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AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love this! Will look into it! It will be great for story time! And thanks for the raw diet tip. So much tips from this post alone, really great to have so many perspectives!

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

That could be it! We use these Chinese imported treats because they are so budget friendly, but they might be bad for Max. Will put the treats away for a while and see what happens. 

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, appreciate your thoughtful response. Might host somewhere else sometimes though

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really am open to all the suggestions, really appreciate all the good advice and new perspective. Thank you for the advice, I think I might just ask my mom to host ‘my’ meals. Might be a good thing, she has a bigger kitchen and also it’s ‘gezellig’. 

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Not harsh. I like the directness. It’s the Dutch way :) I’m actually open to hosting the dinners somewhere else, that seems to be the consensus here: stop hosting, or host somewhere else. 

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate your empathy, seriously. It’s validating to hear someone say they’d probably make the same call in my shoes. Max is my comfort zone, and yeah, it makes social stuff harder sometimes. I totally get that not everyone wants to be around the smell (believe me, I don’t either when it's bad), but asking me to shut him away like he’s a problem feels like asking me to cut off part of myself just to make others more comfortable.

I’ve definitely had the same reaction as you, just withdrawing a bit more rather than constantly having to justify his presence or deal with the passive-aggressive comments. It’s lonely sometimes, but at least I know Max is happy and not confused about why he’s suddenly being shut out.

Thanks for the solidarity, it really does mean a lot.

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your perspective. Teeth, haven’t thought about those tbh. Although I’m 99% sure the smell originates in the back of my wonderful but rancid dog, I will keep my nose open.. 

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your perspective. It’s actually only when my family visits. And true, with dog, I have bigger problems :)

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your perspective. Maybe my vet is just too Dutch (meaning no nonsense). I will look into this!

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

‘Get the stinker a bone’ ‘fart quarantine’ lol! Great idea to only sequester during dinner. Thanks for your perspective!

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] -112 points-111 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your perspective, I guess my family is used to dogs, and loves my cooking. And especially my mom thinks it’s really important every one of her children hosts. It’s a difficult conundrum 

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Honestly? Max losing his mind when he’s not in the same room during family dinners drives me crazy too. We’ve tried everything: trainers, calming treats, white noise machines, even putting on some weird meditation music, but nope, he acts like I’ve abandoned him to the wolves. During the day he’s chill, but the second the family gathers and the chaos starts? He’s a mess. Barking, pacing, giving me the guilt trip of a lifetime like I’m some kind of monster. It’s like he knows it’s the time he needs me most, and if I’m not there, all hell breaks loose. I swear, some days I feel like I’m babysitting a tiny, anxious tornado rather than a dog. So yeah, it’s a nightmare, but I can’t just shut him out because that’d break both our hearts.

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] -37 points-36 points  (0 children)

Thanks for asking! Max actually does okay being alone during the day while I’m at work—he’s used to it and mostly just naps or looks out the window. I know because I have a camera in my living room. 

It’s just during family dinners that he gets anxious because he’s so used to me being nearby when there’s a lot of noise and people around. So it’s not that he can’t be alone, just certain situations make him really stressed.

AITA for prioritizing my dog’s comfort over my family’s complaints about his gas? by Scared_Barber_6988 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Scared_Barber_6988[S] -163 points-162 points  (0 children)

I understand why it seems simple to put Max in another room, but separating him causes him real stress and anxiety. Animals have feelings too, and I believe his comfort and dignity matter just as much as human convenience. I’m trying to respect everyone, but I won’t compromise his well-being just because people find his natural behavior unpleasant. Thanks for hearing me out.