Woman Accused of Stealing the Spotlight at Sister's Wedding for Bringing Her Service Dog: 'Can't you be normal for one night?'

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  • 01
    r/AITAH u/Frosting Regular1328 • 1d AITA for making my sister's wedding "about me" by bringing my service dog? Advice Needed
  • 02
    I (28F) have a service dog, Lucy, who's been with me for four years. I have a chronic condition that causes sudden fainting spells, and Lucy is trained to alert me before an episode so I can sit down, and she'll stay with me during an episode until I'm alert again. It's a life-saving measure and has become non-negotiable part of my daily life.
  • 03
    When my sister (30F) got engaged, I was thrilled and, of course, very excited to attend her wedding. I reached out well in advance to let her know I'd be bringing Lucy along, expecting her to understand. But my sister was less than thrilled. She claimed Lucy would "distract" from her big day and that having a dog there would make it less elegant.
  • 04
    My sister suggested I "just leave her at home for a few hours" or that I sit near the back where "people won't see her." This upset me because, as I explained to her, Lucy is there for my safety and it's genuinely unsafe for me to go anywhere without her. I offered to keep her as out-of-sight as possible and assured her that Lucy is highly trained and would stay by my side quietly.
  • 05
    But my sister dug in her heels. She told me I was "making this all about me" and asked why I couldn't "just be normal for one day." When I said I couldn't risk my health or safety, she accused me of "choosing my dog over her."
  • 06
    Our family is split. My parents think I should respect my sister's wishes since it's "her special day," but a few of my friends believe she's being unreasonable. I've even thought about skipping the wedding to avoid the whole mess, but I know that would upset her too. So, AITA for insisting on bringing my service dog to my sister's wedding? 1,252 1,196 D
  • 07
    Sobuhutch • 1d "Why don't you be normal for a day?" You think I wouldn't if I had the ability you soulless harpy? Reply 1 3.1k
  • 08
    QueenFrostBiten • 1d Spot on! It really messes me up when people say things like that...like there is an actual choice! no one chooses to be that way...i just feel bad for op cause i don't see a win for her in this situation ... 63 ⇓
  • 09
    SGTPepper1008 · 1d "Why don't you be normal for a day?" Because I have a chronic health condition that can't just turn off when it's inconvenient, if I could I would leave it turned off every day! Sounds like OP may have POTS and I have it too. It is very inconvenient, especially at weddings. ... ☆✩ 44 ⇓
  • 10
    Fresh_Caramel8148 • 1d Stop discussing and arguing this with her and your family. Just smile and say "you are all correct - i won't bring the dog". Then when you get the invitation, RSVP "no" and don't go. Of course they'll get on you about it. You say you're respecting your sisters wishes. The dog won't be there. For your family to not understand is pretty jaw dropping. I wouldn't go and wouldn't feel bad about it. Reply 1.4k
  • 11
    checkoutmywheeeppit . 1d Here's how it will go: You take your dog, WRONG! You made what should be her special day about you! You don't take your dog and pass out, WRONG! You made what should be her special day about you! NTA #takeyourpupwithyou Reply 585
  • 12
    z00k33per0304 • 1d This! There's literally no winning. If OP doesn't go WRONG! because then people will be asking why her own sister isn't there and her admitting she's a heartless j for not letting her sister bring her service dog will "ruin her big day" (not that she'd ever admit it). Nobody asks to be medically fragile and it's not even a new diagnosis, nobody there should be as "distracted" it's been part of their lives for a while now. Maybe send a heads up to the in law's if you're that pa
  • 13
    RebeccaMCullen ⚫ 1d • What I don't get is is that at least a third of those that'd be getting an invite should know that OP has a service animal, as in, OP's side of the family. Long term friends of the sister, and potentially the groom, should also be aware of the service dog. So that leaves newer friends and the groom's guests that OP hasn't met that'd be unaware of the dog.
  • 14
    Unless they are dog obsessed or young kids, most people aren't going to be focused on OP's service animal. HI, at my brother's wedding, there were several people on the bride's side that were meeting their son for the first time. Yeah, there was a little pass the baby around, but most people focused on the couple and hanging out with friends/family there. 43
  • 15
    Mother Search3350 • 1d At 30 years old if she thinks she will be outshone by a dog, she has bigger problems than you NTAH ← Reply ☑ 406
  • 16
    Beginning-Lemon-4607 1d • Well I mean what if op puts the dog in a miniature white wedding dress? ... ← 22
  • 17
    BeginAgain2Infinitum. 1d It's not like any bride is lacking attention on their wedding day. She has to be very insecure or narcissistic to be worried about losing focus for the two seconds it takes people to think, "aww, a puppy!". Just wait till she finds out people are looking at their phones during the toasts and first dance! 273
  • 18
    Turmeric Ping • 1d NTA. Respect her wishes by not bringing either the dog or yourself to her wedding. F how upset she is about it. She doesn't care about the health and safety of her sister as much as she cares about an instagrammable wedding. Why the h I would you care about her feelings. ← ☑ Reply 150
  • 19
    Ok_Philosophy_3892. 1d And I'm curious why her parents are on sister's side.they are not concerned about their daughter fainting? My experience with service dogs is that they are hardly noticed due to how quiet and well-behaved they are. The pup will stay at OP's feet and be less disruptive than any children attending. ... 73 ↓
  • 20
    ThisNerdsYarn • 1d We know who the golden child is. Makes sense on why the sister is a heartless entitled b What terrible parents. ← & ☆ 8 Д
  • 21
    Ok-Breadfruit-1359. 1d A trained service dog is like trained not to be a distraction. If you had an event and needed to care for yourself, you can do so quietly with your dog alerting you. If you have an event without your dog and people freak out, then that's on her Reply 23 ⇓
  • 22
    Usual Concept6870 • 1d She is unreasonable. Just don't go. Have your friends take you to a party instead. There, you will be safe and able to have fun without risking your health. Also if you are about to faint, nobody will yell you are calling attention to yourself. Let's be real, your sister would be upset if you had to sit down when it would be noticeable and god forbid you'd actually faint. She'd lose her sh if you fainted, you know it. Reply 21 ↓
  • 23
    prettysweetavocado • 1d You're not making it about you, you're simply doing what's necessary to safely attend and support your sister. If she can't accept that, that's on her, not you. 10 Reply
  • 24
    fairylaceflutter • 1d It's unfortunate that your family is divided, but your health and safety should come first. If your sister truly values you, she should prioritize your well- being over her wedding's aesthetics. You shouldn't have to choose between your health and supporting your sister, and it's unfair of her to ask that of you. ... Reply 10 ⇓

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