The weather has been absolutely gorgeous toda and I got all the throws from the sofas and a 'dark load' washed and dried. They smell of fresh air and sunshine now and hardly anything needs ironing as it was so blowy. I spent the afternoon sitting on the chair in the porch reading one of my library books so didn't get around to doing any knitting but what are your thoughts on this scenario? A couple of weeks ago my friend whose son is Zippys owner suggested that I might be getting Zippy full time if her owners move abroad. When I said no, I couldn't afford vet bills she said that her owners would probably pay them. Then I said that I didn't want to have a dog full time as they are too tying and I thought no more about it. Today when Zippy's owners collected her the teenage son said I could have her full time if they move abroad. I made it clear that though we love her to bits that I don't want a dog. It is pretty apparent that it has been discussed and assumed. I don't know how someone could even think about giving up such a lovely little dog but it still doesn't change my mind.
Having a dog is certainly a big commitment, and does tie you down to a certain extent. We work round that....we take Betty with us wherever possible, if we have to leave her at home we don't stay out for longer than 4 hours (she is fine home alone, all she does is sleep). When going in shops or other places whilst we're out, we take it in turns to go in, the other staying with Betty outside or in the car. If we both go inside (on the rare occasions when we eat out, e.g.) we make sure we park the car where we can see it, in the shade and with a couple of windows partly open. However, we never leave her in the car on hot days, even for just a few minutes, as we all know heat builds up very quickly in a car on a hot day. Pet insurance covers most vet bills, with a few exceptions. The friends clearly trust you with Zippy for them to be happy to 'gift' her to you, but it's not very fair of them to assume you would automatically agree. We love Betty to bits and wouldn't be without her, but I agree that actually having a dog permanently is a different kettle of fish to looking after one for the odd week or two.
ReplyDeleteA couple of weeks is enough and it's nice not having to take a dog for a walk several times a day when I feel poorly.
DeleteSad they don't want to take him with them. I know our quarantine period is quite long, but people do bring dogs with them when they come to live here. Stand your ground & they'll have to do some hard thinking. Take care & hugs.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that is weird. I suppose he's not as much a part of their family as you would think. I think there's a big difference between temporarily taking care of a dog and having one full time! It is such a commitment. We've thought about getting another dog but we love having our freedom.
ReplyDeleteI thought they adored her. I guess not.
DeleteThat seems a bit underhand of your friend to expect you to step up and solve their problem. Can't your friend take Zippy? Stick to your guns.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why they can't take her with them. It's seems heartless to just get rid of her.
DeleteIts really not good to get a dog, knowing that you may well be giving it up. If new owners are needed, I am trying to get a rescue dog for my parents. They cant have one from a rescue home, they are too old apparently. My dad is in great health. However I see them every day and if anything happened to them, my brother or me would take on any dog. I
ReplyDeleteBit presumptuous eh! I love animals but don't have any due to food & veterinary costs. We had a cat years ago and it always broke my heart when we had to put her in a cattery when going on holiday.
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