A granddaughter was born, but my daughter-in-law doesn’t want my dog! What should I do?
I’m at a loss about what to do…
I’ve decided to write here because I hope many will understand me. Maybe someone might even offer advice—am I in the right, or am I just mistaken?
I have two sons—James and Daniel. They both have been living in Spain for quite some time, though in different cities. James is married with a little daughter, while Daniel hasn’t found the one just yet.
When my boys were very young, our family fell apart—we divorced, and it was a tough time. The house felt empty, the kids missed their mum, and I, juggling work with raising them, felt endlessly lonely.
To fill that void and safeguard the house, I got a dog—a magnificent, clever, and loyal German Shepherd named Bella. We lived in a house with a garden and a yard, so there was plenty of space for her.
Bella became more than just a pet; she was family. I often went on business trips, and when I was away, she was the true mistress of the house, guarding it and looking after the kids. My sons adored her. I even used to think that raising them would have been exponentially harder without her.
The years passed. My sons grew up, while Bella aged. When she passed away, it felt as though I had lost the closest of companions. I swore to myself that I would never get another dog—it was too painful to part ways…
But then the boys grew up, moved away, and I was left alone in a big empty house. The silence intensified the loneliness. One day, I realized I couldn’t live without a friend.
That’s when I got Max. A small, bright, affectionate dog—a true companion. I even joked that there was a man in the house again, although he had four legs.
I knew I would have to visit my sons in Spain often, so I chose a dog that I could travel with. We’ve flown abroad together five times already! I always adhere to all the rules—book tickets in advance, pay for his travel, put him on a light diet to keep him under the 8kg limit, give him anti-motion-sickness pills… Sometimes it seems traveling with a dog is harder than with a child!
But he is like a child to me. The only one greeting me at home, thrilled when I return, and comforting me with his warmth.
Then something happened that I could never have predicted.
James had a daughter. My first granddaughter! I was overjoyed, dreaming of spending time with the family, helping out, taking the little one for walks, being there. But then I found out my daughter-in-law was vehemently against Max being around.
At first, she said she feared the baby might be allergic. Then it was that the dog would bring dirt into the house. And then she got a cat, seemingly to eliminate my arguments altogether.
I couldn’t believe my ears. My heart was breaking.
James and Daniel started suggesting I leave Max at a pet boarding while visiting them. They even offered to cover the costs just so I could stay longer.
“Dad, give up the dog! It’s just a dog, and we’re your children, your granddaughter! Surely you can’t compare the two?” Daniel tried to convince me.
But I couldn’t.
How could I make them understand that Max isn’t just a dog? He’s my solace in solitude. My friend. He lies at my feet, listens to me when I’m troubled. Feels my distress and quietly lies beside me, warming me with his presence.
I couldn’t just leave him in some boarding facility, surrounded by strangers.
“Whoever wants to see me must accept my dog too!” I firmly replied.
The boys just exchanged glances. They didn’t get it. To them, a dog was just that—a dog. But to me, he’s my reason for being.
I don’t know what will happen next. They keep insisting, and I keep refusing.
But one thing I know for sure: as long as Max is alive, I won’t betray him. He has been there during those times when no one else could be there for me.
I will not leave him. Even if it means I see my granddaughter far less often than I had hoped.
