“My wife and I will soon be first-time grandparents, because our son and his wife are expecting. The problem is their dog.
When they met, his then-girlfriend had a “rescue” dog. As far as I can tell, this dog is vicious and completely out of control.
My son has been bitten at least twice, and the only times I have ever gotten close to the dog it attacked me. When company comes over, the dog is locked in the garage.
Our concern is what happens when they bring the baby home. “Oh, she’s just territorial” is the excuse we hear. Territorial? Wait until a new pet human shows up.
They have several nieces, ranging in age from 1 to 6. We live several states away. Would it be reasonable to ask for photos of the dog playing with the nieces as proof that this dog is safe with children?
We’ve also considered calling the other grandparents, but everyone spends all their energy keeping my son’s wife as happy as she can be.
We have talked about calling child welfare if it appears they plan to let the new baby and the dog live in the same house.
If we do that it would certainly destroy any future relationship, but someone has to have some sense. — Grandparent Prepared to Call CPS”
Dear Grandparent:
You sound like a cat person.
Is “it reasonable to ask for photos of the dog playing with the nieces as proof that this dog is safe with children?” No. It’s entirely unreasonable. They don’t have to show you anything. Just because the dog doesn’t interact well with you doesn’t mean it doesn’t with others. Dogs can be picky. And as a rescue dog, they need more time to adjust to their new surroundings because they may only known a certain, awful, way of life.
What right do you have to call child protective services if they let the dog and baby live in the same house? None. It’s their dog and their baby. They will deal with it on their own terms. Any action you take regarding CPS will only hurt your relationship with you son and daughter-in-law.
John Kidde Writes 