Redditor Refuses To Let His Family Get A Dog Because He Believes They Aren't Responsible Enough

OP is a father of two small kids and he thinks they can't take care of a dog properly.

Senad

• Published in Interesting
• November 24, 2023

The narrative begins with OP's firm stance against having a dog. This isn't a newfound revelation; it's a sentiment rooted in a past where caring for a pet fell disproportionately on his shoulders.

A dog from OP's adolescence was meant to be a shared family joy, but circumstances led to OP being the primary caregiver. This early experience has left a lasting impression, shaping his reluctance to embrace the responsibilities associated with pet ownership.

Fast forward to the present, and OP finds himself at a crossroads. His partner and kids are eager to bring a dog into their lives. The nuanced layers of this situation are not lost on OP.

While recognizing the potential benefits of having a pet, he is acutely aware of the time, effort, and responsibility it entails. This hesitancy isn't a mere aversion to dogs; it's a conscious decision rooted in a desire to maintain personal time and space.

OP's experience with agreeing to have a dog in the household, only to find himself more involved than initially agreed upon, adds a layer of skepticism. A trial period with responsibilities for the kids reveals a potential gap in readiness for the added chores a pet brings.

The partner's passion for animals, marked by volunteer work at a rescue center, adds complexity to the situation. It's a clash of perspectives — one emphasizing the joy of having a pet, the other wary of the responsibilities that come with it.

Adding a twist to the narrative is the partner's recent enrollment in a degree program, a commitment that further tightens the family schedule. OP, already contributing significantly to parenting and family responsibilities, faces the prospect of an increased workload.

OP's proposal for a dog, contingent on the children consistently demonstrating responsibility in their current tasks, meets resistance. The refusal of the children to commit to this condition raises questions about their readiness for the additional responsibilities a pet would bring.

OP is married with two kids and they want to get a dog

OP has never wanted the responsibility of owning a dog

OP's wife has always wanted a dog but he was against it

OP's children also want to get a dog now but he believes that they aren't responsible enough

OP tested his kids with a fake guinea pig and they failed terribly

OP is now wondering if he's in the wrong for not letting his family get a dog

OP posted a couple of edits to the story, explaining some things to the Redditors

Dogs deserve love

Show your commitment

Not a good idea

Too young to look after a dog

A good way to test them

The Reddit community grapples with the age-old question: Does the desire for a pet supersede the practical considerations of caring for it? The responses vary, offering a kaleidoscope of opinions that mirror the multifaceted nature of familial decisions.

In the broader context, the story reflects the complexities of familial negotiations. The desire for a pet, seen through the lens of love and positive experiences, clashes with the pragmatic concerns of time and effort.

Senad