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Ensuring the well-being of a pet in the absence of its owner is a responsibility that requires careful consideration and planning. Whether opting to host the pet in one’s own home or visiting the pet’s home, the dog sitter must be equipped with a thorough understanding of the pet’s needs, routines, and temperament. While dog sitting can be a gratifying experience for both the sitter and the dog, it also presents its own set of challenges. From maintaining a consistent routine to managing unexpected situations, effective dog sitting demands diligence and patience.
The Reddit user SeaSeana, who previously enjoyed dog-sitting her cousin’s pet for six years, found herself unable to continue the tradition due to unforeseen family complications, including taking in two young half-sisters and caring for a premature, opioid-add*cted newborn. Despite feeling overwhelmed, she fulfilled her commitment the previous summer but had to decline the dog-sitting request for the upcoming year. Her cousin accused her of neglecting the dog and threatened to refuse future babysitting requests. OP wonders if she was wrong to prioritize her immediate family’s well-being over dog-sitting responsibilities.
Continue scrolling down to read her story.
Source: Reddit
1. The OP contemplates whether she is wrong to prioritize her children over dog-sitting her cousin’s dog.
2. For the past six years, OP and her husband have taken care of her cousin’s dog every year when she goes on a summer vacation.
3. In 2021, OP took in her two half-sisters as their parents were not capable of taking care of them. So this time she asked her cousin that instead of them going over, her dog should come to OP’s house because travelling with children is difficult.
4. But the cousin insisted that they all come over and thus they had to, but it was really tiring and difficult for OP and her husband.
5. This year again OP’s cousin called to tell them about her vacation dates.
6. OP was going to discuss the dates with her husband when a bomb fell on their heads. OP had a new half-sister who was born prematurely and is currently in the NICU. She took her in too but have been really busy with the baby since then.
7. Despite knowing the OP’s current circumstances, her cousin still expected OP and her family to come over to her house for dog-sitting.
8. When OP refused to come over, the cousin suggested dropping her dog at OP’s house.
9. But OP refused this offer as well because she already had so much on her plate that she couldn’t afford to take responsibility for the dog too. Her cousin got upset listening to her answer.
10. The cousin thinks that OP should have told her beforehand that she won’t be able to dog-sit this year but OP was so busy with her problems she didn’t have time to think about her cousin’s dog.
Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this.
11. The cousin seems to know nothing about children.
12. Kudos to you for taking in these kids. You’re truly amazing.
13. Redditor applauded OP for handling the emergencies in her family beautifully and responsibly.
14. A premature baby who is going through withdrawal is so much difficult to handle.
15. No matter how much you love your pet… a pet is not the same as a newborn premature baby.
16. Assuming that OP would be free for dog-sitting each year is an entitling behaviour when OP has her own set of responsibilities.
17. The cousin appears selfish for prioritizing her dog and vacation plans over the OP’s challenging circumstances and difficult times.
18. The kids need OP more than her cousin’s dog.
19. A dog is not a baby….plus taking care of a premature baby is a stressful and tiring job.
20. Travelling with an eight-week-old baby is not safe and can pose health concerns to the baby.
Redditors agreed that the cousin should have understood the OP’s inability to dog-sit this year given her challenging circumstances. With the OP already juggling multiple responsibilities, taking on another one would simply be too much to handle. Despite her love for the dog, her primary focus is now on the well-being of her children. Do share your thoughts on this in the comments section.
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