A U.K. woman has sparked controversy after letting her dog lick the plates following a family Easter dinner. The incident, which occurred during a family gathering at her home, has divided opinions on hygiene and pet boundaries.
The woman shared her story on the community forum Mumsnet.com, revealing that after serving a festive roast dinner to her three stepchildren, their partners, and seven grandchildren, she allowed her dog to clean the leftover plates. She assured her daughter-in-law that the plates would be placed in the dishwasher afterward, where they would be sterilized at a high temperature.
However, her daughter-in-law was appalled by the act, calling it “unhygienic” and insisting that it was unacceptable. “She lost the plot,” the woman recalled, explaining that her daughter-in-law’s reaction led her to leave the gathering with her children in tow. “She said she would never let her children eat at my house again,” the woman added.
The original poster (OP) said she didn’t see the problem, noting that the plates would be thoroughly washed in the dishwasher, which she believes makes the process hygienic. Seeking clarification, she asked forum members if it was acceptable to let the dog lick the plates if they were going to be cleaned afterward.
Opinions on Mumsnet were split. Some readers defended the woman, arguing that since the plates would be sanitized, there was no hygiene issue. “Dog saliva washes off much easier than oils or fats,” one commenter said, suggesting that it wouldn’t be a concern for anyone familiar with the cleaning process.
Others, however, were repulsed by the idea, with some expressing disgust at the act of placing the plates on the floor for the dog to lick in front of guests. “I wouldn’t want to eat anything at your house either,” one user commented, while another described the scene as “stomach churning.”
The OP pointed out the irony in her daughter-in-law’s reaction, noting that she had previously encouraged the dog to “kiss” her children on the face, despite concerns over hygiene.
This debate highlights the ongoing divide between pet lovers and those with stricter boundaries regarding animals in the home. With opinions as varied as the guests at the dinner table, the question of where to draw the line in pet behavior remains a hot topic.