Greetings, dear readers! It’s your favorite scribe of sass and purveyor of piquant perspectives, Roger, diving headfirst into a Reddit rabbit hole so juicy, it makes a ripe peach look like last week’s loaf of bread. Grab your snuggliest throw and a steaming cuppa because you’re about to be enthralled by a real story from a real person that’s got more twists than a pretzel factory. Let’s dissect the curious case of a service dog, a funeral, and the allergy-induced uproar that ensued. Buckle up, buttercups; this is one bumpy ride you won’t want to miss!
Our tale unfolds with a scene as tragic as any penned by Shakespeare: a family grappling with the devastating loss of a loved one. Amidst the sorrow, our protagonist (let’s call her Jane for simplicity’s sake) steps up to host the mourning masses, her dwelling a beacon of hospitality. But as fate would have its wicked way, into this solemn gathering strides Zack’s girlfriend, cradling not a lasagna for the bereaved, but a dog. Yes, a bona fide, fur-coated, four-legged creature in the no-pet sanctuary of Jane’s abode.
Cue the dramatic gasp.
Jane, in an act of allergic self-preservation, politely requests the canine’s relocation to the backyard. But, lo and behold, this is no ordinary pooch. This, Zack claims, is an indispensable service animal. Alas, no prior warning was given to our hostess, who is as allergic to dogs as I am to bad fashion. Despite her willingness to chug allergy meds like a frat boy on spring break, the sheer logistics (and her dedication to her guests and children) make it a no-go. The dog, dear readers, must exit stage left.
Enter scandalized relatives, with opinions ranging from understanding nods to glares that could curdle milk. The plot thickens further when Zack’s girlfriend, through the modern marvel of Facebook, reveals the dog, affectionately named Okra, is not, in fact, a service animal, but an emotional support animal. And the condition it supports against? Not POTS, as initially lied about by Zack, but anxiety and PTSD. Furthermore, Okra was smuggled into the premises under false pretenses, leaving our protagonist more wronged than a Shakespearean hero.
Oh, the humanity!
But fear not, for this tale does not end in tragedy. Our protagonist and the girlfriend bond over their shared awkwardness, and justice seems on the horizon as Aunt Roxie readies her wrath and a breakup is announced. Who needs ‘Game of Thrones’ when you have this?
**Roger’s Hot Take:**
Alright, tea has been spilled, dogs have been pet, and allergies have been inflamed. Here’s the crux of it: Communication, my fabulous readers, is the linchpin of society. Jane was not the villain of this piece; rather, she was thrust into an impossible situation by the true antagonist—lack of consideration. This saga serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when assumptions replace conversations, and the importance of honesty in every interaction (especially involving pets at a funeral, for heaven’s sake).
For those in mourning or managing complex relationships, remember: truth and clarity can prevent a world of chaos. And to those sneaky Zacks of the world, a word of advice—get your stories straight, and maybe check with your host before bringing an emotional support animal to a solemn gathering.
In the end, it was not about the dog, nor the allergy, but about respect, understanding, and a touch of common decency that was sorely lacking. As we close the book on this canine caper, let us take a moment to appreciate the strength found in forgiveness and the humor in the absurd.
Until our paths cross again in the blogosphere, stay savvy, stay sassy, and above all, stay sensational. Roger, over and out.
Original story
Sadly my cousin’s wife passed away of brain cancer recently. It was agreed my husband and I would host the family that gathered for her funeral service since our home is spacious, and it is very close to the location where the service will take place.
I have a very large family, so extended relatives I haven’t seen in years, and partners I haven’t met yet came. I was busy making sure drinks and snacks were available while people began to arrive, and when I came out with more sodas I saw a woman sitting on my couch with a dog in her lap. (She apparently was a long time girlfriend of my second cousin, Zack).
Immediately I approach her, introduce myself, and then politely ask her to take the dog to the backyard, and explain that dogs aren’t allowed in my home.
Zack tried to argue with me saying the dog (a medium sized mutt, I’m not sure what breed it was) is a service animal and needs to stay with his girlfriend at all times.
I explain to Zack that I wished he, or my aunt, or someone had informed me earlier of his girlfriend’s situation with the service dog, because I am highly allergic to dogs.
If I had known at least 3 days prior I could’ve started allergy medications so that I could tolerate the dog long enough for it to be in my house (it was explained to me before that people would be coming and going for at least a few days) and to be able to deep clean after everyone left to avoid having a reaction.
Benadryl is a faster acting allergy relief for me, but that wasn’t an option since the amount I would need to fight off my reaction to the dog would make me too tired, and napping wasn’t an option for me since there are events to attend, people to serve while I’m hosting, and not to mention my children that need my constant attention. Yes my husband can help, but he can’t do all of those alone just like I can’t.
I had to be the bad guy, and say that bottom line the dog couldn’t be in the house, and so Zack left with his girlfriend. (They still attended the services, just couldn’t join the family at my house).
The family had mixed reactions to this. The relatives that knew me well either gave no opinion at all, or agreed that there was no choice, and Zack should’ve mentioned it prior so I could’ve prepared.
The family I didn’t know very well either just gave me dirty looks, or said I should’ve been accommodating despite my allergy because she needs the dog because she has POTS.
I don’t know much about this condition, and tried to be sensitive by stressing the fact that I would’ve been happy to accommodate the dog had I had notice, but I didn’t. AITA?
Edit for Update:
Zack’s GF, Kiara actually messaged me on FB to inform me that Zack had lied to the family members who were upset with me.
She informed me that Okra (the dog) is NOT a service animal, but is an emotional support animal. Kiara is autistic, and suffers from anxiety and PTSD (which is why she was too nervous to speak up when Zack started arguing with me).
I don’t blame her for being quiet, because if I had just traveled across the country and was in a house full of strangers (who were grieving no less) I would feel equally anxious.
She apologized to me for bringing Okra inside; saying that Zack and his brother told her they had cleared the dog to come with her with me (they didn’t). Which explains why Zack tried to make a fuss when I said otherwise because I exposed him in a lie in front of her.
She also said she didn’t know why Zack told others that Okra was a medically necessary service dog and that she had POTS (another lie).
I thanked Kiara for the message, and told her I was also sorry for the awkwardness she no doubt had to endure during that moment.
We chatted some more, and long story short my Aunt Roxie is pissed at both her sons, and Kiara will be breaking up with Zack after she gets home tomorrow.