So, here’s the thing. I (32F) have a service dog named Elm who helps me manage my panic attacks and some other health issues (for those about to come at me over it, he alerts me when my blood pressure gets too high, has access to a medical emergency call button attached to his vest that he twists around and hits with his nose if I pass out, and provides deep pressure therapy for panic attacks which I get from overstimulation).
Elm is trained and well-behaved, and I rely on him daily. My sister, 35F, is very well aware of this.
She is getting married next month and just sent out the wedding invites. I just found out she’s made it clear that no dogs are allowed at the venue, including service dogs. When I brought it up, she said it’s a “formal event” and “no animals” is the rule, no exceptions, due to hygiene and safety risks, and that allergies could be triggered.
I explained that Elm is a service dog and I need him with me, which she is already aware of, as I previously stated, but she said it would make things complicated and “she didn’t want drama.” Honestly, I feel hurt and disrespected.
I told her I won’t attend if Elm isn’t allowed, because I can’t be without him for that long in that kind of environment. She’s now upset and says I’m being difficult and ruining her day, telling me that this was a one-time thing and I’d miss out on everything.
TL;DR: I fucked up by telling my sister I wouldn’t attend her wedding because my service dog isn’t allowed to come.
Comments
This is not a TIFU. You need your service dog especially at a bigger event like a wedding.
How often are you going to try to farm karma with this BS story?
Not a fuck up. Your sister either doesn’t understand what a service dog does, or is an asshole.
You didn’t fuck up. Your sister did.
Not your post to make OP, done nothing wrong.
NTA. Your sister is being unreasonable and she singled you out by mentioning “no animals.”
From what I understand, the venue legally can’t bar your service animal anyway.
If she had blind friends, would their service dogs be allowed to attend so that their owners could? I’m guessing yes.
Edit: the venue may be strict with kitchen safety, but most places recognise the need for accessibility and all service options.
You didn’t FU, your sister is being intentionally difficult about your dog
If this is at a venue and THEYRE saying no animals, no exceptions, it’s potentially an ADA issue if Elm is a service animal(Which he seems to be from your post) and not an ESA
Assuming this is real, it’s on you.
Your sister’s wedding is her day, not her sister’s day.
She said what she wanted, and had a reason for it. No animals.
But assuming your sister legitimately cares about you, it’s hard to believe an exception wouldn’t be made for a critical service dog.
So my assumption:
This story is BS.
You actually can go for hours without your dog.
Your sister is a bitch and you shouldn’t care.
I’m going with #1
Ask your sister if she would rather you have a medical episode at her wedding that the dog could have alerted to and prevented?
I’m sure that wouldn’t ruin her “perfect day”/s
Seriously though, if your sister cared about you, her perfect day would include her sister having the medical support she needs.