should I contact CPS? - Page 3

[MamaOui]

How are you feeling about everything, Elphaba? Have you made any decisions?

[nikirj]

I would so definately call CPS. I mean, this is endangering the child, plain and simple.

We shouldn't assume that they'll just take away your neice, either - a lot of the time, CPS does exactly nothing, and more often, they throw around paperwork and then leave people more or less alone. They could insist that the situation improve "or else" which is something that few other people/agencies can do. Or their very appearance might be enough to scare your sister into getting rid of the darned dog.

It sounds to me like you have exhausted your options already, except really for involving the authorities. CPS has its place, you know - in cases where a child is abused *or endangered* and this one does fit the bill.

[JesseMomme]

6

[Lifesabeach]

people are infintely more important than animals, imo. And children should not be sacraficed to the selfish and immature behaviors of other adults. If it was my sister I'd do what I had to to make sure my niece was safe regardless of how my sis reacted.

[Xenogenesis]

Is there anyone else who can approach her about this. Does she belong to a church. Is there a trusted neighbour? A friend she has mentioned often? A doula, midwife, or teacher? A public health nurse, doctor or other professional.

What about her dh? Does he have someone he would respect talking to him about this? You might be able to call or write to this third party and see if they would bring up the seriousness of this situation. Is he doing the insisting on keeping the dog?

What kind of housing do they have. Do the dogs have room to run and roam?

Have they placed other precautionary measures to keep the child segregated from the dog? Maybe something you might not be aware of?

Can you write her a letter - sent snail-mail? Emails are too quick and easy to erase.

Maybe your sister is concerned the dog won't have a good home. What are the choices available to her.

Consider all the factors. Utilize all your options.

For the time being the little girl and the dog are probably being watched better than before. You are a great sister and auntie for looking out for them.

The hospital may have already lodged a complaint. Your sister may respond with appropriate action to that knowledge.

[frogertgrl]

Originally posted by MamaOui
How are you feeling about everything, Elphaba? Have you made any decisions?

I'm wondering, too! Post if you can.

[dentente]

Originally posted by Last Minute


For the time being the little girl and the dog are probably being watched better than before.

What a dangerous assumption to make.

[Xenogenesis]

I'm guessing the Mom isn't a total idiot

[Elphaba]

okay i'm back.
my father has had several tete a tetes with the parents and tells me that they have made drastic changes in how the dogs interact with the family, all 3 dogs not just the one in question. he says he has total confidence that there will not be another incident. and also that i need to butt out (not in those words) and respect my sister's judgment.
the reason i was trying to enlist my parents' support was that i am not there, and i don't have the dates of the bites and other info CPS would need. i didn't feel right about making a report with only second-hand information.
i still think she is wrong to keep the dog but i guess it's not my place to make that decision. not my kid, not my dog, and i don't even have contact with them in a physical sense, so it's sort of stupid for me to get so bent out of shape about it. i guess i just have to hope and pray my niece will stay the hell away from that dog. my sister makes a lot of parenting choices i think are stupid, so i'll just have to file this under that heading. she probably won't speak to me for a year or more since i so harshly told her how irresponsible she was for keeping the dog and the child together and how disgusted i was by that decision. ah, the joys of a dysfunctional family. so now i will be painted as the unreasonable bitch who sticks her nose in everyone else's business.
is there a witness protection program for people who want to hide from their families?

[asherah]

If there was, it'd be full.
You are right about everything, that should be some consolation.
I hope your neice does not get hurt again.

I do not understand how any parent would make your sister's choice..

But then I don't understand a lot of things.

(((HUGS)))

[Quirky]

Originally posted by Elphaba

is there a witness protection program for people who want to hide from their families?

Oh man, sign me up! I'm ready!

I still think you were and are right to be concerned. I hope your dad's confidence is well-placed, for your niece's sake. You're a good aunt to have been willing to consider calling CPS for her safety.