Unfortunately we found out that my one niece (Gemma) is allergic to dogs. She’s never been around a dog much before so neither she nor her parents knew about the allergy. It is not just a mild allergy either. She doesn’t just get sniffles she actually started wheezing and had trouble breathing.
We have tried to do things to minimize allergens in our home. However it is very difficult because of our home is fully carpeted. Regular vacuuming did nothing. We got an air purifier and steam cleaned our carpets before she came over one time and kept the dogs outside for the day and it worked, but of course after a day the dog dander had gotten everywhere and we were back to square one. We decided this wasn’t a viable option to do on a regular basis because of the cost and the increased amount of wear and tear. It also leaves the majority of our house unusable while we waited for the carpet to dry.
My brother and sil (Gemma’s parents) have taken her to the doctor to try different medications to help with her allergies. The problem is Gemma already takes medication for a different medical issue and it interferes with a lot of allergy medicines. They’ve tried some other things suggested by her doctor, but nothing really helps.
My brother has asked that we get rid of our dogs because Gemma had a fit the other day. She’s upset that she hasn’t been able to come over to the “fun house” and play with her cousins all these months while they still come over all the time. My brother thinks that we are causing her to feel left out by not getting rid of the dogs.
I understand how unfair it must feel for Gemma, but neither me or my husband or son want to get rid of our dogs. They’re part of the family now. We have become very attached to them. Especially our son. He would cry his eyes out if they had to be given up.
It’s not like we can stop watching the other kids to make Gemma feel less excluded either. Our siblings don’t have it as easy as us and they need the help sometimes.
AIBU?
for not getting rid of dogs when niece is allergic?
dogsdander · 12/09/2022 15:20
FourTeaFallOut · 16/09/2022 14:59
No, I'm not saying that.
I'm just pointing out that in the workplace, an employer would have to accommodate someone with an accessibility dog and another employee with a severe allergy to that dog.
FourTeaFallOut · 16/09/2022 14:19
Severe allergies which are life-threatening can count as a disability for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.
Someone who is asthmatic and experiences breathing difficulties due to a dog allergy, for example, could reasonably expect an employer to adapt their working conditions if someone brings a dog to work and jeopardises their health.
nocoolnamesleft · 14/09/2022 17:05
But it's fine to tell a child with a potentially life-threatening allergy to fuck off, she doesn't matter? I am personally happy to rate children higher than animals.
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jules911 · 14/09/2022 18:07
Cat among the pigeons. I’m disabled & have a service dog. I’m now rather concerned about taking the dog out, with regards all these comments of dogs being just dogs or mutts ! Should I be worried when getting on a bus, train or even a lift. If the person next to me is allergic to my dog, would they then feel entitled to sue me because he’s just a dog!!! He goes to work with me & by law he is entitled to, so what then? I’m fortunate that it is my company, so to date I’ve never had a problem with colleagues etc., So I’m fucked if some of these people on here ever apply, as according to some he is ‘just a dog.’ Unfortunately have even had to part from a very dear partner because of ‘just a dog’.
nocoolnamesleft · 14/09/2022 17:28
No the nefarious part is to then exclude one child, because of her health condition. But carry on the same set up for the other children who do not have a disability.
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