Am really shocked and sad

[888sally888]

A friend of mine has an old dog which she has left at home for 2 weeks. She went away on Saturday and asked me the Thursday before if I could let her out for a wee and a walk on the Saturday & Sunday and then a neighbour would do the same for the other 12 days.

Poor thing - left alone so much - I was horrified. So I picked her up yesterday and am having her till next saturday because I go away on the sunday.

The neighbour wont have her in his house so she will be alone all of next week.

She is having a lovely time with me and Pickles - 2 walks a day and lots of love. She is so sweet and lovely and I feel so sad for her.

I know my friend loves her but there is no way I could have left her like this.

Am I being a big softy or do you agree with me?

[Jugglering]

I am much in agreement with you Sally - I couldn't leave a pet alone like that... pets need company too ! Not just food, water and walkies but a little chat about their day and a cuddle and a stroke. Your neighbour is one detached humanoid IMHO...

[wiggal]

We have before left our dog over night a few times, he lives outside most of the time anyway.

But I finally convinced my other half a while ago, that even if we do go away for the weekend, so for 1 night, I want my boy to stay in kennels.

I could never leave my dogs for that long with just someone checking them!

My cats I would be ok with having a neighbour coming in say, 3 times a day to check on them and feed them as they are so independent anyway, but not dogs!

[888sally888]

Glad you are in agreement with me! Its actually a friend of mine who has left the dog and asked her neighbour to let her out and walk her.

Its sad cos she is the sweetest little thing - I will be a right state when I know she is alone next week. Pickles is going to stay with a good friend of mine and will be spoilt rotten!

[slark]

i think you have done a very good deed and you have made one dog very happy

[888sally888]

I dont mind having her here - she is lovely and Pickles is fine with her.

The only thing is that she is very old with bad teeth and killer breath but I may end up like that and hope someone will still love me!!

[jules77]

Well done you. I totally agree. I know people leave their dogs at home and ask someone to come and let them out for a wee etc, which I find totally unacceptable and something I couldnt do.........but on the flip side, if the dog is so old, is she better at home and somewhere she knows, than being put in kennels? I have a friend who runs a boarding kennels and time and time again she has had old dogs left for boarding for the first time in their life, and they have become really poorly, unfortunately two have died in the last few months, and she is now refusing to take them unless they are used to a kennel environment and in good health.

I know you will worry about her when you go away more than her owner will, but at least you gave her a nice week.

[888sally888]

Yep she is certainly having a good time. Makes me laugh she is so quiet and sweet and Pickles is still mad.

They are wandering around the garden now and I amdetermined to find someone to have her next week so she is not alone!

[chelle7272]

I totally agree. Dogs need company and no way would I have left my dog (when she was still with us bless her) for that long. Even overnight would be a push!. If I couldn't find anyone to have her she would go in kennels. I know it adds expense to your hols, but to my mind the dog is a memeber of the family and should be factored in to the cost.

well done to you and I really hope you find someone to have her next week.

[888sally888]

Well a friend of theirs works in the village and has a big garden and only works part time, so he is my first port of call.

I am determined to find someone!

[LoftyLottie]

I could never, ever leave my dogs even if only overnight. I occasionally have a day out and leave them but my neighbour calls in regularly every three hours or so and spends time with them.

Yes, you are a big softy Sally and that can only be good! x

[888sally888]

Thanks Lottie and all others - glad you all agree with me. x

[bensmum]

I would agree sally. I look after cats in their own homes but cats are more independent and can usually get out or at least have a litter tray in case of need inside. Having said that I always sit down and have a chat and a cuddle with them if they want. (Some just want the food and then disappear!) Dogs are different though and I couldn't leave a dog alone. Poor old thing!

[888sally888]

Pickles is on the sofa with me now and little Emma is snoring at my feet!

Walkies soon for them both and then off to bully someone to have her and lover her next week!

[Sweetie77]

My landlady leaves her dog (a boxer) in the kitchen all day whilst she is at work. He is a big dog with loads of energy and even when she is at home her and her other half are always telling him to get on his bed...which he has been in ALL DAY! I am moving out soon and this is one of the main reasons!

[888sally888]

Sweetie - thats awful - why bother having a dog if they leave it all day? Some people are so ignorant!

[Sweetie77]

I know Sally! It really bugs me as the poor dog is always being shouted at! Her boyfriend is a nasty piece of work and when ever he walks in the room the dog cowers and leaves the room. I am quite tempted to report her when I move out!!

[Jillius]

Thank goodness for people like you sally. I don't know how on earth she could do it. Poor little dog. She sounds as if she is having a lovely time with you.

[Rosetta]

I totally agree with everyones comments Just on a practical level with toileting its not fair on the dog. I feel guilty when I leave mine for a few hours, its obvious he feels it as he becomes my shadow for the rest of the day. Mind you, he is the neediest dog I've ever met at the best of times (he had several homes before he came to us so is very insecure) LOL

[alfieblue]

Oh dear! I agree with everyone. I could never leave my pup - where i go he goes! He's attached to me - me and my lovable shadow.!!! Pals for life. :o) xxxx

[888sally888]

Well I am really attached to Emma already and will really miss her.