Redditor Asks If She's Wrong For Calling Out Mom Who's Trying To Claim Her Dog As Hers
It started with a simple loan, OP’s dog going from her home to her mom’s place like it was no big deal. Then, when it was time to return the pup, her mom flipped the script, claiming the dog has “always been hers” and acting like OP is the one who doesn’t get it.
Here’s what makes it messy: OP isn’t just dealing with a pet, she’s dealing with her mom. Legally, the dog is OP’s, but OP also knows that grabbing the dog back by force could blow up the relationship she still has left.
And once a favor turns into a power move, it’s hard to know what’s worse, losing the dog or losing your mom’s trust. Here’s the full story.
OP asks:
When it was time to return the dog, OP's mom started telling lies that the dog has always been hers
Legally, the dog is OP's; however, she's afraid taking her dog back by force will damage her relationship with her mom
That “always been mine” line is exactly what made OP realize this wasn’t a normal misunderstanding about the return date.
This scenario highlights the intricate nature of ownership and personal boundaries within family relationships.
But OP can't let go of her dog that easily either
OP's situation is very complicated because, on one hand, she might lose the dog that helps her so much, and on the other, she might permanently damage her relationship with her mom. It's not an easy choice, but OP also has to make it.
The fact is, it's OP's dog from the very beginning, and she lent it to her mom out of the goodness of her heart.
Just because it's her daughter, OP's mom doesn't have any right to take the pup as she pleases. Many people in the comments section also agree.
Here are the best comments.
1. The mom could get a dog of her own if she really wanted one
2. If she really wanted a pet, she should have just said so rather than damage her daughter's reputation
While OP is worried about her relationship with her mom, the mom is busy rewriting history like she owns the dog’s entire backstory.
Family dynamics can often lead to disputes over possessions, particularly in situations where boundaries aren't clearly defined.
3. She doesn't need to steal anyone else's dog to get one of her own
4. It's time for OP to assert her legal rights to that dog
5. Their relationship is damaged either way, so it's better for OP to just get the dog back
Effective communication is vital in resolving conflicts related to personal belongings.
Creating a safe space for expressing feelings can help family members articulate their concerns without fear of backlash.
This gets even messier like the mom who insisted her dog “stole her” from her teenage daughter.
6. That dog is OP's dog and no one else's
7. She leaves OP no choice but to go the legal route
8. OP's mom has crossed the line by telling lies just to get the dog
The comments basically call it out, saying the mom could get a dog of her own instead of trying to claim OP’s.
To address feelings of ownership and respect, it can be helpful to practice empathy and active listening.
9. OP's mom doesn't need the dog; she needs therapy
10. That dog deserves to be home
11. Try one more path of generosity, and then if nothing comes of it, take the legal route
12. That's not how a loving mom acts
By the time OP has to choose between a peaceful handoff and asserting her legal rights, the family dinner energy is already dead.
If the mom wanted a pet of her own to keep her company, she could have gotten her own. If she didn't want to spend thousands of dollars, she could've gone to the shelter, where she could've gotten a sweet pup for much less.
OP deserves to get her dog back. It's rightfully hers, and nothing her mom says will reverse that.
Hopefully, OP gets to take her dog home.
The article illustrates how a Redditor found herself in a conflict with her mother over the ownership of a beloved pet, a situation that could have been mitigated through more open discussions about feelings and expectations. The tension between the two highlights the often unspoken assumptions that can lead to misunderstandings. By encouraging honest dialogue and fostering respect for each other's perspectives, families can better navigate disputes, such as this one involving a cherished dog, and work towards maintaining harmonious relationships.
OP might not get to save both the dog and the relationship, and the mom’s lies are what forced the choice.
Wait until you see the daughter who held mom’s dog hostage, claiming she owned it.
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