Stepmom’s Dilemma: Keep the Dog or Keep the Peace?

Picture this: a modern-day Brady Bunch with a twist. A blended family with two kids from the mom, one from the dad, and a shared child. But there’s a catch – the dad’s 15-year-old daughter has a deep-seated fear and disgust for dogs. The mom, on the other hand, has a 6-year-old golden retriever named Auggie, who is loved dearly by her and the other kids. The stepdaughter’s first summer visit since the couple got together in 2020 turns into a nightmare, with the family torn between their love for Auggie and the well-being of the dog-phobic teen.

The Blended Family Setup

Stepdaughter’s Fear of Dogs

The Tragic Incident

Auggie, the Golden Retriever

The Dog Hair Incident

Stepdaughter’s Extreme Reaction

Tension Rises

Living Room Standoff

Temporary Solution: Airbnb

The Financial Strain

Husband Wants to Get Rid of Auggie

Mom’s Stance: Auggie Stays

The Argument Continues

Accusations of Favoritism

The Urgent Need for a Solution

A House Divided: Auggie vs. Stepdaughter

As the family struggles to find a solution, the situation becomes more urgent. The stepdaughter needs a new primary household immediately due to issues in her mom’s home. The family is now forced to find a permanent solution, and fast. With therapy as a long-term option, they need to make a decision that will impact everyone involved. Can they find a way to keep Auggie and provide a safe space for the dog-phobic teen? Or will they have to make a heartbreaking choice? Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…

Keep the dog and insist on therapy for the stepdaughter.

Traumatized child needs therapy, but it only made things worse

Stepdaughter’s fear of dogs may stem from deeper issues. Navigating family dynamics.

Stepmom prioritizes dog over traumatized stepdaughter, labeled YTA by commenters

Encouraging OCD evaluation for dog-phobic spouse? NTA but…

Husband’s poor handling of daughter’s fear causes dog dilemma

Stepmom called out for not considering stepchild’s feelings

Compromise needed: keep the dog but find a solution for summer visits

Stepmom prioritizes dog over phobic stepdaughter, YTA. Heartbreaking replies.

Stepdaughter needs therapy, not the dog. NTA

Stepmom prioritizes dog over step-daughter, called out for favoritism. YTA.

Relocating the dog during visits may be the best solution

Dog or daughter? There are better solutions than extreme measures.

Commenter calls out OP for being selfish about stepchild’s visit

Commenter calls out OP for playing favorites with stepdaughter and dog

Stepmom’s dilemma worsened by part-time child’s living arrangements

Stepmom and dad prioritized dog over kid, now it’s a mess

Choosing the dog over the child? YTA. Prioritize family.

Stepmom’s unwillingness to re-home dog for 3 months makes YTA

When a dog comes between family, who’s the real victim?

Golden retrievers aren’t scary, but dog phobias are real

Keeping the dog is fair as it’s been with the kids for 6 years. Therapy might help the daughter.

Prioritizing a dog over a traumatized stepdaughter? Not cool.

Commenter calls out stepmom for prioritizing pet over stepchildren.

Propose a solution without disrespecting the stepdaughter.

Stepdaughter needs therapy and husband dismisses her trauma and demands dog gone. NTA.

Vegan advises stepmom to prioritize daughter over dog. YTA

Dog shouldn’t suffer for daughter’s trauma. Work on solutions

A furry family member causing a dilemma – NTA wins!

Commenter deems someone the a**hole. Drama alert!

Don’t let a visiting kid take away your family’s furry friend!

Stepmom chooses dog over child, Redditor calls her out. YTA

Dog or daughter? Stepmom faces tough choice. NTA, keep dog.

Finding a middle ground is key in this situation

Stepmom’s stepdaughter doesn’t want the dog, ESH for not compromising

Commenter calls out OP for referring to stepchild as ‘part-time’

Stepmom stands up for herself and stepdaughter’s mental health. NTA

Defend your furry friend! NTA for keeping your dog.

Suggests relocating dog for peace, therapy for stepmom, and divorce

Secure your dog’s safety with a microchip and preemptive measures

Stepmom’s love for stepdaughter and cats coexists despite allergies

Fur baby or family peace? NTA stands their ground.

Stepmom prioritizes dog over traumatized stepdaughter. YTA

Stepmom criticized for not prioritizing stepdaughter’s fears

Stepmom not at fault, but SO’s actions are concerning

Stand your ground! Your family and the dog need you

Temporary doggy vacation for peace during stepmom’s visit?