Poor Dog's Health Declines As Family Members Stop Caring For It In Bid To Prove Ownership

"I've spoken to my mom since, and she is still refusing to consider they might not be fit to look after our beloved pet "

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• August 12, 2023

Moving out of one's childhood home is often accompanied by a multitude of emotions. Excitement, trepidation, and nostalgia are among the many feelings that one can experience during such transitions.

But for a 22-year-old preparing to embark on this new chapter, the situation was further complicated by a four-legged family member, Scruff. Scruff, an elderly dog, has always been a cherished member of the family.

However, it became evident that the primary responsibility of caring for Scruff rested heavily on the shoulders of the youngest family member. From administering necessary medications to feeding and daily walks, the young adult had become Scruff's primary caregiver, despite the dog being a collective family pet.

Yet, a light-hearted comment about taking the dog along during the move was met with a swift assertion from the mother that Scruff wasn't "their" dog. In response, the young adult, hoping to make a point about responsibility, decided to step back from most caregiving duties.

However, the consequences were immediate: Scruff's health deteriorated due to a lack of regular care. This led to increased tensions within the family, with the mother labeling the 22-year-old as neglectful.

The situation raises questions about pet ownership, shared responsibilities, and the complexities of family dynamics. Read it in full below:

OP asks:

Scruff, an elderly dog, has always been a cherished member of the family. However, OP is the one that takes care of it

Op wanted to prove that it is their dog because they are the primary caregiver. So, they used a dangerous tactic - stop caring for it

This tactic took a heavy toll on the dog, as his health started to deteriorate

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:

OP is making his dog suffer just to prove a point

Wrong lessons learned?

These Redditors believe that there are no innocents in this story

"You did exactly what you accused them of doing"

The bottom line is - using the dog in their power play is awful

OP posted an update:

OP said: Thanks again for the comments saying I'm NTA and more to the comments who gave me the advice and tips on what to do to get my point across without making my stinky suffer

When family disputes revolve around a beloved pet, the situation can escalate quickly, often to the detriment of the innocent animal. In the case of Scruff, the breakdown in communication and subsequent neglect was concerning.

Fortunately, the proactive approach, along with advice from empathetic netizens, resulted in a potential solution. Setting alarms for Scruff's routine care was an innovative way to instill responsibility.

It's heartening to see that a compromise is in the works, where if the parents don't fully step up, the dog will accompany the original caregiver when they move. Scruff's well-being should be the primary concern, and it seems like steps are being taken to ensure just that.

Thanks to the perseverance and love of the family member, coupled with valuable advice from the community, there's hope for Scruff's consistent care and love in the future.

Damjan