My granddaughter has been born, but my daughter-in-law doesn’t want my dog! What should I do? I’m confused about the right thing to do…
I decided to write here because I hope many will understand me. Perhaps someone can even offer advice — am I justified, or am I mistaken?
I have two sons — Benjamin and Michael. Both have been living in England for quite some time now, but in different cities. Benjamin already has a family and a little daughter, while Michael is still searching for the one.
When my boys were little, our family fell apart — their mother and I divorced. It was a tough time. The house felt empty, the boys were lonely, and I, torn between work and caring for them, felt utterly alone.
To fill that void and protect our home, I got a dog — a gorgeous, intelligent, loyal German Shepherd named Tara. We lived in a house with a yard, so there was plenty of space for her.
Tara became more than just a pet; she was family. Often away on business trips, she handled the home like it was her own, guarding it and being there for the boys. My sons adored her. Sometimes, I felt raising them would’ve been much harder without her.
Years passed, my sons grew up, and Tara became old. When she passed away, it was as agonizing as losing a beloved family member. I vowed never to get another dog, as the loss was too painful.
However, as my sons grew and moved away, I found myself alone in a large, quiet house. The silence of solitude was deafening. One day, I realized I needed a companion.
That’s when Red came into my life. A small, clever, affectionate dog — a true companion. I joked about having another “man” in the house, even if he was four-legged.
Knowing I’d be traveling to see my sons regularly, I chose a dog I could travel with. We’ve flown overseas together five times! I always follow the necessary protocols — booking tickets in advance, paying for his baggage, keeping him on a light diet before flights to stay under the 8 kg limit, and giving him motion sickness pills… Sometimes it feels like traveling with a dog is harder than traveling with a child!
But to me, he’s like a child. The only one who greets me at the door, happy when I return, comforting me with his warmth.
Then, something unexpected happened.
Benjamin’s daughter was born. My first granddaughter! I was thrilled and wanted to stay longer with my family, help out, and spend time with the little one. But I soon learned my daughter-in-law was against Red.
First, she claimed to fear the dog might cause allergies. Then she worried about the mess he might bring into the house. Finally, she got a cat herself, as if to show there were no more arguments left for me.
I couldn’t believe my ears. My heart was breaking.
Both Benjamin and Michael tried convincing me to leave Red at a pet hotel temporarily. They even offered to cover the expenses so I could stay longer with them.
“Dad, let this dog go! He’s just a dog, and we are your children, your granddaughter! How can you compare them?” Michael tried to persuade me.
But I just couldn’t.
How could I explain that Red wasn’t just a dog? He is my solace in loneliness. My friend. He sleeps at my feet, listens when I’m down. He senses when I’m upset and just lies beside me, warming me with his silence.
I couldn’t just leave him at some hotel among strangers.
“Anyone who wants to see me must accept my dog too!” I firmly replied.
My sons exchanged looks. They didn’t understand. To them, a dog is just a dog. To me, he’s the meaning of life.
I’m unsure what will happen next. They keep persuading, and I keep refusing.
But one thing I know for sure: as long as Red is alive, I won’t betray him. He was there when no one else was.
I won’t leave him. Even if it means seeing my granddaughter far less often than I hoped.
