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Sometimes the hardest stories aren't about entitled people, bad neighbors, or workplace disasters. Sometimes they're about two people trying to do the right thing and ending up in a situation where somebody is guaranteed to leave with a broken heart. And this is one of those stories.
The drama started when a woman posted online looking to rehome her dog. According to her, life had taken a rough turn. She was raising a child, the father was no longer in the picture, money was tight, and she felt she couldn't provide the life her dog deserved. It was clearly a painful decision, but one she believed was necessary.
Enter the future adopter.
Before taking the dog home, he spent time talking with her, introduced the pup to his other dogs, and reassured her that he wasn't trying to take her pet away forever. He even offered to let her visit in the future. By all accounts, this was about as responsible and compassionate as a rehoming situation could possibly be.
A week later, the dog was thriving.
He had a backyard, two canine friends, a human who clearly adored him, and enough attention to make any dog feel like he'd won the lottery. The new owner describes him as following him around everywhere, cuddling constantly, and fitting seamlessly into the household. In other words, exactly what everyone hopes happens when a pet gets rehomed.
Then the text arrived.
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The former owner explained that her situation had changed. She'd worked something out with family members, would soon have more space, and deeply regretted giving him up. She wasn't demanding the dog back or making threats. If anything, her messages were heartbreakingly respectful. She acknowledged the adopter's feelings, thanked him for caring for the dog, and simply asked if he'd consider returning him.
And that's what makes this story so brutal. Nobody is acting maliciously. The former owner isn't trying to scam anyone. The adopter isn't refusing out of spite. Both people genuinely love the same dog and both believe they're acting in his best interest.
The internet was split on what should happen next, but most commenters agreed on one thing: this is the emotional equivalent of being hit by a truck moving at five miles per hour. No villains. No obvious solution. Just a really sad consequence of a difficult situation.
The one bright spot is the dog himself, who seems blissfully unaware of the ethical debate unfolding around him. He's just happy somebody keeps giving him treats.
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All the people who know you will tell you to give the dog back to her, and all the people on Reddit will tell you to keep the dog because they don't care about other people in their life problems. You do what you think is right. It might be better to have a conversation with this woman and have her get settled in to her new living situation for a few months and then maybe have the dog visit her instead but stay with you.
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I find it hard to believe her situation changed so drastically and out of nowhere in one week. The dog is yours now. If you give him back, what’s to stop her from giving him away again when she’s in a less than ideal situation again?
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I've been in her place. A few years ago, we were in a situation where we thought we had to rehome our dog. We found a home for her, and she left. As the person pulled out of our driveway, I knew we'd made the wrong decision.
We tried to give it a couple days, then we ended up contacting them and telling them it was a mistake. Thankfully, they brought her back, and as it turned out we were able to make things work out, and now she's lying here on the bed next to me.
When I think of how we almost gave her up, it makes me feel like crying. We were trying to do the best thing for her but it was unnecessary and keeping her with us was the best thing for her.
I saw that someone wrote in a comment that animals need stability. Well, yes, but it's only been a week. Dogs get boarded for longer than that. The dog isn't going to be confused if it goes back home.
The person's texts to you were kind and understanding. They didn't make demands. And their bond with the dog has more history than yours.
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Do you genuinely believe that the heartbreak you’d experience from giving up a dog you’ve had a week is worse than the heartbreak of someone who has had the dog for 2 years?
You don’t have to give the dog back. It’s legally yours. All I’ll say is to treat others as you would want them to treat you.
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From my POV it’s only been a week. I think that any person that has had to rehome a dog must’ve been in a really bad place to have to do that, but in reality it’s a brave decision to actually go through with it.
I know tons of people who shouldn’t have a dog, and they do… because it’s basically a selfish decision. Ultimately, dogs don’t give a shit about their living conditions, they care that they’re in a loving “pack” and they’re fed and cared for. That dog still has 3 months of pining for his/her old pack before they start to settle in their new home.
If this person had reached out after 3 months… I would be a strong no! But after a week. I think the right thing (for the dog) is send it back. It’s ok to realize a mistake (from the original owners POV) and try and correct it.
I think the “right” decision is to give it back… but keeping it doesn’t make your decision “wrong” either. You’re emotionally invested too. No wrong decision, so make the decision that’s right for you, and one that you can sleep at night with.
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It's been 8 days. I get everyone on Reddit is telling you to keep him but I think you should take him back.
If you were in her situation and felt desperate enough to let someone else have your dog and then your situation changed for the better, what would you want the other person to do (after only eight days)?
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Imagine you had to give away your dog for fear of being unable to support them then suddenly found out you'd actually be able to support them after giving the dog away.
Give the dog back. Sorry for your soft heart but this lady is that dogs mother the dog just had a fun weekend with you
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My feeling is if her situation can change that fast that drastically for the better, what’s to stop it from doing the same but for the worse in a few more weeks?
Especially if she’s staying with family, that’s not likely to be a permanent arrangement (ie having a lease or owning a house would have more stability)
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Do what you feel is best for him. This is a tough situation, I’m sorry. Here are my thoughts: so many dogs are homeless in shelters and every dog that can be rescued is important. If the previous owner can give him a good life, I would give him back and then rescue a third dog from the shelter. You can always remember him as a wonderful boy that you were able to help by fostering temporarily.
If he were with you much longer it might be different, my dog was rescued from our hoarder alcoholic mother in law, I would NEVER have given him back. But this was different because he was in a bad situation and not cared for as well.
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I’ve been in OP’s position and we gave the dog back. We were happy to do it since the dog was clearly bonded to their previous owner and the lady really regretted the rehoming.
I wouldn’t feel right keeping a dog if I knew they could have their first choice home.
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The owner being responsible enough to give away her dog because she knows it's in the dog's best interest is also commendable. Many dog owners would be fine with giving the dog a crappy life.
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I think this situation calls for an early 2000s movie trope. You need to find a 3rd party to hold the dog while both you and the previous owner stand 30ft away on opposite sides. The 3rd party will place the dog on thd ground and both of you will call the dog by its given name. Whoever the dog goes to gets ownership unless there's a last minute change in heart where the dog fights its way away from the chosen party and you discover they were secretly hiding lunch meats in their pockets.
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This is very sad, but I would give the dog back. I know people are saying you’re better for the dog, but this person is likely his home.
I’d take the payment as if you were a sitter. I’m sure it will break your heart but it would be best for everyone.
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