She’s 86. Drives, sleeps, watches the news on volume 100, and polices every little thing going on. Laundry, dishes, the mail, etc. Talks about everyone in the house. Donates to 5-6 animal rescue organizations every month. Nags every person if they say they’ll do something until they just won’t out of spite. Eats nothing but junk food. Will ‘help’ her son, handicapped, but will show her frustration by shoving him or a deep heavy sigh. When I moved in (4 years ago) I brought 3 dogs. We lost one a few weeks ago. The 2 remaining bark at the notifications of the ring cameras. And they also will play chase the cats. 1 is a 70lb bulldog, the other is 120lb French mastiff. Sweet and gentle but protective. Bulldog barked at her coming in the sliding door (notification) and followed her maybe to see what she’d been doing. The weather has just changed here so she normally spends most of the day in her room, but today she trimmed some stuff in the yard. I’m watching as he’s walking next to her but a little behind. She stops, turns, and juts a pair of pruning shears at his face! Almost like stabbing motion! Horrified, I yelled Hey!!! And a bunch of obscenities about wtf was she doing??? She straight up denied it. ‘No I didn’t.’ Was her response when I asked my ex if he saw that? He saw it. This is the second time 2 people have seen her swat at, hit, or do some other form of aggression at that dogs face! Last time I had just as equal of a fit. She also denied that one. She tried to apologize to me but I shut it down by stating the fact that no one should ever have a reason to do that to any living being. Then I snarky asked if she donates to the animal rescues to feel better about how she treats them. I fumed for a couple hours. Then she called my name and asked if I knew where her summer clothes are in the basement. She prefaced by saying I know you don’t want to talk to me right now. No kidding! How about you ask someone else to get your clothes?! And what does it matter anyway? She wears the same long sleeve tops, sweatshirts and stretch pants everyday no matter what the weather. I’m still mad! Who knows what she does when I’m not home? And what if they retaliate? She weighs like 70lbs! I cannot understand her thought process at all. Is this a sign of dementia? I knew her as a teenager and never recall her being mean to anyone. Although, at Christmas I talked to my exes brother about her nastiness and he said oh I know! I used to live with her! I couldn’t go to college fast enough! So I don’t know! Any thoughts?
My nephew had 2 mastiffs for years. Even before he got married and had a daughter. They were sweet and loving, albeit slobbering and could easily knock a person over, never mind a 70 lb elder. Recently, the one dog starting viciously attacking the other dog, unprovoked, causing serious bite wounds that needed vet attention. My nephew thought it was a fluke, a one off. It wasn't. It happened again, right in front of his very young daughter where these 2 mastiffs nearly killed one another. They both had to be put down right away.
Your ex MIL sounds like she can indeed be going down the dementia highway. Her doctor needs to give her a full medical and cognitive workup. But she may be afraid of your large dogs and trying to protect herself from them. They CAN severely hurt or even kill her if they were to attack her after she provokes them with shears in the face. #Fact
If they are not separated, the consequences could be horrific. Ex-MIL in fear of the dogs (brought into her home) lashes out, dog attacks her.
What then?
Injured woman. Possible charges laid on the dog owner? Dog ordered to be put down?
Who owns the house? The ex-MIL?
Whether this is your home for 4 years or more, consider moving out asap.
I wouldn't be surprised if MIL is frightened both of the dogs and the ex DIL, but who can know. The OP admits to yelling at and swearing at her.
I always say that these things cannot be made up, but I am beginning to wonder if in fact they can be.
If you want a dog who…
• Is massive and powerful
• Has a sleek easy-care coat
• Is calm and quiet indoors (as an adult)
• Needs only moderate exercise
• Makes an imposing watchdog, being serious and self-assured around strangers, yet generally mild mannered unless aroused
This dog may not be right for you if you don’t want to deal with…
• A huge dog who takes up a lot of space in your house and car
• A heavy dog who wants to sit on your feet and lean on your leg
• Rowdiness and exuberant jumping when young
• Destructiveness when bored or left alone for too much
• Aggression or fearfulness against some people in some lines, or when not socialized enough
• Aggression towards other animals
• Strong willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
• Snuffling, wheezing, grunting and loud snoring
• Slobbering and drooling
• Gassiness (flatulence)
• Serious health problems and a short life span
• Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
I can’t post information on the bulldog because there are different kinds and she doesn’t specify which one it is. If she has an American bulldog, they also have legal liability issues.
The bite force of the French Mastiff is three times more forceful than the average dog.
They have been in France for 600 years. They have been used as guardians, hunters and fighters. They were especially good at baiting bulls, bears and jaguars.
They were introduced to America in 1959 but didn’t become popular until 1989 due to the movie, Turner and Hooch.
The AKC recognized the breed in 2008.
I just posted the traits of the French mastiff.
This is not the type of dog that should be in a home with an elderly person.
If you research breeds of dogs suitable for seniors, a French mastiff isn’t on the list.
When I was researching French mastiff dogs, several law firm sites popped up in my google search.
I took the time to read a few incidents where French mastiffs have attacked others.
These dogs are able to cause serious injuries.
You are correct, the owner of the dog is held accountable for the damage caused by the dog. The dogs are ordered to be put down.
Not sure how she could be nice the whole time you dated and during your marriage and hide she was nothing like this afterca period of time. My MIL was a sweet lady and after we married found out she liked havingvher own way. No, she did not get it. Why did ur ex allow her to move in, to help him. Has he seen changes in personality? If so, time for a full physical with cognitive testing.
Maybe she wants her son to herself and then you came back into the picture. How was she before u moved in. Maybe she is afraid she will be asked to leave. I think you are smart to move out if ex is not willing to find a place for Mom. I am 5 ft tall and would not feel comfortable around these two dogs.
They need to be at doggy daycare whenever you’re at work. Staff will walk them for an additional fee. And at home, they’re confined to your room while mil is up and about.
Mil’s safety must absolutely come first. And frankly, if my fiancée came to me and said, “it’s Mom or MY PETS” the engagement would be over.