Imagine finding an abandoned dog, taking him in, and falling in love with him over two years. Now, picture your family members moving in and your autistic nephew bonding with the dog. The family thinks they’re entitled to keep the dog, but you’re not ready to let go. What would you do?
The Unexpected Adoption
Becoming Part of the Family
New Family Members Arrive
A Special Bond Forms
The Unexpected Proposal
Caught Off Guard
The Fight Begins
A Win-Win Situation?
Not So Easily Replaced
The Backstory Misunderstood
Understanding the Husband’s Intentions
The Connection Questioned
A Heartbreaking Dilemma: Who Gets to Keep Dave?
After unexpectedly adopting Dave the dog and loving him for two years, a family is torn apart when the autistic nephew bonds with him. The in-laws believe they’re entitled to keep Dave, but the original rescuer isn’t ready to let go. Is it fair to use the nephew’s autism as leverage? Can a dog be replaced so easily? As the family grapples with this emotional decision, let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…
RELATED STORIES
Husband made a decision without consulting OP. BIL’s family overbearing. NTA.
Teaching kids about disappointment and adopting a service dog instead. NTA
Creative solution suggested with humorous Reddit commentary.
NTA for wanting to keep your dog. Your husband and in-laws are AHs for giving him away without your consent. Dave has bonded with you and deserves to stay with his family.
Don’t treat pets like toys. NTA for wanting to keep.
Commenter receives support after calling out rude husband
NTA. The dog is a part of OP’s family for 2 years. It’s not an object that can be passed around. Neurodivergent person here, he can find another dog IMO.
Dog’s well-being should be top priority. Stick to your guns!
Nephew’s attachment to dog understandable, but NTA has valid point
ESH. Communication is key in making decisions about pets
Heartfelt discussion on who deserves to keep a beloved dog
User defends keeping dog with compelling evidence.
Dog ownership dispute: NTA, husband and in-laws need consent
Foster fails are a thing. Parents should find nephew another dog.
Stand your ground and keep Dave! #NTA
In-laws need to find a new companion, NTA
Wife claims ownership of dog, husband gives it away. NTA.
Dog ownership dispute: Autistic sibling wants dog back. NTA stands firm.
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Two years later, NTA for keeping Dave. Unfair to expect otherwise.
Dog belongs with OP and their dog
NTA. Keep both dogs for their happiness and companionship
Your dog, your rules . Nephew can adopt his own pet.
Dog ownership dispute due to lack of communication between spouses. ESH.
Rescued dog is family, not a possession. NTA for keeping.
Therapeutic dogs can be a life saver for kids with autism
Rescued dog, rescued family. Don’t let bullies win
Stand your ground and don’t give in to manipulation tactics.
Stand your ground and keep Dave!
A heartwarming NAH comment about sharing the beloved dog.
Husband wants to give away dog. Commenter is NTA.
Communication is key! ESH in dog custody battle
Stand your ground! Your husband’s suggestion is ridiculous.
Dog owner fiercely defends keeping their beloved pet from family.
A heated debate over rehoming a dog with insightful replies.
Protect your pup! Know your rights and stand your ground
In-laws want the dog? NTA, but hubby needs a reality check
Autistic commenter defends dog ownership, calls out bullying.
Heartbreaking story of losing a beloved pet due to family pressure
In-laws show no consideration for pet-human bond. NTA.
Savage comment suggests keeping the dog and dumping the husband
Rescued dog, permanent part of life. Husband’s character in question
Miscommunication leads to family drama over beloved dog
Autistic person not entitled to keep dog, adopt instead
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/92e59a72-8018-44be-b49c-f747dc9d5aca.png)
Fur-ever yours! Commenter keeps beloved dog, no a-hole here.
Street dog custody battle: NTA’s advice for rightful owner.
Don’t be entitled to someone else’s dog . Find your own furry friend
NTA: Dogs are family, not possessions
NTA. Keep your dog. Nephew’s family can adopt an older rescue
Fighting for a furry friend’s happiness and security
Creative solution proposed for dog custody battle
Consider the dog’s feelings too! Does Dave like the kid?
A beloved dog becomes family. NTA for treating him as such
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/d6d15e13-352b-40a6-8123-58889b07e9cc.png)
Nephew can find another dog. Parents milking a cash cow.
Spouse’s disregard for pet raises red flags
Commenter defends keeping beloved dog, compares it to child custody.
Dog ownership dispute: NTA, husband’s decision seems unfair. Consider dog’s feelings
Stand your ground! Your family has no right to your dog
Respectful pet adoption etiquette: Don’t try to adopt someone’s pet
Dog custody battle turns nasty, but NTA stands their ground
User defends rightful ownership of dog against entitled family.
Defending her right to keep the dog against family bullying
Commenter supports NTA in dog custody battle
Stand your ground and keep the dog , in-laws be damned
