u/kgraciee

Around 2009 we adopted a chihuahua/corgi mix from the pound as our family dog. I was still young at that time (middle school age) and my parents especially my mom took over the dog and bonded with him. Fast forward we had to put my childhood dog down after 18 years of companion with our family. After one year I adopted a lab/husky mix and I have been spending my time bonding and training her to become a confident dog (she was neglected and abused from her previous owner during puppyhood).

My husband and I are looking for another dog as a companion with my current dog. My current dog has been enrolled through private training and upcoming training classes (mostly for leash manners) as well as daycare. She is kennel trained, house trained, never plays rough with other dogs, and is gentle towards everyone in the family. We came across a dog at our local rescue that we are interested in adopting her as a new member for our family.

However, my mother was set to only find another chihuahua/corgi mix because of our previous dog. I explained to her that there are other small/medium dogs that are looking for homes at the rescue but she insisted on getting the exact same breed as my childhood dog. I talked it out that each dog has their own personality regardless of the breed and you can not expect the new dog to be the same as the old dog. She would retaliate and expect to only look for the dog that looks like her old dog.

At this point I am torn and heartbroken. My husband and I are currently living under my parent's house because my dad is retired and are planning to become snowbirds after my mother retires (2-3 more years) and soon to have the house under a living trust with my name. It does not feel right for me that she wants her own dog expecting it to be like her previous dog but then leave the dog under our care when she flies out of state/country for vacations. I still feel like my mother is still grieving and is not ready for another companion. To me it makes sense that I take ownership of the dog and have it as a family pet.