Should I Rehome Our Dog for My Partners Sake Despite Kids Attachment?

A mom with two little kids is stuck in the kind of family conflict that sounds small until it wrecks your whole week. Her dog, Daisy, has been around for five years, adopted as a puppy, and somehow ended up feeling like the fourth kid in the house.

But her partner, who works long hours and does not love Daisy, is pushing hard to rehome her. He’s complaining about the shedding, calling Daisy too energetic, and even saying he’ll be more present if there’s no dog around, while the kids are deeply attached, playing, cuddling, and running to Daisy when they’re upset.

The real mess here is that rehoming Daisy would not just change the home, it would change the kids’ emotional safe spot, and that’s why this decision feels impossible.

Original Post

So I'm (34F) a mom of two young kids, and we've had our dog, Daisy, for about five years. Daisy is a mixed breed we adopted from a shelter when she was a puppy.

She's been a huge part of our family and the kids adore her. When we got Daisy, both my partner (36M) and I were on board.

However, over time, my partner has grown to dislike Daisy. He says she sheds too much, is too energetic, and he's just generally not a dog person.

For background, my partner works long hours, and I handle most of the dog care. I walk Daisy, take her to the vet, and ensure she's well taken care of.

Lately, my partner has been pushing me to rehome Daisy.

He's even said that he'll be more present and helpful if we don't have a dog. On the other hand, my kids adore Daisy, and she's become like a sibling to them.

They play together, cuddle, and the kids even confide in Daisy when they're upset. I worry about the emotional impact of rehoming Daisy on the children.

I'm torn between keeping Daisy, who's a beloved part of our family, or prioritizing my partner's feelings and possibly improving our relationship by removing a source of contention. I feel stuck and not sure what the right decision is.

So WIBTA if I rehomed Daisy to cater to my partner's dislike even though my kids are so attached to her?

The Heart of the Matter

This situation really highlights the emotional complexity of pet ownership in families. For the mother, Daisy isn't just a dog; she's a cherished family member who’s been with them for five years. The bond between the kids and Daisy complicates the decision immensely. Rehoming a pet isn’t just about logistics; it involves deep emotional stakes that can affect a child's sense of security and attachment.

Meanwhile, the partner's growing discontent seems to stem from feeling overwhelmed by long hours and perhaps some unmet expectations about family life. This tension reflects a common scenario where one partner feels burdened while the other fights to maintain family harmony. The stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to balancing personal feelings with family dynamics.

That’s when Daisy’s daily routine, the walks and vet trips OP handles, becomes the battleground between her and her partner’s growing resentment.

Comment from u/peanutbutter_jelly93

NTA.

Comment from u/Lunar_Eclipse_22

ESH.

Comment from u/pizza_luver666

YTA. Your partner knew what having a dog entailed when you got Daisy. It's not fair to the kids or Daisy to uproot her from the only family she's known. Your partner needs to step up and be a part of the solution rather than just demanding to remove the problem.

Comment from u/guitarhero_legend

NTA. Your kids' emotional well-being matters too. Daisy is like a family member to them, and abruptly rehoming her could cause trauma. Your partner needs to understand the gravity of this decision and work towards a solution that preserves the family bond with Daisy.

Meanwhile the kids keep proving Daisy isn’t “just a dog,” because they cuddle her and treat her like a confidant when emotions run hot.

Comment from u/cosmic_coffeebreak

NAH.

This is similar to a mover deciding whether to rehome beloved rescue pets before a big move against family wishes.

Comment from u/StarlightDreamer99

YTA. Daisy is a living being, not a disposable item. It's unfair to prioritize your partner's discomfort over the kids' attachment to Daisy. Perhaps discussing alternatives like training or finding ways to alleviate shedding and energy could be a better approach.

Comment from u/MoonlitGamerGirl

NTA.

Then her partner goes from complaining about shedding and energy to offering a deal, rehome Daisy and he’ll magically be more helpful.

Comment from u/AdventureSeeker24

ESH. While your partner's feelings are valid, rehoming Daisy abruptly isn't the solution. It's important to consider the kids' bond with the dog. Perhaps discussing a long-term plan or seeking professional advice on managing the situation could help.

Comment from u/Tea_And_Biscuits

YTA. Daisy is a part of your family, and your kids' connection with her is significant. It's unfair to prioritize your partner's discomfort over the emotional impact on the children. Finding compromises or seeking professional advice could be a better approach.

Comment from u/SunnySideUp_123

NAH. It's a challenging situation balancing everyone's emotions. Communication and exploring alternatives like training or behavioral support for Daisy could help bridge the gap between your partner's concerns and the children's attachment to her.

And OP has to decide whether she’s protecting her kids’ bond with Daisy or sacrificing it to smooth things over with her partner.

What would you do in this situation? Share your opinion in the comments.

Divided Opinions in the Community

The Reddit community's reactions were all over the place, showcasing how divisive this topic can be. Some commenters empathized with the partner, arguing that a happy home environment sometimes means making tough calls, even if that means rehoming a pet. Others were quick to defend the children’s emotional connection to Daisy, reminding us that pets are often seen as family members.

This divide underscores a larger conversation about the responsibilities of pet ownership versus the need to prioritize adult relationships. How do you weigh the happiness of children against the discomfort of an adult? That’s the real conundrum here.

Ultimately, this story raises profound questions about love, loyalty, and family dynamics.

The Bigger Picture

The situation in this article highlights the emotional tug-of-war between adult relationships and children's attachments. The mother, deeply invested in her kids' bond with Daisy, faces pressure from her partner, who feels overwhelmed by the dog's energy and the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. This clash reveals how the partner's long hours at work and lack of involvement in Daisy's care exacerbate his discontent, leading him to suggest rehoming the dog as a solution. Ultimately, the family's dynamics are tested as they navigate the difficult balance between adult discomfort and the children's emotional well-being.

Rehoming Daisy might make one adult quieter, but it could leave the kids wondering what broke their family.

Want another family tug-of-war, read about partner allergies pushing a couple to consider rehoming their dog.