I don't know how to start this without sounding rude or uncaring. Let me say first that I like dogs, our dog passed away just under a year ago. She was 12, a house dog.
Ariela,
I agree, it's your home, you make the rules, there's no need for apologies! Some people don't even realize they are forgetting their manners - they love their animals and figure everyone else must too! If you tell her in a nice way that you have allergies and could she leave her dog home when she visits, that should solve the problem.
I am a real dog lover, but I never assume that other people love my dogs aand want them around. I would never bring them to someone else's house unless they specifically asked me to. Unfortunately, the folks who tend to take such liberties tend to also be the folks who won't take subtle hints - they're just clueless/thoughtless about other people's needs. Just tell her, I love seeing you, but I would appreciate it if you left your dog at home. If you need an excuse, you could also say that it reminded you too much about the loss of your dog.
I think you are in luck. You have a pretty easy way to break it to her that she shouldn't bring her dog over. Just tell her that you, your husband, or both of you, are having a tough time with allergies and you would appreciate if she could try not bringing her dog over for a while to see if they clear up.
I agree with Joe. If you don't want to just blurt it out, ask her over for lunch & ask if she'd mind leaving the dog home...tell her during the visit. Allergies should not be tampered with. Many people have died from allergic reactions & because you have a mild attack today, doesn't mean you won't have a major attack tomorrow, when your body decides it cannot handle any more. My friend's sister died this way. Good luck!
Patsy
You have to be POINT BLANK with this person. I have 2 doggies that go with us most places however we do not presume everyone wants them in their homes or yards. I have seen people do this and I tried being subtle and no luck when I was direct and firm it was fixed. Don't apologize - it is your home!
I agree with everyone here. There is no excuse for rudeness even if the woman seems nice. It seems that many people think just because THEY love their pets, they assume everyone else does too!
This is a trying time for the person who is afraid of hurting someone's feelings. I have a brother & sister in law that live about 4 hour drive from me. When they come they bring their dog. They look after the dog well but when they bring the dog back in after a walk they let the dog off the leash and wipe the dog's paws and then "Mugsy" runs through the house and up onto the couch. UGH The dogs paws are wiped but her fur is still wet. He has a really bad wet dog odor. Now my dear sister in law's mother died and she inherited her mother's dog. And when they come now it's 2 dogs. My brother is working right now for Bell down in NewOrleans for 12 weeks and I would love for her to come and visit for a week and we could go here and there shopping but I am reluctant because she would bring the dogs.
Baylee,
It is tough to talk to family members about sensitive issues but you must stand your ground and be firm but gentle. You could tell your sister-in-law that you would be more than happy to help her pay to put her dogs in a kennel either in your town or hers.
