Brother refuses to buy 16-year-old sister her 'dream pet': 'I think it's a TikTok phase'

Author image for Remy Millisky
Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Dec 24, 2024 11:00 AM EST

Begging your parents for a pet is basically a childhood rite of passage. Probably all of us at some point have begged our parents for a kitten, puppy, or fish, writing out all of the reasons why it would be beneficial. Then, our parents probably said something like, "We're not getting a kitten just for me to end up cleaning up after it and feeding it every day." Then, as a kid, you'd insist to your parent that you will care for it anyway, pinky promise. At some point, you might've had to lay on the floor and wail a bit to really get the point across. It feels like the most important thing ever when you're a child, and your parents just don't understand. And for this person, having the conversation with his younger sister has been just as difficult. 

Your parents probably had a point, though. Kids are notorious for forgetting to give Fluffy her dinner, or totally neglecting to take the dog for the walk they keep promising. Then, the burden falls to Mom and Dad to make sure the pet is well cared for. So imagine this older brother's surprise when his sister revealed she wants an even more outlandish pet than that! 

Keep scrolling to read the full story. Then, read about the times that lawyers couldn't stop their own clients from ruining their court cases, like one client who lamentably "added 9 years to a short sentence." 

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  • 01
    Cheezburger Image 10445021184
    via Daiga Ellaby For Unsplash+

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    AITA for refusing to buy my sister's "dream pet" because I think it's a TikTok phase?
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 03
    So, my sister (16F) has been obsessed with capybaras for months. Like, full-on watching edits on TikTok, using capybara reaction memes, and even buying merch. Last week, she told me (24M) that what she really wants for her birthday is a capybara. A real one.
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 04
    At first, I thought she was joking. But no, she had done "research" (aka, Googled it for an hour) and insisted she could totally take care of one. She even said, "It's lowkey easier than having a dog, and they're so aesthetic." She swears she'll make it go viral on TikTok and become "THE Capybara owner."
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 05
    I told her no. First, we live in the suburbs-where are we putting a giant semi-aquatic rodent? In the pool? Second, I'm the one who would end up dealing with it because my parents aren't really pet people. Third, I feel like she's only into it because it's trendy, and the second TikTok moves on, she'll lose interest.
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 06
    She got super mad and said I'm a "gatekeeper of joy" and accused me of not supporting her dreams. She even brought up how I got her an iPad last year, so why not a capybara this year?
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 07
    Our parents are now saying I'm being too harsh and should just let her "live a little." But I think this is an expensive and impractical disaster waiting to happen. AITA for saying no?
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466

    Imagine having a capybara running around your home! They look tiny, but in reality, they're about as big as a medium-sized dog. 

  • 08

    Commenters sided with the brother here

    SillyRambutan NTA "Although people claim they are good pets, capybaras have significant and unique needs that may be difficult to meet, and they're expensive to keep. Capybaras are social animals who must live with other capybaras for their physical and psychological health."
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 09
    did she miss this one while doing her research, LMAO, honestly this is funny. tell your parents they can get her one and it will be part of their responsibility. I like Capybara too, but to have one as pet? no, thanks. where does one even obtain a capybara, I read somewhere they cost around $1000-3000, and she's thinking of using it to become viral on TikTok,
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 10
    that's a dream with a percentage of failing very high. give her a candy for her birthday and call it a day, I think she might be a little spoiled
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 11

    Other people thought this kid had her head in the clouds

    TicoSoon I'm sorry, did I read that correctly? "Gatekeeper of joy"?!?! Wow she really has brushed up on the TikTok bingo cards hasn't she?
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 12
    If SHE wants one, SHE should purchase it and all of the requisite accoutrements. And if your parents agree, then THEY can finance it. But you, my friend, are NTA for having a level head, a conscience that helps you, and the ability to type out "gatekeeper of joy" with a straight face.
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 13

    Who could've imagined that wild animals don't make good house pets?

    celticmusebo... OK did a deep dive on this Tik Tok trend. Capybara's are NOT appropriate pets and YES this is just a TikTok fad that your sister will soon tire of. Ethical breeders will only sell the animals in pairs as they are VERY social and need the company of their own kind. Unethical breeders will likely take your money and disappear.
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 14
    The cost of the animal is on average $2K each and it costs between $35 to $80 per day to feed EACH animal (FYI that would be $12,750 - $29,200 per year for EACH animal) AND they need a 4 foot deep swimming pool where they can swim YEAR ROUND (can't be plastic as their claws would puncture said pool). They would need specialized vet care-- do you have such a vet in your area?
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 15
    If this is a true story-- and honestly I'm having a VERY hard time believing that, your parents sound like they are a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 16

    Iconic phrase, to be honest

    Spidiffpaffpuff NTA But you should change your reddit name to gatekeeper of joy right away.
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466
  • 17
    13curseyoukhan Capybaras are not good pets and they need other capybaras around to thrive. Also, they do best in wet, hot places like swamps. I love capybara videos and wish they could be happy as pets, but they can't.
    via u/Crazy-Patience-6466

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capybara teens tiktoks pets capybaras teenagers funny tiktok
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