Mother-in-law

adekun · Post: # 44183Post **adekun** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 1:25 am

Is it okay to keep her tethered outside during the winter?

Tay · Post: # 44184Post **Tay** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 4:20 am

I think that if you ensure that she has access to a cosy shelter and has plenty of fresh water and greens, she should be ok.

A word of caution though! I have heard that this particular species can be quite demanding upon both time and patience. Just because she will now live outside, doesn't mean that you can neglect your responsibilities...

I don't know the climate of Japan well, so have no idea if your winters are particularly harsh. If so, perhaps it might be worth contacting your local branch of SPMIL (Society for the Protection of Mother-in-Laws) as they have the expertise to deal with them.

Providing that you have adequate facilities for her outside, there are a few points to consider.
1. Ensure that the tethering peg is reinforced - what would happen if she escaped?
2. The tethering peg needs to be situated at least 200m from your house. This is to make sure that the distance between you and your MIL is great enough for you to not be bothered by her noise. If you have a small garden, you might like to consider hedging/shrub border as a sound barrier.
3. MIL's have excellent eyesight. If you want any privacy in your house, you will need to put up suitable shutters/blinds/curtains at any windows in her line of sight.

I'm sure that there are more knowledgeable folks on here who can help you further.

p.s. I am offering practical advice - I have nothing against MIL's! However, I shall point out that I do not have my own MIL, so haven't the relevant experience to advise in this situation.

Millymollymandy · Thu Dec 21, 2006 7:15 am

Mine's a very fussy eater who won't eat greens.

2steps · Post: # 44191Post **2steps** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 10:11 am

love it!

mines visiting today

chadspad · Post: # 44198Post **chadspad** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 12:05 pm

Ive seen my MIL once in 5 years - that'll do me nicely thank you

However my own mother lives 50 yards from me!

PurpleDragon · Fri Dec 22, 2006 12:55 pm

I had two at once, a long time ago, and they can be really hard work. One would have benefitted greatly from euthanasia, but unfortunately DEFRA don't licence this, so we had to manage her as best we could. The other would have benefitted from a muzzle, but I couldn't find one to fit.

Having sworn blind I wouldn't get another one, I succumbed and have managed to acquire one with a sweet temprament, althoug she does tend towards mother-bear displays when her young are threatened.

She is beautifully house trained, so we don't need to tether her outside. Have you considered training, Adekun?

lindysman · Post: # 44269Post **lindysman** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:21 pm

That's my boy - Don't hold back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xx

Milims · Post: # 44279Post **Milims** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 5:09 pm

My XMIL bore a very strong resemblance to Godzilla in a pair of crimpoline slacks so I don't think that a simple tether would have worked - a Hilti gun and steel hawser would have been more like it!!
My new MIL is lovely and lends me her books to read. So far she hasn't plucked up the courage to stay in my house

- she prefers the relative sanity of the local hotel instead!!

Millymollymandy · Sun Dec 24, 2006 6:47 am

Milims wrote:So far she hasn't plucked up the courage to stay in my house - she prefers the relative sanity of the local hotel instead!!

Wow - that's a dream MIL!!! I'll swap ya!

Wombat · Post: # 44352Post **Wombat** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:13 am

Can't complain about mine, very well house trained, affectionate and eats most things.

Nev

lindysman · Post: # 44418Post **lindysman** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 9:06 pm

MacDuff bought a mule and the day after he got it home it kicked his mother-in-law to death.

At the funeral 350 men turned up.

The minister said to MacDuff, 'No disrespect intended, MacDuff, but knowing your mother-in-law as I did, I'm amazed that 350 men would bother to come to the funeral.' 'Och, they haven't come for the funeral, Minister,' said MacDuff, 'they've come to buy the mule!' ";

Milims · Post: # 44532Post **Milims** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 4:01 pm

3M - no way - she's mine, all mine!!! Lol!!
That said there is a way to encourage you MIL to stay elsewhere and its quite simple - live in a mad house!!! I also think that the fact that I only wear shoes if I have to puts her off a bit!! lol

Actually the last time she and her husband ventured this way they, stayed with my folks and took us all for a slap up meal at the local posh restaurant and by all account the parents all sang show songs on the way home. I think they were a bits tipsy and therefore a bad influence on us young and innocent ones!!!