'Irrational' mum sparks fury by returning puppy just hours after buying him

A woman has left social media users divided after admitting she made a "big mistake" in purchasing a cockapoo puppy before returning him to the breeder a day later.

Mum Becky said she was "gutted" to be returning the puppy, who she had planned to call Blue, but said she "hasn't made the right decision" in purchasing the young pet. "I've been so lucky that the breeder has agreed to take him back," she says while crying and cuddling the puppy in a video on TikTok.

"I just don't think it's the right timing. I've got work to do, and I just made a really irrational decision and it's one that I'm not going to be able to live with. I'm about to take him back. Lesson learned I think."

READ MORE: Dog trainer shares verdict on whether to allow pets on home furniture

Becky clarified that she "needed to be free" and thought the puppy would "fill a void" in the viral video that has since been viewed by more than 200,000 people.

"Before I get attached and before the kids get attached, he's got to go back," she says. The creator has since turned off comments on the video after facing backlash for her decision.

One person wrote: "This proves that not everyone should be allowed to have pets and there should be stricter regulations for people that buy dogs off breeders. A dog is forever not a day."

Another said: "Why on earth would you decide this after one day?"

In response, Becky said: "I had thought long and hard about getting a puppy. I thought I was ready to have this dog. What should I have done? Should I have kept him and pretended everything was fine?"

And while she received some backlash, she also received plenty of support from others insisting she had done the right thing. One person wrote: "Good for you making such a hard decision. As a breeder, I always say please return if you are not happy."

Another said: "What a wonderfully selfless and compassionate thing you did taking that puppy back to the breeder. Recognising that you are not in the right place to give him what he needs is refreshing."

And while bringing a puppy home can be a joyous occasion for some, according to pet experts it's quite common for new owners to feel overwhelmed in what is known as the "puppy blues".

Animal Friends Pet Insurance describe this stage as "the unexpected negative emotions triggered after bringing home a new puppy." This can stem from the overwhelming feeling of new responsibility to tiredness from lack of sleep and training.

Signs you may have the puppy blues

• Feeling sad or hopeless.
• Feeling anxious or stressed.
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of your depth.
• Feeling frustrated or irritable.
• Feeling regretful or guilty.

But for those struggling with these emotions, the good news is it likely won't last long. According to the insurance company, "the first few weeks are the most challenging," and that it's normal to feel some regret after bringing home a puppy for the first time.

A spokesperson from Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity tells The Mirror: "Whilst we’d always encourage people to consider adopting a dog, we know that some people will choose to buy a puppy, particularly if they have their heart set on a particular breed.

"The first few weeks after you bring your new puppy home is such an exciting time, they bring such joy and are bound to put a smile on your face. However, looking after any dog, particularly a young dog, is a huge responsibility which requires time, energy, patience, and money.

"There is information on the Dogs Trust website on what to consider before getting a dog or puppy, and the charity also has a free Behaviour Support Line for any dog owner, not just those who adopt from Dogs Trust, who have any concerns about caring for their dog."

READ MORE: This £8 hydrating body oil is the ‘best repellant’ for insects and mosquito bites