You'll get a lot of people telling you to put your dog first, so I'll offer another perspective:
I think no matter what, our human relationships have to come first. You don't have to understand or be happy about their choice, just like they apparently don't understand how important your pet is to you.
And ultimately, it's their home, and if your boyfriend/fiance' is important to you, you have to respect their wishes. Sometimes holidays are just chaotic enough without adding to the craziness. Two of the places we're going, I know will be inappropriate to take my dogs to, and they'll be left at home. One place is calm and spacious enough that all THREE will get to go. I think we just have to roll with the punches, and that if WE are willing to, our PETS will learn to as well.
I don't know all the details, but it sounds like there have been some issues with you and your boyfriend...maybe he thinks your dog is too important to you? that you put it before him? And maybe this is something his family is concerned about too. You're in a very tenuous stage of your relationship with ALL of them, where they are still forming opinions of you, and what kind of life their loved one will be able to have with you.
I think that when we are "IN YOUR FACE!!!" with people over our love for our pets, that just gives them more fodder against us. ("She's so crazy...she would rather spend Christmas at home ALONE than leave her dog for two days!")
Think of this as a "test"---PROOVE to them, that yes, you can put canine/human relationships in proper perspective. And then, I bet you anything that next time they'll be more understanding, and won't mind you bringing him along.
Good luck! |