This Father of 2 Is Tired of Being a Dad and Is Offended by His Brother Referring to Himself as a Dog Dad
A Reddit dad thought his biggest problem was parenting two kids, but his real frustration came from his younger brother calling himself a dog dad. That one label turned into a surprisingly heated family debate.
The original poster said he works hard to raise his children and cover the bills that come with it, so hearing his 23-year-old brother celebrate fatherhood for his English Bulldog rubbed him the wrong way. He also argued that being a real parent means more than caring for a pet, and he took issue with the way his brother and friends embraced the title.
Reddit had plenty to say about that, and the comments quickly moved beyond the dog dad label. Read on.
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

That verdict came with a lot of side commentary.
This reminds us of the younger brother demanding the noisy dog be removed after their newborn arrived.
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.
He still wasn't buying the dog dad title.
Wait till you see if he’s the a**hole for refusing to help with the family puppy.