“AITA For Refusing To Take Any Responsibility For My Dog Until My Wife Was Forced To Rehome Him?”

I am pretty sure many of us (who don’t have dogs yet) quite often think that we want to have a dog; it sometimes even looks like the only missing piece to our happiness is a puppy. However, then we realize that they are not toys and need quite a lot of time, money and space – so despite our wishes, not everybody can just simply decide to get a dog.

However, one Reddit user shared his story after his wife decided to buy him a big, energetic dog, despite him having no time for taking care of the dog as much as needed, nor the space. Needless to say, it caused quite a few arguments between the couple.

More info: Reddit

Having a dog is nice and all that, but it’s important to remember that they need space, time and attention

Image credits: allison christine (not the actual photo)

Man shares that he and his wife both work from home and she wanted a dog despite his remarks that they don’t have enough time

Image credits: Patrick Perkins (not the actual photo)

After the man finally agreed, they found a few rescue dogs that met their criteria – small adults that required a couple short walks a day

Image credits: Alex Green (not the actual photo)

However, as finding a rescue dog took time, the wife decided to buy a blue heeler/border collie puppy for the man’s birthday

Image credits: Expert_Royal913

He noted that they didn’t have space and time for her, so he just refused to bond with the puppy and his wife was forced to rehome her

A few days ago, one Reddit user shared his story online seeking to hear community members’ opinions on whether he, in fact, was being a jerk after his wife got him a puppy that was the opposite of what they agreed on and he did the bare minimum until his wife understood her mistake. The post got a lot of attention, collecting over 7.5K upvotes and 1.2K comments.

The original poster (OP) starts his story by explaining that he and his wife both work from home and his wife insisted on getting a dog. Despite the man’s protests that they don’t have time, he finally agreed to get a rescue who would be a small, adult dog and would require only a few short walks daily. However, as it was taking quite a while, the wife got the man a present for his birthday: a blue heeler/border collie puppy.

OP noted that she’s a beautiful puppy, but it wasn’t what they had agreed on – they don’t have a yard or time for the exercise that the dog needs. As the wife refused to listen to the reasons, the man simply refused to bond with the puppy – he made sure that she was fed and had a few walks but that’s it. Well, it took a few weeks and the wife rehomed the dog to OP’s parents.

The community members backed up the man, telling him that his wife’s behavior was immature. “NTA. You have realistic expectations. Your wife doesn’t. She just expected a puppy to adapt to your lifestyle and that doesn’t work,” one user wrote. “NTA – your wife is irresponsible. The first rule of getting a pet is making sure its needs suit your lifestyle so you aren’t a negligent owner. She didn’t do that,” another added.

Image credits: cottonbro studio (not the actual photo)

Now, let’s talk a little bit about this exact breed – border collie blue heeler mix, which OP’s wife bought him. They are incredibly beautiful dogs and as Tryfi shared in their article, this cross breed combines the best traits of its parent breeds, the border collie and the Australian cattle dog, resulting in a loyal, versatile, and energetic companion.

Though their intelligence and high energy levels make them excellent working dogs, it’s also crucial to note that they need committed owners who can provide them plenty of mental and physical stimulation. If they don’t have appropriate outlets for their energy, they could get bored and start acting out. 

However, as there are probably many of us who want to have a dog, it’s important to remember that only ‘wanting’ is not enough – there are quite a few factors to consider before actually getting one. GapOnly states that it’s critical to understand and budget for pet ownership costs. After the initial cost of purchasing or adopting a pet, there are continuing costs to consider, such as food, unforeseen and regular vet visits, grooming, accessories, and more.

Additionally, think about your living arrangements and the kind of housing that will be appropriate for the breed. If you already have children or have plans to establish a family in the future, take into account child-friendly breeds. Once more, take into account a dog’s personality, breed temperament, and exercise needs. 

So, guys, while having a pet may be the best thing to happen to you – you must take into account quite a lot of factors to be the best owner for your furry friend as possible! But what do you think about this situation? Share your thoughts below!

Redditors agreed that the man’s wife’s decision was irresponsible and childish

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