Mom refuses to dogsit for son's entitled fiance despite only working part time, couple give her the cold shoulder for setting boundaries: 'I have my own life, I'm not a built-in pet service'

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    AITA for telling my son's fiancée I'm not a free dog- sitter just because I work "part-time"?

    Older woman cuddling with a dog outside
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    I'm 50F, divorced, work retail (25-30 hours a week), and live alone. My son (28) is getting married next year to a woman (26) who I'm still getting to know. She's nice, but a little... entitled, if I'm being honest.
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    They recently got a dog, a big one with high-energy aand I've been asked to watch him "just while they're both at work." I said
  • 04
    no, I don't have the time or energy to deal with a large dog every day. It's ok once or twice a month but not every day..
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    Older woman looking stressed
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    I told her I may not sit at a desk 9 to 5, but I am working, I have my own life, and I'm not a built-in pet
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    service. My son tried to smooth it over, but now she's clearly cold with me and says I made her feel "unwelcome in the family."
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    Her response? "Well I just thought since you're not really working full-time, it wouldn't be a big deal."
  • 09
    AITA for not wanting to be their unpaid dog nanny all the time?
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    Young woman burying her face into a pillow in frustration
  • 11
    NTA isitpurple It doesn't matter how many hours you work. It's YOUR life. Your kid is grown with his own life, too. Did she expect you to be at their beck n call?
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    AfroVenus OP Thanks, but I'm not really sure how to tell him so he understands my situation.
  • 13
    Thaafreeire Exactly! I think that's what rubbed me the wrong way - like my time doesn't count just because I'm not clocking in 40
  • 14
    hours. I love my son and want to be supportive, but that doesn't mean I have to give up my own routine to raise their dog for them.
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    GrabYourBrewPodcast My grandad always said the post valuable thing a person owns is their time.
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    wanderer866 NTA, and be prepared for the "making her feel unwelcome" line to come out each time you don't give her whatever she wants.
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    Woman taking a dog on a walk outside
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    Dig Dug DogDun I think there's a good chance the fiancée is going to punish OP for this with something related to the wedding, like sitting her in the back or not including her in pictures
  • 19
    NTA GrabYourBrewPodcast If you wanted to commit to a dog, you would have your own. You have your own life, and it's irrelevant whether you are full or part-time...its your life! You don't live to cater to others. She sounds very entitled. Has your son said anything about it?
  • 20
    Zyra_Blossom Exactly this . People forget that choosing not to have a pet is just as valid as choosing to have one. You're not obligated to bend your life around someone else's decision, especially when they're acting entitled about it.
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    NextSplit2683 This is just a preview of her entitled behavior when the grandkids are born. Get ready!
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    WantToBelievelnMagic Tell your son that his fiancé disrespected you, and as soon as she apologizes, you will be happy to move on.
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    If she seems confused by your stand, have your son explain that it is best that everyone understand from the outset that you are no doormat and won't be treated like paid staff.
  • 24
    Aloreiusdanen This. Imagine getting mad because you said no. I feel sorry for OPs son.
  • 25
    ApartCheesecake7623 Dogs in general need lots of training and large ones need even more. They bought a dog knowing they wouldn't be around to care for it. NTA. Irresponsible and cruel on both of them though.
  • 26
    Doesn't matter if you didn't work at all. Not your pet, not your decision to buy large dog. Expect more of this in your future if and when they have kids.
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    Also, while your son's SO is saying this, she purchased the dog WITH your son. Your son was on board with the plan to have you watch the dog and seems like
  • 28
    he only interceded because SO pushed when you said no. Your son didn't actually have your back if he didn't shut that down as too much to ask before it was even brought to you.

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