Mom Criticized For Saying Her Oldest Daughter Should Take Youngest Daughter's Dog When She Moves Out

"She became attached to the dog, takes him on his walks, cooks for him, takes him to the vet..."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• February 23, 2023

Pets are not just animals that we buy from pet stores or breeders, but rather, they are living beings that are taken into our homes and hearts as family members. We may buy them, but it is the person who takes care of them that truly owns them.

It is the one who feeds them, walks them, and gives them the love that makes them truly their own. And we have one of those stories today.

OP and her husband have three daughters, Phoebe (21), Maddie (18), and Lily (16). OP and her husband had often argued over her husband's tendency to spoil Lily. An example of this is when Lily wanted a dog in April of 2020, despite both OP and Phoebe not wanting one and Maddie being indifferent.

In July 2020, her husband came home with a little pom chi puppy, Charlie, which Lily quickly grew attached to and began caring for him. However, after a few months, Lily decided that dogs were too much work and wanted a cat instead.

By Christmas, they had a cat, Duncan, and Charlie was no longer allowed to sleep in Lily's room because Duncan was sleeping there. Lily then stopped taking Charlie for walks and playing with him, and Phoebe became attached and started taking care of him instead.

Phoebe then graduated and planned to move out, and OP told her she could take Charlie with her. When Lily found out, she became angry and said OP had no right to do so, and her husband sided with her.

OP is now asking if she is the a-hole. Read the full story below:

OP asks:

OP and her husband have three daughters, Phoebe (21), Maddie (18), and Lily (16). OP and her husband had often argued over her husband's tendency to spoil Lily.

In July 2020, her husband came home with a little pom chi puppy, Charlie, which Lily quickly grew attached to and began caring for him. However, after a few months, Lily decided that dogs were too much work and wanted a cat instead.

Phoebe became attached to the dog

Phoebe graduated and she plans renting in a pet-friendly building

OP thinks she should take the dog

But her youngest daughter and husband are angry with her for suggesting that

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

A dog isn’t a toy she can pick back up when she’s bored

Yes, and OP should also ask her husband

He is the biggest problem here

This is definitely very a-hole move

Put it on paper...

This is the sad truth:

The bottom line is - OP needs to deal with her husband first

The person who takes care of a pet is the one who really owns them. They are the ones who make sure their pet is healthy and happy.

They create routines and provide the necessary care and attention. They become the pet’s advocate, speaking up when they feel something is wrong or when something needs to be done.

They are the ones who will stay up all night with a sick pet and the ones who will do whatever it takes to make sure their pet is taken care of. Phoebe should take the dog, she is the real owner here.

Damjan