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A mum has been trolled online after she revealed she allows her children to play in the front garden - supervised by none other than the family dog.
In a video, Stephy Noonan from Central Maine, US, explained to followers that her three children of ages two and five, often play happily in the garden, alongside their dog who could be seen watching closeby in the clip.
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After sharing a now-viral video of her German shepherd Mieka watching her three children - Ozzie, five, and two-year-old twins Jack and Ryleigh, while they played in her front garden - Stephy has been criticised by others.
The fitness guru is now a target for trolls who criticise her parenting skills - with many commenting how her children are far too close to the road.
"I had no idea this video would go viral," Stephy explained.
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“I can’t believe people would take a 10 second clip and then judge my entire life. I don’t ever let them play by the road but my five-year-old happened to build his toy fort a little too close to it and I saw Mieka laying there just watching them, so I took an opportunity to show her loyalty."
Stephy explained she would never put her children in any danger and feels annoyed that strangers have been so quick to judge the situation based off the short video.
She continued: "I honestly wish people wouldn’t be so quick to judge and give others the benefit of the doubt, but sadly that isn’t the world we live in.
“There were some viewers that have common sense and knew I wouldn’t ever put my children in danger. The toy fort was moved shortly after.
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"Whenever they’re outside, Mieka is too. They love to play with her and they’re so used to always having her around them."
Stephy explained that Mieka is super protective and doesn't let any of them out of her sight.
"She’s very protective of her family. She doesn’t let us out of her sight and she’s very big for a female at 90lbs, but she’s also very sweet and a great listener," the mum continued.
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“My husband calls her ‘The Baby’. She’s chill when things aren’t going on, but once the kids start acting up, and if they’re chasing each other, she gets in on the chase. She loves to chase!
“She also follows them around in their power wheels."
What do you think?
Lucy Devine