A mother’s decision to reject her 15-year-old’s plea for a new dog after their elderly rescue passed away has ignited a Reddit firestorm over who should shoulder a pet’s 15-year commitment.
> At a Glance
> – A mom says no to a second dog, fearing she’ll be the caretaker once her daughter leaves for college
> – The teen, whose remaining rescue has 3-4 years left, was left “heartbroken”
> – Commenters suggest volunteering or fostering as a compromise
> – Why it matters: The clash highlights how pet ownership decisions ripple through families long after kids grow up
The Dilemma
The woman, who has always housed rescue dogs, posted in Reddit’s “Am I the A–” forum after explaining to her daughter that “a dog is a minimum of a 15-year commitment.” With college looming, the mom worries the responsibility will fall on her.
Community Reaction
Most users backed the mom:
- “Pets belong to the parents. Kids are too inconsistent.”
- “Making a 15-year commitment you’re not excited for isn’t fair to you or the dog.”
- “Channel her desire into volunteering for a rescue.”
Others floated short-term fostering:
> “Many shelters pay medical bills and need temporary homes-perfect until she leaves for college.”
Key Takeaways
- The family’s remaining rescue is expected to live another 3-4 years
- Reddit consensus: parents must want the pet, not just the teen
- Alternatives like volunteering or fostering keep animals in the teen’s life without the long-term bind
The debate underscores a universal parenting quandary: balancing a child’s love for animals against the realities of adult responsibility.
