Redditor Asks If It Is Okay To Steal Grandpa's Maltreated Dog

They were shocked to discover the poor condition the dog was in.

Stephanie

• Published in Interesting
• January 8, 2023

We are all animal lovers here, and obviously, we all love our families. So, what do you do when you're forced to make a difficult decision involving them both?

Well, if you're anything like Reddit user u/funkylilbisexual, you'll turn to the Reddit community for advice. The Redditor recently shared a story on this topic in the AITA (Am I The A**hole?) subreddit.

The OP explained that they were looking after their grandfather's Mastiff/Lab mix dog while grandpa went into hospital for back surgery. But, the Redditor said they were shocked to discover the poor condition the dog was in.

The poor pup was dirty, never got to go on walks, and was locked outside 24/7 - even during the winter cold and the summer heat. The dog's bowls were also filthy.

OP says they don't know if they can give the dog back to their grandpa now that they know how poorly he's being looked after. They said they would be more than happy to take the dog and give him a good home, but they feel guilty since the pooch is grandpa's only real friend.

But, the Redditor said their grandpa also has very little mobility, and it just doesn't seem viable for him to be able to take care of a dog anymore. OP says they love their grandfather very much, but can't bear the thought of taking the dog back to a place where it will be neglected.

So, they asked the online community for advice on how to handle the situation. Keep scrolling to see how people reacted.

The Redditor recently shared asked if they'd be the a**hole for stealing their grandfather's dog.

The OP said they would be more than happy to take the dog and give him a good home, but they feel guilty since the pooch is grandpa's only real friend.

Here's how people reacted.

"If he gets lonely, his decline will be that much faster and worse."

"If he cannot take care of the dog, then he should not have it."

"That dog deserves to be taken care of properly."

"You can always bring the dog to visit."

"Hopefully you can figure out a better situation."

NTA.

"It's abuse."

"How much companionship was an elderly man receiving from a dog chained outside 24/7?"

"That is animal cruelty."

"Poor thing."

Getting old is never easy.

"The dog is helpless and needs to be protected."

What's your take on this situation? Do you think the OP would be wrong for taking grandpa's dog away, or would they be doing the right thing by everyone involved?

It's a difficult decision for the OP, who clearly cares deeply for both the dog and their grandfather, but no one should ever stand by and let an animal being mistreated. We can only hope that both grandpa and the beautiful pooch get the care and happiness they each deserve.

We would love to hear your opinions on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

Stephanie