Parents are willing to make a lot of sacrifices for their children - but one mum is being criticised for her controversial decision.
The woman shared her dilemma on Mumsnet under the handle hotair1234, explaining how she recently agreed to adopt a dog to please her 15-year-old daughter.
But the problem is, she doesn't "ever want to live with one".
In the post, she said: "I grew up with big dogs and they just give me the ick, the smell, the poop, the drool, everything."
And yet, she committed to take one on for her daughter whose "mental health has taken an absolute dive".
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Despite attempting to put her off, the mum took her daughter to a rescue centre, where she "fell in love with a huge collie" and agreed to pick him up in one week.
"I am completely dreading it. I know it's everything she needs and couldn't be more sure about the commitment but I hate the idea," she said.
The post triggered a number of concerned and angry responses from fellow dog lovers and parents, urging her to back out of the planned adoption.
"Pull out now," one person wrote. "Call the dog's home and let them know - maybe you can even come up with an excuse together.
"If she's 15 she'll understand. Appreciate that parents feel guilted into many things but your daughter's mental health is not reason enough for you to take on this enormous responsibility for something you don't want."
Another agreed: "Don't be so ridiculous! It's so cruel to do this… please cancel and have a massive rethink."
A third said it'll be "extremely traumatic for this poor dog to be rejected a second time" and suggested the daughter try volunteering at the rescue centre instead.
Many warned her of collies being an energetic and bright breed not ideal for people who don't like dogs.
A user firmly said: " I can nonetheless promise you this is the single worst idea you've had in your life."
Though few parents did resonate with her reasoning.
One said: "I understand where you are coming from if your darling daughter has had mental health problems. We've had school refusal and self harm in this house."
Another mum shared her similar experience and said: "My kids were desperate for dog. Six months later and all the work is left to me!
"My eldest daughter is autistic and wanted the dog more than anyone. She waged a campaign to convince me to get one, but now she's not interested."
Do you have a similar family dilemma? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
