Welcoming a pet into the family is a big decision and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. Despite their loving and playful nature, not everyone likes having dogs in the home and it is a huge responsibility. One woman has taken to Reddit to ask for advice after her husband brought their son a pet dog behind her back - despite knowing she is terrified of them.
The pregnant mum has argued with her partner and insisted the pooch needs to go, knowing it'll break her child's heart. The post has sparked a debate online, with many users labelling the couple "selfish" and criticising both their actions. Redditors have slammed the woman for allowing her son to form an attachment with the pup before saying goodbye.
The Reddit post reads: "I've been terrified of dogs since I was young. My husband knew but I don't think he realised how bad it was until recently.
"He got our son a dog and at first, I was angry but he promised it wouldn't come near me and our son was really happy so I agreed they could keep it as long as it was kept away from me.
"For two months it was fine and I barely thought about the dog being so close but a few days ago the dog came inside and it freaked me out."
The woman told her husband he would have to get rid of the dog as she didn't trust him to keep it away from her - but he refused.
"Our son is very attached to it already and the dog is harmless according to him," she explained.
Her partner has tried to persuade her to bond with the animal, but she's refused and is insisting it has to go.
"We argued and he told me that if I wanted it gone, I would have to take it myself," she said.
The top comment, that has been upvoted over 41,000 times, says: "If your phobia is that bad, and you are unwilling to address it, you should never have allowed the dog to stay even one night.
"Your husband never should have gotten the dog without your consent. And the breeder or rescue never should have allowed him to have a dog without knowing all adults in the home were on board.
"Now your son and a dog will be hurt because of your collective actions."
Many people supported this view and agreed the child and the dog are the only ones "losing out".
"I feel for the innocent dog and child in this situation. They have bonded," another person wrote.
"Do not downplay the hurt you two have caused to others. This is so wrong. Both adults are selfish."
Some Redditors bashed the mum for not saying a "hard no" immediately.
"The husband was wrong, but once the dog was there they both are responsible," someone said.
Though lots of users blamed the husband for "manipulating" his wife and making promises he couldn't keep.
"He crossed her boundaries. Begged her to let him keep doing it. Makes a conditional agreement with her. Breaks the agreement he made. Then he tells her that her son will be sad if she holds him accountable," someone commented.
What would you do in this situation? Let us know in the comments.
