[nagdu] family arguments about the dog

[Allison Nastoff]

Thank you so much for your support and advice about this issue.  
I really like the idea of sending my brother an e-mail before his 
next visit.  I never thought of that before, but I have found 
that in the past, I can express my thoughts better in writing 
than I do in speaking, especially in frustrating situations.  My 
parents also support my decision not to let anyone, even my 
brother give him treats, so I will ask for their continued 
assistance.  And thank you Meghan for suggesting that I keep 
Gilbert on leash when my brother comes.  The possibility of 
someone pretending to give in, but then sneaking the dog a treat 
is something that never occured to me, but I wouldn't put it past 
my brother.  I might also suggest that if my brother so 
desperately wants to spoil a dog, he could get his own dog 
(smile).  Thanks again for all of your advice.
Allison and Gilbert

> ----- Original Message -----
>From: Allison Nastoff <anastoff at wi.rr.com
>To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
>Date sent: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:43:53 -0500
>Subject: [nagdu] family arguments about the dog

>Hi List,
>I consider myself a pretty easygoing person with regard to people
>interacting with Gilbert, but one thing that I am absolutely
>adamant about is making sure that Gilbert is not given any table
>scraps or treats without my permission because I don't want him
>to start begging the way the pet dogs I grew up with did, not to
>mention keeping him healthy.
>The dog trainer told me that he usually gave Gilbert only one
>treat each day just before going to bed, a ritual which I have
>continued.  I will make exceptions of course, like when he goes
>to the vet or the groomer, but generally he only gets one milk
>bone treat a day, and absolutely no table scraps besides the
>crumbs that inadvertently fall on the floor.  My parents respect
>my feelings on this matter.  My friends in the college dorm
>respect my feelings on this issue.  My brother does not.
>My brother is in college and lives in his own apartment.  But
>when he comes home for dinner occasionally, it is always the same
>argument.
>Brother: "Gilbert, do you want some chicken?"
>me: "No, Gilbert can not have table scraps."
>Brother: COME on, why not? Dogs love chicken!"
>Me: Of course they love chicken, but I want to keep Gilbert
>healthy, and since he is a guide dog, I do not want him to come
>to expect table scraps, and then he will start begging."
>Brother: All right, I am giving him a milk bone then." (He gets
>up, walks to the pantry, pulls out the container of milk bones
>and shakes it).  "Gilbert, you want a treat?"
>Me (standing up and shouting now): "No! Do not give him a treat!"
>Brother: Come on! What is the harm in letting him have one milk
>bone?"
>Me: "There is no harm, but he is my guide dog, so I would like to
>decide when he gets treats, and I do not want him to have a treat
>right now! He will get a treat before bed!"
>He grudgingly put the treats back and dropped the subject, but I
>am sure we will have the same argument again next time he comes.
>So I was wondering:
>1.  Does anyone have similar arguments with family members over
>their dogs?
>2.  Is there a better way I could handle this kind of situation?
>and
>3.  Am I being overly anal? My brother does not come that often,
>so should I just let my brother indulge Gilbert and give him a
>treat?
>I am interested in hearing your thoughts on this subject.
>Allison and Gilbert

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