Returning from Their Getaway, a Couple Faces the Unthinkable as They Discover Their Trusted In-Laws Have Deceived Them Over Their Beloved Dog.
In a heart-wrenching tale of deception and betrayal, the Original Poster (OP) discovers their in-law’s cruel actions involving their beloved beagle, Winston. Amidst a whirlwind of lies, a shocking climax unfolds as the truth is revealed, leaving relationships in shambles.
Adopting Winston
The OP and her husband adopted a 12-year-old beagle named Winston from a shelter after his owner passed away. Winston had a few health problems but nothing major. They gave him a loving home for about a year.
The In-Laws’ Request
The OP’s in-laws, who had a small shepherd dog named Minnie, offered to watch Winston while OP and her husband went out of town. Upon returning, OP’s father-in-law hesitated to return Winston, claiming they had bonded. Meanwhile, her mother-in-law complained about Minnie digging holes in their yard.
Trading Dogs
OP and her husband decided to trade Winston for Minnie to provide a quieter environment for the senior dog and prevent Minnie from ending up in a shelter. The in-laws had swapped for Winston for about a year when an incident occurred.
A Disturbing Phone Call
While her husband and father-in-law were away, the OP received a call from her mother-in-law, who claimed that Winston had a seizure and was put down by the vet. However, OP felt something was off about the story, particularly the detail that the vet didn’t charge for the procedure out of pity.
Investigating the Truth
Suspicious, the OP called the in-laws’ regular vet, who claimed to have no knowledge of the situation. She then called another vet in the area but had to leave a message. It was Friday, and the vet’s office would be closed over the weekend.
Unraveling the Lies
On Monday, the second vet’s office returned OP’s call and revealed that a woman fitting her mother-in-law’s description brought in a beagle, claiming she hit him with her car and didn’t know the owner. The beagle was taken to the pound.
The Emotional Reunion
On Tuesday, the OP went to the pound and found Winston alive and well, baying in the kennels. Overcome with emotion, she paid over $200 to bring him home despite the financial strain.
The Confrontation
OP and her husband confronted the mother-in-law with Winston, but she stubbornly maintained that the vet lied to her about putting him down. Realizing they wouldn’t get anywhere, they left with Winston and went no-contact with the mother-in-law for a year.
Minnie’s Perfect Behavior
Interestingly, Minnie never dug any holes in OP’s yard, contrary to the mother-in-law’s complaints.
A Year of Distance
During the year of no contact, OP’s husband maintained a relationship with his father but never trusted his stepmother again. The OP’s father refused to comment or discuss his wife’s actions.
Winston’s Final Years
Winston lived with OP and her husband for two more years before developing cancer and having to be put down.
The Lasting Impact
The incident left a lasting impact on the family dynamics, with OP and her husband unable to fully trust the mother-in-law again.
A Family Forever Changed
The OP’s husband still loved and had a relationship with his father, but the relationship with the stepmother was forever altered. The couple is back in limited contact with the mother-in-law, but they don’t trust her and don’t visit the in-law’s home.
Was The Couple’s Behavior Appropriate?
The readers in the online forum had a lot of mixed views of the matter. Here are some of their responses:
Forum Responded
One reader said, “Literally tearing up at the thought of your poor dog having to stay in the pound. I’m glad everything turned out alright, and Rest in Peace, Winston.”
Different Perspective
Another responder wrote: “Trash. Throw that woman in the literal garbage. I hate, hate, HATE general mistreatment of animals. Bless you, for getting Winston out of that pound.”
Another Viewpoint
A different person states, “These people should never own pets. They aren’t capable of forming the emotional attachments necessary for owning a pet.”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
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Alexander Veros
Alex is a writer for Top Dollar Investor, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and business stories. Alex has started several online businesses and is a blogger who loves providing quality content to help others. He is passionate about affiliate marketing, finance, and cryptocurrency.
