Mum's dog bit my LO

Solsol

I was at my mum's the other day with two year old DS. Mum has two dogs - one of which she usually keeps locked in the spare room when we visit as she can be quite aggressive. Anyway, my mum is currently recovering from illness so the dog wasn't locked away and to cut a long story short, the dog bit my son on the arm without any provocation. It isn't the first time it's happened, the dog has previously bitten my three year old niece twice and still my mum refuses to give away said dog.

My husband was (understandably) furious and has said he doesn't want me taking DS there while the dog is in the house. I tried to have a conversation with my mum about possibly rehousing the dog on a temporary basis until she's well enough to look after it properly but she's refusing because she loves the dog and doesn't want to part with it. She also said that she understands that she won't be able to see her grandson while she's not able to leave the house and she's ok with that as she knows it's only temporary.

I'm also going to find it difficult to help her through her illness if I can't take LO to her house as she can't leave the house herself.

I think the rest of my family think I'm being selfish but seriously, it feels like she's chosen her dog over her grandson and I'm honestly still in shock by her decision. I understand that she loves her dog but it is vicious and has hurt her grandchildren three times already.

I don't wish to report it to the RSPCA as she would never forgive me but please has anyone got any advice on how to try and change her mind, even just temporarily? She may not see her grandchild for another month now because of this and doesn't seem entirely bothered?!

SailorSam

I think given the dogs history you should tell your Mum, you're very sorry but you can't see any alternative ....... You're reporting the dog. Ok you can keep your kids safe by never going there again, she can come to you once she's feeling better. But think, how will you feel when the dog attacks the next child. And it will.

j.e.j.

Oh dear I can see this thread turning into World War 3 between the dog lovers (who will think poor doggy can't POSSIBLY be to blame) and the rest of us who think your mum should be protecting her grandchldren from the temperamental mutt.

I would be furious too if it were my child, and I'm afraid I'd have to tell her.

swingaloo

Im sorry but for me there is no other option but to stay away from the house. You already said she has to lock one of the dogs away as hse knows it is aggressive. Your child must come first. Ive no time for poeple who risk chiildrens (or adults) lives because they love a dog.

In your position I would be telling your mum and the rest of the family that you will not visit the house with the dog there. Whatever they say or think dosnt matter, at least your child is safe.

I live round the corner from a house where 3 'lovely, soft, would not harm a fly' (according to the owner) dogs tore apart a 13 year old girl last year.

you cant do anything about your mum favouring the dogs over seeing her grandson but she has a choice in the matter.

Solsol

I've tried explaining this to her and said she'd never forgive herself if something worse happened but I don't think she's thinking clearly.

Ideally I would like to report the dog but risk falling out with my entre family over this so I don't know what to do for the best.

I can't believe that my sister still takes her LO there after being attacked by it twice too

SailorSam

What is a LO ?

Mojisola

SailorSam wrote: »

What is a LO ?

Little One.

Caroline_a

Trying to see a way through... Your mum won't want to get rid of the dog as it is a companion to her, however the children need to be safeguarded. If you visit, can you not lock the dog away before you take the children in? And maybe see if you can find a trainer who is prepared to work with the dog while your mum recovers?

Dogs and children aren't always a good mix, particularly if they haven't been brought up with each other.

myonlysunshine

Trust your instincts as a mum, you are there to protect your children and NOT put them in harms way..

If there is an unprovoked attack again (seems likely with the dogs track record) it could be much worse next time..unthinkable..

Hope your mum sees sense and does the right thing by her grandchildren x

notanewuser

SailorSam wrote: »

What is a LO ?

Little One. (Child)

Solsol

Caroline_a wrote: »

Trying to see a way through... Your mum won't want to get rid of the dog as it is a companion to her, however the children need to be safeguarded. If you visit, can you not lock the dog away before you take the children in? And maybe see if you can find a trainer who is prepared to work with the dog while your mum recovers?

Dogs and children aren't always a good mix, particularly if they haven't been brought up with each other.

Thanks for the responses everyone.

This is what was supposed to be happening up until now anyway and a) the dog wasn't locked away when we visited as it should have been and b) I feel that keeping it locked away will just make it even more aggressive?

I have told her I won't be taking LO there anymore but I'm also now getting grief from my siblings for not helping with mum while she's ill! I can't win whatever I do and I don't think it's fair that I have to leave my son with someone else while I go and help her if she's not prepared to leave her dog with someone else for a while! I already have to leave him for three days a week to go to work so I don't like to do it any more than that

Trying not to come across as petty or anything but this whole thing has just infuriated me!