Man Decides To Open An Instagram Account For His Cousin's Dog Without His Consent, Faces The Consequences Later
One of the best-known social media sites on the planet is Instagram, and many of the most popular accounts are run by dogs and cats. If you've ever found yourself scrolling through endless rows of gorgeous photos on Instagram, you can understand the allure.
Billions of users around the world scroll through this app daily, and many of them follow at least one dog or cat. In fact, the most popular Instagram cat has over 3.5 million followers, while the most popular Instagram dog has more than 8 million.
For your own dog or cat, you probably won't be able to attract that many followers anytime soon. However, there is no reason why you shouldn't set up an Instagram account for him!
But then, you have to make sure that it's YOUR dog! The OP in today's story has a cousin who owns a boxer dog named Gracie.
The dog is a cutie pie and loves everyone. According to the OP, she's "the most chill, most docile dog ever."
The OP normally looks after the dog and takes pictures of her, so he decided to set up an Instagram account for the dog, where he posted the pictures. The OP's cousin found out and was mad at him for that.
He demanded that the account be taken down, but the OP found the demand unreasonable.
The OP Writes

Some are telling the OP that he's weird and kind of an a-hole

That dog is kind of the OP's as well and loves him more than the cousin

Boundaries in Family Relationships
This situation highlights the importance of setting boundaries in family relationships. Research in the Journal of Family Psychology emphasizes that unclear boundaries can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings within families.
When one party feels their autonomy is compromised, it can lead to resentment and emotional distress.
The OP's parents want him to delete it, and so do some of his other cousins

We've gathered some of the most upvoted comments from Redditors for you to read through below

It's a big deal to create an entire profile for a dog

Moreover, the concept of 'emotional labor' comes into play when family members feel compelled to manage others' feelings. According to Dr. Arlie Hochschild, emotional labor can be taxing and lead to burnout if not managed properly.
Recognizing and respecting boundaries can help alleviate some of this emotional burden.
The dog is not practically yours

A babysitter claiming somebody's child because they babysit them

You did exploit them whether it was malicious or not

Understanding Consent and Ownership
This incident also raises important questions about consent and ownership, particularly concerning shared family pets. Studies show that pets are often viewed as family members, and decisions about their care should involve all parties.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, ensuring all family members are on the same page about pet care can enhance the pet's well-being.
You never asked permission to do so

It's simply not your dog

You broke his trust, and that is his dog

To address potential conflicts regarding shared responsibilities, families are encouraged to have open discussions about pet ownership. Research indicates that discussing roles and responsibilities can prevent misunderstandings and create a more harmonious household.
Using collaborative strategies can help families navigate these discussions more effectively.
That is not how the real world works

You are delusional to think you're in the right

It's his dog, and his dog loves him

The Importance of Communication
Effective communication is key to resolving conflicts related to shared responsibilities. According to the Journal of Communication, families that engage in open dialogue tend to have more positive outcomes in conflict resolution.
This underscores the value of creating a safe space for all family members to express their feelings and concerns.
That dog does not belong to you

This Redditor does not even know where to begin

He never said you were monetizing the account

You don't lay claim to other people's pets

The actual owner does care, and that's all that matters

You didn't ask for permission to post

You need to take it down and stop doing it

You are not listening to the comments

You should not have done anything without the owner's permission

Taking and sharing images and videos of your pet is a fun hobby that can connect you with other pet owners online and is a wonderful way to preserve lifelong memories. However, you must ensure you're posting your own dog, or better yet, that you're posting with the owner's full permission.
That is where the OP went wrong in his decisions, and Redditors made sure to put him in his place.
Psychological Analysis
This situation illustrates the need for clear boundaries and communication regarding shared responsibilities in families. It's essential for family members to engage in constructive conversations to navigate potential conflicts and promote understanding.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In summary, the importance of setting boundaries and communicating effectively in family relationships cannot be overstated. Research supports the idea that clear discussions about responsibilities can prevent conflicts and enhance family dynamics.
Ultimately, fostering a culture of open communication can lead to healthier relationships and a more supportive family environment.