Okay, Ladies. You all are so wonderful with stuff like this... I am in the process of planning my son's 2nd birthday party. It's going to be mostly adult family and it will be at my home. My father's side of the family are all dog-lovers. I love dogs too and have one myself but these people tend to bring their dogs to family gatherings and most of the dogs are very large and usually stay indoors (our dog is outside-only). Most of my guests will probably assume it's okay to bring their dogs to my house since we have 3 acres but I do not want these animals in my home. My mother will be in town from out of state and she and her two small indoor dogs will be staying with us. So here's the problem I'm encountering... How do I tell my guests that they can only bring their pet if it can stay outside? Should I add a line on the invitation saying "Pets are welcome to stay in the pasture" or "Outdoor pets only", something like that? Or should I just say "We will have guest dogs staying with us so we ask that you not bring your dog."? (Personally, I'd much prefer if everyone left the pets at home.) So what do you all think?
Thanks!
WOW! You all never fail to amaze me. I spoke with my mom and she is going to be staying in a nearby pet-friendly hotel so her pups will stay there during the party. As for everyone else, I'll just put a note on the invitation saying "Humans only -- No Pets Please" and then make a little doggie gift bag (GREAT idea!). If anyone is offended, then so what! This my for my son's birthday (and mine too since we share a birthday) and if they don't understand that, then that's their loss. Thank you all so much. I have really been stressing about this and now I am so relieved that everyone feels the same as I do. Thanks again, ladies!
Be honest and straight forward.. UGhhh I cant stand when family does that.. One time I had inlaw's dogs here and what I did was take mine to their house and they hated it. but oh well they did the same thing.. Now I dont have that problem ..lol l..
Be Honest its not rude.. You are having other guests dogs you dont want any problems...
oh my goodness, i must have been raised in the old days where people are people and dogs are dogs. im sorry if someone gets offended b/c you don't want their dog at your house...tough!
people will get over it. i think the idea you had about mentioning it on the invitation is fine. i would simply put "have out of town guests w/ pets, to keep the crazy level down, please no pets" or simply say "with lots of children running and playing i am asking everyone to not bring their pets" You are stressing too much about hurting someone's feelings, just enjoy your kids birthday! sorry if i come across as rude, i don't hate animals....i just feel like children come first. people shouldn't have animals if it is always going to be an issue about going somewhere. more responsible animal owners would respect and understand that not everyone is an animal lover and make arrangements for a pet sitter if they really want to go to an event. you wouldn't take your kid to the bar, no...you would find a sitter. :)
S.,
I agree with Tam. Just put "No pets please" on the invitation. I don't think you have to explain why ~ it's your house.
If you try to please everyone by letting them bring their dogs but telling them they have to stay outside, it will get too complicated for you and you want to enjoy the party ~ not have to worry about someone elses dog. Just be polite but firm.
Also, if someone "accidently" brings their dog because they didn't read the invitation, then I'd have them take the dog home and then come back. You just can't worry about people being offended (I know, easier said than done, right :) ).
Good luck!
D.
I second Brandi P. - Love the goodie bag treats for dogs too!
Also, if you suggest that if they bring their dogs they would have to be outside, your putting yourself in an odd position since the weather in Tx can be so unpredictable For example,if too hot outside OR likely thunder storms your putting yourself again in bad spot with having all humans and animals inside. Just be honest. As someone else stated before me - there is bound to be at least one person offended. You can't make everyone happy. I think your sanity comes first especially on a day where your hosting a b-day party and things are always circus like on those days. Again be honest and don't be afraid to tick someone off, they will get over it!
Good Luck!
HTH
Keep it simple and just say No pets please! Giving them the option to bring dogs and put them outside means you will have to entertain guests and entertain the dogs outside. That's too much when you are trying to celebrate your child's birthday.
Don't feel like you have to explain why your mother's dogs are there. She's your mother and she's coming from out of town. It's your house and you can do what you want to do, period.
I'm a little confused. Is this party a one-day thing? Or will people have to travel and plan to be there for days? If it's a one-day thing, then telling people "No Pets Please" is not at all improper. Most people can leave their pets at home for a day.
If it's something where people have to stay longer then you also have to realize that they may not be able to come if they don't have a place or someone to take care of their pets. So, on this note, if you want them to come and know they won't be able to if they can't bring their pets, then it might be wise to indicate that pets will have to stay outside.
I suggest saying "No Pets Please" on the invitations. And then for those few exceptions that you don't mind if their pets come, call them up and explain the situation. I'm sure those few are going to understand.
UGH! i cannot understand why anyone would think it was OK to bring their dog with them to a party! but if they already think it's OK at your house...........
i like the HUMANS ONLY please with doggie goody bags! a big biscuit with a ribbon around it.
My daughter is scared to death of dogs so if we went to a party with dogs, we'd probably have to revive her because she'd FAINT!! So just tell them that several guests have dog phobias (or allergies--people tend to listen up when you mention allergies)so please not pets. Of course this means you will have to lock your pet away so that they won't think you were just saying something to keep their pets away and not your own. Good luck!
What about a last line along these lines: Humans only, please. Take home goodie bags will be offered for all pet lovers.
And then make a little treat bag for the doggies? Would that cover all bases????
I would have to go along with Brandi myself. I can vision the confusion of people and dogs steppig over one another and someone human or animal getting stepped on and the confusion begins. What about dog fights? Has another thought of that and a possible bite? Not a good thing. Put in the invitation adults only, no pets. The same as they do adult parties and no children. If they get offended they don't need to come. This is a birthday party for a child not a group of dogs. Remember, this is YOUR home not any one else's and you have the last say at that.
regardless on how you state it, someone will always be offended. But they will need to comply with your request. otherwise they become rude. Request it in writing so that they can not say, oh I did'nt know. You do not have to justify your choice,this is your home, and your party. Everyone else has a home, so if it is hot they can leave their dogs in their own house. Be kind in your invitation, but firm. If you want purchase doggie bags, and put a treat in them for the dogs who were left home. It will show you were firm, but also thoughtful of their pets. Just remember, be firm, and know that someone maybe offended, but your not going to help that. Stay nice through it all. (Kind word turns away wrath).
Good luck
T.
YOUR HOUSE< YOUR PARTY,
I don't know the attitude of your family, but a lot of people I know would be very offended if you suggested their dogs stay outside 24 hours a day, especially in Texas heat or the possibility of Texas storms. My dogs do spend a lot of time outside, but they still sleep indoors and come in when it is very hot, rainly or cold. I don't mean to say that to judge you, I am sure you have taken appropriate precautions for their safety; I am just saying that some people might be upset by that. You might want to say something about not having enough room in the house or cite the safety of your 2 year old with dogs he isn't used to spending time with. Even the most gentle of dogs can be annoyed by or play too rough with a 2 year old. No one has any right at all to be offended by your taking precautions for your child's safety. Perhaps even give them the phone number of a local kennel that you trust so they can travel with their pets but still not have them in your home. We have a lot of people make reservations for out of town guests at our kennel because of this exact situation. If you are financially able, you might also want to consider footing the bill. Kenneling can be expensive. You don't want someone to not come because they cannot afford to kennel their pets.
