AITA for refusing to let my sister bring her dog to my house after what happened last time?
A woman (30F) is being criticized for refusing to let her sister (28F) bring her hyperactive dog to their family Christmas dinner, after the dog caused chaos the previous year. Despite being firm and polite, the sister is upset, and the mom is pressuring her to let the dog attend. The woman is now feeling guilty and questioning whether she’s being unreasonable. Read the full story below.
‘ AITA for refusing to let my sister bring her dog to my house after what happened last time?’
So here’s the deal: I (30F) host family gatherings at my house because I have the most space and honestly, I love it. Last year, my sister (28F) insisted on bringing her dog, a large, hyperactive golden retriever, to Christmas dinner.
I wasn’t thrilled about it because I don’t have pets, and I like keeping my house clean and fur-free. But I thought, “Okay, it’s the holidays. Let’s be nice.” Fast forward to Christmas Day, and this dog goes absolutely berserk.
It knocked over the Christmas tree, chewed up one of the gifts (a handmade scarf from my mom that took her weeks to knit), and somehow managed to jump up on the counter and eat half of the appetizers before we even sat down for dinner. I spent most of the day cleaning up after the dog and barely got to enjoy the holiday. My sister’s response? “He’s just excited! It’s Christmas, after all!”
This year, I told her no dogs. I was polite but firm, saying we’d love to have her, but the dog needs to stay home. She got super upset, saying her dog is “part of the family” and it’s unfair to exclude him. Now she’s threatening not to come at all, and my mom is pressuring me to let the dog come so “the family can be together.” I told them both that I’m not changing my mind.
Now I’m being called “selfish” and “not understanding.” My sister is acting like I’m banning her child or something, and I’m starting to second-guess myself. Am I the a**hole for putting my foot down?
Here’s what the community had to contribute:
angelicak92 − “Okay, don’t come.” Call her bluff. This is your house. Nta
Madmattylock − NTA. These dog weirdos must be stopped. And I LOVE dogs. But they do not belong everywhereZ
[Reddit User] − NTA, your house your rules. Also, dogs don’t misbehave because they are excited about Christmas. Dogs don’t know what Christmas is. Dogs misbehave because they haven’t been raised well. If your sister doesn’t scold the dog and teach him how he should behave they should both stay home.
geekylace − NTA. Poorly trained dogs stay home. My parents are the same and it’s why their dog isn’t allowed places anymore. If you can’t be bothered to train your dog, then you can’t bring your dog. It’s not complicated.
Dangerous_Cake2683 − NTA! She should understand your decision after what happened last year. And, if she really wanted her dog there, she should have offered you some kind of solution, like keeping the dog in a room or on a leash. She can’t just expect to bring an uneducated animal there and have you cleaning after him all day.
Kristmaus − Your sister gave you the answer. She wants to put her dog above you? Go ahead, girl. Enjoy your Christmas with him.
Money-Detective-6631 − Tell her if she shows up with that hyperactive dog, They are not welcome..This is your house a d event. You get yo decide who gets invited..If they complain tell them to welcome the dog st thier house……..NTA.
Temporary-Exchange28 − NTA. Clearly.
DrKiddman − It’s your house, your rules. You have the right to set any boundaries that you want to set. NTA.
Sufficient-Lie1406 − I’m sorry, I love dogs and I have 2 big chocolate labrador galoots who will be my only children, but I would NEVER EVER insist on them coming over to someone’s house, not even just to their backyard. Rude as hell. NTA obvs
Setting boundaries with family, especially when it involves pets, can be tough. Was the poster right to say no to the dog, or should she have been more understanding? How would you handle a similar situation? Share your thoughts below!