Anyone who has pets will likely agree that they are family. Sometimes they are a much greater emotional support than humans. Thus, it is not surprising that one prioritizes one’s pets as much as one prioritizes one’s human relatives, and in some cases, chooses to put the furry friend first.
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A 29-year-old woman recently made that choice when she refused to lend her older sister, 34, money to fix her car, which she had saved for more than two months for surgery. She shared her experience on the popular subreddit, r/AITAH, where she found support for her decisions from fellow editors.
Choosing between the dog and the big sister…
The woman started mail shared on February 20, by introducing readers to her 6-year-old golden retriever, Milo, who became part of her family in her early 20s. She was going through a hard time when she got it, and he helped her get through it all.
Two months ago, Milo was injured at the park, and the vet said he needed surgery that would cost about $4,800. It was not easy for the woman, who worked as a manager in a small office, to obtain the amount. She decided to cut back on her spending to save money and was able to put about $3,900 aside and scheduled her surgery for the following month.
The problem started when her older sister, who is married and has two children, ages eight and five, called her and started crying because her car needed a new transmission. It cost about $4,000, and since she had no savings, she wanted OP to loan her the money.
The OP highlighted, “She (her sister) and her husband are not good with money. They just got back from a trip to Las Vegas in December, and are constantly upgrading phones, eating out, etc.”
When the woman mentioned that she couldn’t loan her the money she was saving for Milo’s surgery, the sister apparently scolded her, saying, “You’re choosing a dog over your niece and nephew?This was especially painful.
“I said it’s not about choosing the dog over the kids. It’s about the fact that I’ve been working nonstop to save money for a medical procedure Milo needs. It’s not cosmetic. He’s constantly limping and in pain. Surgery is not optional if I want him to have a good quality of life,” the woman explained on Reddit.
“She said that children need their parents to have a working car more than a dog needs surgery, and that I’m being selfish. She also said that because I don’t have children, I don’t understand true responsibility.”
Later, their mother called the doctor and sided with the older sister. However, the woman was not convinced because postponing the operation might worsen the dog’s condition. She added: “And to be honest, I’m not confident I’ll get my money back anytime soon. My sister has borrowed smaller amounts before and it always takes a long time to pay them back, if ever.”
Nowadays, the older sister is not talking to the OP, and their mother is acting disappointed. While she felt guilty for not helping, because she loved her niece and nephew and knew the situation was affecting them, she also couldn’t bring herself to sacrifice something she had worked so hard for just because her sister and husband didn’t plan for the future.
She went on to ask Redditors if she was wrong.
Redditors support the decision
Netizens on Reddit supported the OP’s decision not to sacrifice Milo’s surgery to support her extravagant sister.
“If they could go to Vegas and get new phones, they could figure out how to fix cars. And let’s be honest, if I gave them money, would you watch it again? Or would it be: It’s just a dog, cares if you work overtime because we had a baby, etc. Be patient. Whether they admit it or not, a dog is your family, and probably a better support system than them,” one Redditor stated.
Another commented: “I find it a bit coincidental that they need to borrow almost the amount you saved. And after a trip to Vegas? If they don’t have $4,000 in savings, they have no reason to take a vacation to gamble. You scrimp and save while watching a loved one suffer while going to Vegas? And now it’s your problem, they need money? I don’t think so. Let your mom be her bank and don’t feel guilty.”
“The dog is always in the car! They can take the bus or save like you did. They are adults, and I am not responsible for their bad financial choices,” chided a third. “Tell your mother it was very nice of her to give your sister the money, since she feels so strongly about it.”
“You’re picking on your dog over her travels and stupid spending. As you should,” a fourth pointed out.
“This is a no brainer. Of course, you’re using the money to get your dog operated on. Milo is the only one you should do right by and protect. It’s not Milo that’s wasting money and partying in Vegas. Just block your sister and mom for a while. They’re terrible,” expressed another.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified these claims and does not endorse them.
