Note: English not first language, please forgive any mistakes.
My brother (27y) got this pinscher, that we named Nico, a almost a year ago, he is almost never at home, so i (22y) end up being the one who has to feed, clean it up and take on walks. Nico is very clingy, to the point where he doesn’t sleep alone and even start yelling whatever he is.
One time the neighbors came to check thinking we were hitting it, when he really just starts yelling and crying out of nowhere, and it’s always me that needs to deal with it.
This is not an attack on the dog, i love the little guy, but the problem is: My parents started calling me his brother whenever he starts crying.
Saying stuff like: "Don’t worry Nico, ur brother will give u food.", "OP, ur brother wants to go on a walk"
And i hate this. I really, really don’t like this and say so to them that i makes me uncomfortable.
Their response was calling me overdramatic, that it’s just a joke and i takes things too seriously, even saying that i should love more my dog (That isn’t even mine to begin with). That when they don’t straight up ignore my complaints and acts like i’m not saying anything
So am i the asshole for asking them to stop it? Or it’s really not that big of a deal and i am overexaggerating?
NTA. I will never understand the POV of people to get upset and defensive when someone tells them they’ve hurt their feelings.
If it’s your brother’s dog, that’s your nephew not your brother.
NTA but I’m not sure it’s worth fussing over. It seems like the bigger issue here is the responsibility for this dog being placed on you -focus on that.
What would you prefer they refer to him as? Your nephew?
As Nico, his name, not as a parent of mine
the dog?
They could just use OPs name? It’s really that simple.
Funnily we call my sister her dogs mum and I am their aunty, lol., But we never say “your sister/ brother” to her kids… and if we would and they’d ask us to stop we would apologise and stop, like any other normal person. It’s really not a big deal not liking it, just like it isn’t a big deal if you do as long as you respect other people might not agree with you and don’t force it down their throat.
NTA but correct them. It is your nephew and their grandchild since it’s your brother’s dog. And the more you complain about them calling it your brother, the longer they’ll say it.
NTAH. You don’t like it. They should stop.
And have a word about dumping dog responsibilities on you. You didn’t get the dog. Lovely of you to help out, but it’s not yours.
NTA when they do it mention that Grandma or Grandpa’s age is showing and their mind is going thinking you’re their baby instead of their grand dog. Oh no might be time to tour the nursing homes.
NTA. Don’t know why your brother was allowed to get the dog if he still lives at home. Your parents should be the ones to walk and feed it. At 22 your should consider moving out if it’s feasible to do so (and your parents would be forced to deal with the dog).
Came here to say nephew, was late by several comments.
NTA but your brother is for getting a dog that he can’t take care of.
Some people are ok being called brother/sister to a dog and some are not. Neither are wrong for feeling the way they do. Your parents are AH for not respecting that and diminishing your feelings. Also it doesn’t make sense if it’s your brother’s dog, then you’d be uncle (not sure if that’s a language/cultural difference) but again, regardless, you’re NTA.
NTA. It’s not a joke if it bothers you and they know it. They’re just being dismissive
NTA. It’s demeaning. Now go take you brother for a walk and pick up his poop.