Pet sitting

[knottyilinoisbottom]

I had a booking form rover this weekend 10 month old 80 lb yellow lab intact. Clumsy and excitable and very trainable(wish he was mine the things I’d let him to to me) when the owner came to pick up she was sobbing, she saw how much fun he had at my house out in the country and is worried about him moving into an apartment since they just moved in while the dog was with me. I’m not in a place to afford a dog but I don’t know when this opportunity will present itself again.. still debating about telling her I’ll take him. He is up to date on vaccines but will still need food and toys and treats and the possibility of an emergency vet bill scares me… my parents are my landlord and they know I can’t afford a dog so Id have lie and say he’s still boarding or I’m keeping him until they get settled. I’m not sure why I’m posting here I’m sure the responses will be “adopt that dog” but I’m happy to hear ideas

 

[Pittance]

I was going to suggest you talk to the owner and arrange for him to visit from time to time so she's not as upset about him not being able to run. Say weekends or something. Then both are happy and it's a win for everyone.
However, it's definitely frowned upon to do anything with another's dog so my suggestion is really only for the happiness and welfare of the dog and owner.

 

[knottyilinoisbottom]

I suggest you don't adopt the dog. People vastly underestimate how good of a life a dog can have in an apartment. I have a lot of back yard space. Every dog I've ever owned wants to come back inside after 5-10 minutes or so. The yard doesn't change much so they catch up on the new smells and then they're bored. What does change is me. I'm their entertainment. I also take them on walks outside past other people's houses where smells change. It's mental stimulation and interesting. Even though my back yard makes people gush over what lives my dogs must have, my dogs only get thrilled when I bring out their harnesses or when I'm bringing them back inside.

Stability is also very important and you are still working on making yours. Your dog will have a medical emergency someday that really will cost $5-10k. Right now it seems like he has a good stable place where people love him SO MUCH that they're fantasizing about a better life for him. Those people rock and will do great by their dog. You can give them ideas and direction and perhaps deep discounts on doggy daycare. If you're going to take a dog get one that would otherwise be euthanized, not one that has a great home already.

They actually asked me to take him because they can’t afford him and he knocks the kids over. I recorded some training videos to help her work on the jumping and excitement when new people come over. I work at a vet clinic so I do get a discount on services and have a couple odd jobs that pay cash under the table. Just want what’s best for him as well and I know they posted him on the humane society page looking to rehome.

 

[pinkburrito]

Hopefully they can calm him down so he doesnt knock the kids over. But perhaps taking him in if they dont find a rehome maybe the best option?

 

[knottyilinoisbottom]

Ok I talked to a couple of friends who offered to loan me money in a pinch if he ever had an emergency…. The owners are bringing him now. I forgot how much I missed a dog sleeping in my bed, and literally everyone I talked to about it was on team adopt that dog!!! Being out in this new house will be good to have someone listening for intruders.

 

[GAThrawn]

That's also a sign of being an irresponsible owner. Getting a lab of all breeds and then complaining when he gets too excited and knocks down kids. Way too many people get dogs without doing research and assuming a dog will automatically be a saint. Plus he's still a puppy! And it doesn't sound like they were too invested in him to begin with seeing as how they didn't bother to train him which, SHOCKER, would help with the excitability. And they can't afford a dog? Why did they get one in the first place. This is why shelters are overcrowded.

Good on you for providing better care than they ever would!

 

[knottyilinoisbottom]

I’ve worked in low cost vet med and I can tell you poor people can provide very good homes if given access to affordable vet care. to prevent shelter overcrowding research shows providing low cost or free vet care keeps sooo many pets out of shelters . Their situation changed and they moved to the us from Canada for work. I’m not one to pass judgement because they were taking good care and working on training and they were actively looking for a new home for him.

 

[knottyilinoisbottom]

Ok whirlwind they called crying Saturday after I had the dog 3 days claiming they wanted him back they pick him up Sunday. Wednesday they call he’s bolted out the door and knocked over a neighbor, he’s gotten a noise complaint for barking in the night… sooo he’s coming to live officially with me on Sunday!!!!