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Pregnant woman holding her belly, wearing a floral top and brown skirt, surrounded by greenery.

Image credits:Leah Newhouse / pexels (not the actual photo)

What’s more, the supposed mother is terrible to her dogs and not a nice person in general

A dog with a fluffy tail stands on a dirt path, looking back while chained.

Image credits:Anil A. / pexels (not the actual photo)

Image credits:This_is_fine8

Hands holding a gift box with a white ribbon, symbolizing a baby shower gift.

Image credits:Kim Stiver / pexels (not the actual photo)

However, coming withouta giftis a big no-no. The good news is that you don’t have to buy something from the registry only; you’re free to get something that you think is special. Another option is to buy something as a group, in this case, as a family, perhaps.

A group purchase can cover something more expensive from the registry, like a stroller, a crib, or a rocking chair. If the OP and her boyfriend don’t want to cause too much drama, they might chip in for the group gift and not go if their relationship with the mama-to-be is that unpleasant.

Reporting animal cruelty is a must, and people need to get as much photographic or video evidence as possible

Dog’s legs on concrete floor with chain attached, highlighting absence of baby or woman-related elements.

Image credits:Catherine Sheila / pexels (not the actual photo)

One of the reasons the OP doesn’t like the supposedly pregnant woman is her treatment of animals. No living thing deserves to be treated poorly, and the family should try to report the woman’s behavior so that she faces consequences.

The OP describes how animal control already visited the home but didn’t do anything. That might be because they didn’t have any evidence of animal cruelty. The Humane Societystatesthat you have to document the instances of animal cruelty with dates, times, and specific details. If there is any visual evidence, like photographs or videos (even on a cellphone), the case will be stronger.

The nonprofit definesanimal crueltyas neglect. Physical abuse, according to them, happens less often, but is a very serious issue. “Violence toward animals is often part of a larger pattern of violence that can include people as well,” they explain.

Hoarding animals is also a form of cruelty. Housing more than the owner can adequately take care of victimizes the animals. And while it may be hard to prove if there are only two or three dogs like in this story, other evidence like physical abuse should suffice.

The Humane Society lists emaciation as another form ofanimal abuse; it falls under the category of lack of veterinary care. Inadequate shelter can be dangerous to animals as well. If possible, they urge people to document their living situation and send it to the authorities.

The Stray Rescue of St. Louisnotesthat chaining a dog is also a form of animal cruelty. First, they suffer psychological damage, becoming neurotic, anxious, aggressive, and generally miserable.

Chained dogs can injure themselves trying to escape confinement, scratching their necks raw with the constant yanking and straining. They’re also very susceptible to attacks from other animals, insects, and even humans. When they’re attached to a chain, they don’t receive the proper amount of food and water, can face harsh weather conditions, and don’t get the love and affection they so crave.

Many commenters suggested the OP be petty: “I’d show up with a pregnancy test as a gift”

Reddit comments discussing a woman questioning the existence of a baby before attending a baby shower.

Reddit discussion about attending a baby shower without proof of baby’s existence.

Discussion about confirming baby’s existence for a baby shower, addressing doubts and strategies.

Reddit conversation about attending a baby shower without proof of a baby’s existence.

Reddit comments discussing a woman not attending a baby shower due to doubts about the baby’s existence.

Text conversation questioning proof of a baby’s existence and Patrick’s awareness, sparking curiosity.

Text about skepticism regarding attending a baby shower without proof of baby’s existence, highlighting dog neglect instead.

Text post questioning attendance at baby shower without proof of baby’s existence.

Comment discussing avoiding danger, questioning baby’s existence.

Comment discussing babysitting coupons and videoing animal abuse.

A Reddit comment discussing a dilemma about attending a baby shower without baby proof.

Comment humorously suggesting a pregnancy test as a gift for a baby shower.

Comment suggesting opening a savings account for baby, requiring name confirmation.

Comment about animal abuse and doubts about pregnancy in response to a baby shower post.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing gifting a monogrammed baby blanket.

Text response discussing baby shower attendance and gifting after baby arrives.

Comment discussing potential cancellation of baby shower without proof of baby.

Text questioning pregnancy and attending a baby shower without proof of existence.

Thanks! Check out the results:Viktorija Ošikaitė

Ieva Pečiulytė

Rugilė Žemaitytė

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