This Father of 2 Is Tired of Being a Dad and Is Offended by His Brother Referring to Himself as a Dog Dad
In one of the Reddit posts under the subreddit (AITA) Am I the A**hole, a Redditor shared his woes about being offended by his younger brother, who deemed himself a dog dad.
The OP described his life as a self-proclaimed tired dad of two, detailing the effort he puts into raising his kids and the bills that burn his pocket to provide for them. Amid all the busyness of being a dad, there's a problem that seems too important to set aside.
He's offended by the fact that his 23-year-old brother calls himself a dog dad. The OP emphasized that even his brother's friends entertain this notion as well.
The OP went on to describe the origin of the English Bulldog his brother owns, which he disagrees with. This fact garnered split opinions in the comments and swayed Redditors from the actual question posed by the OP.
The OP wanted to know if he was really the a**hole for being against normalizing people referring to themselves as dog parents, believing that his parenting experience is the basis for what it means to be an actual parent.
Redditors cast their votes, and he was ultimately deemed the a**hole in this dilemma, but the comment section was filled with discussions about shelters versus breeders and genetic problems.
This is the Original Question by the OP
His Story Started to Paint Him as an Honorable and Loving Parent
Redditors Had Different Interpretations About What He Was Really Against
Comments continued to split as they discussed the laws regarding illegal breeding, interpreting the OP's words as him disagreeing with acquiring a dog from a breeder.
Others thought that the OP was expressing his dislike for dog breeding in general.
Bitterness Started Showing a Little Bit Here from the OP
The OP Not-So-Subtly Spoke on Behalf of People He Didn't Seem to Be in the Same Boat With
The gist of the story essentially tells the side of the OP and his offense at his 23-year-old brother wanting to call himself a dog dad and celebrate father-related holidays.
Although the OP stated that he's okay with his brother not prioritizing having children, treating dogs as such is a bit extreme for him. He goes on to mention the multiple sacrifices he makes to raise his children and believes it isn't the same as what dog 'parents' experience.
The OP continued to question his brother, arguing that calling oneself a dog parent could also be offensive to people who struggle with infertility or to parents affected by poverty.
Redditors Ruled the OP as the A**hole, and They Didn't Hold Back
This Redditor Explained for Those Who Didn't Understand
A Lot of People in the Comments Shared Why Breeding Dogs Is an Issue
While There Are Still Those Who Pointed Out Why It's the Only Option Sometimes
The Difference Between Ethical and Unethical Breeding Weighs In
There's the Option of Shelter Adoption, but It Doesn't Work Out Too Well in Other States
Backyard Breeders Were Emphasized to Fall Under Unethical Breeding
Here's the Difference Between Ethical and Unethical Breeders for People Who Still Opt for It
Other Redditors Pointed Out the Clear Bitterness of the OP
While People That the OP Spoke On Behalf Of Shut Him Down with Their Own Insights
People Who Struggle with Conceiving Often Find That Being Dog Parents Fits the Puzzle in the Void They Feel
Dear OP, Life Is Too Short Not to Love Your Dog Godchildren
Grandparents Spoiling Their Grandpuppies Is Always So Pure
Generally, Fur Babies Are Welcome Here
See, You Can Be Both a Parent to Human Children and Fur Babies
Granddogs Really Are Living the Best Life Sometimes
Shout Out to All Grandpawpys Who Spoil Their Grandpuppies
It's okay to have your own opinion on what should be normalized; that's normal. In this case, though, the OP didn't accept what his brother thinks because, based on his experience, it is not enough to hold the title of being a dad, even if it's to a dog.
We may never know the extent to which the brother truly feels about his partner and their dog. Perhaps being a dog parent is a title they want to embrace because of how proud they are to provide for their fur baby.
Are you a proud dog parent too? Do you think Redditors were right in voting the OP as the a**hole this time? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.
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