From Slate Magazine · Michelle Herman · · 1m 40s
In-Laws Hide Aggressive Dog From Family
Family visits to in-laws interrupted by hidden aggressive dog.
In brief
Family visits to in-laws interrupted by hidden aggressive dog. Family refuses to visit in-laws after discovering elderly dog with dementia and aggression. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Dog with dementia
My sister-in-law’s 14-year-old dog has lost hearing and developed dementia with severe sundowning episodes.
Dog behavior issues
A trainer and veterinarian tried behavioral and medical interventions but nothing helped the dog’s aggression.
Baby and dog conflict
The dog and 11-month-old baby have been kept in separate rooms but now the child is more mobile and the dog is more aggressive.
Vet recommends euthanasia
The vet recommended euthanasia as the kindest option for the dog after failed interventions.
Parents-in-law’s reaction
My mother-in-law was sad when told the dog might be put down, but my father-in-law became angry and wanted to rehome the dog instead.
Family visits interrupted
We heard barking and crying from another room when visiting in-laws, realizing the dog was hidden in their house.
In-laws deny dog’s danger
In-laws claim the dog is calm with them on the couch and blame the new baby for his aggression.
Family’s decision
We will not visit in-laws as long as the dog is there, but we invite them over at our house instead.
In-laws’ response
In-laws send photos of the dog calmly sitting with them on the couch, saying they’ve had no issues since he came there.
Family’s next step
We will invite in-laws to visit at our house with the dog left at home to ensure safety.
What to remember
Family refuses to visit in-laws after discovering elderly dog with dementia and aggression.
