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Original poster

What am I to do about this - dog?

173 replies

XmasStag · 08/12/2023 19:17

I'm babysitting for the weekend within a friend's home. I am minding her children They have a pet dog. I know the dog well and I see the dog nearly most days and the dog is friendly and we get on well too. The dog knows me and we both love each other.

However the dog didn't eat his breakfast this morning. It would be too soon for him to notice that his owners are gone for the weekend because they go to work during the week and he's used to them being away. So I don't think the refusing of food is anything to do with his owners being away.

He went out to toilet at about 3.30. I stood at the door a while ago and called his name but he never came. I called him a few times.

It should be his dinner time now too. He does have a hiding place at the end of the garden but it's too cold, wet, windy and dark to go out there for me right now.

Am I to supposed to keep shouting his name at the door or am I supposed to wait for the kids to go to sleep then go outside for him. I don't fancy going out side to him later on when the kids are asleep either because it will be much later too.

What am I supposed to do?
Will I continue shouting his name at the door or go out for him later on or just leave him out for the night?

OP posts:

QuestionableMouse · 08/12/2023 19:55

Honestly @XmasStag if this is real you're being a wet blanket. You'd have been better off looking for the poor dog in the light but you can't leave them out all night!

RoyalMailAreShit · 08/12/2023 19:56

If the children are so unwell that you can’t go out for 30 seconds to check on the dog, how are you finding the time to read and reply to the replies on here?

Original poster

XmasStag · 08/12/2023 19:56

I went out and he was outside at the gate. It's a long driveway. I was anxious about the child but she's holding up well.

Thankfully I bought a bag of dog food this morning before arrival because they were low. I offered the a meal but he walked away and I gave him the new food and he ate that. He's settled now bye feet.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

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Dogs

sprigatito · 08/12/2023 19:57

It's too cold and windy for you? Where are you, Svalbard?

Get a jacket on and go and look for the dog ffs. You're not made of sugar and shit don't melt!

ChilledToTheBone · 08/12/2023 19:57

I call bullshit. No one can be this dim and be left in charge of dog and dcs!

Taurusandvirgo · 08/12/2023 19:57

You put on a coat and go out there now, to establish if he's unwell or has escaped. Animal welfare trumps your dislike of the weather conditions.

QuestionableMouse · 08/12/2023 19:59

Taurusandvirgo · 08/12/2023 19:57

You put on a coat and go out there now, to establish if he's unwell or has escaped. Animal welfare trumps your dislike of the weather conditions.

She's now found the dog who is magically recovered.

Original poster

XmasStag · 08/12/2023 19:59

Read the post above. He's in now and he ate a meal and he's gone to bed beside the bed I will sleep in tonight.

OP posts:

Strokethefurrywall · 08/12/2023 20:00

It's hard for me to believe people this stupid are entrusted with the lives of children.

What would happen if there were no internet strangers to ask I wonder...

Taurusandvirgo · 08/12/2023 20:00

Yeh we cross posted

butterpuffed · 08/12/2023 20:03

I don't think any dog would be sitting outside for hours when it's cold , dark , wet and windy .

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 08/12/2023 20:03

XmasStag · 08/12/2023 19:59

Read the post above. He's in now and he ate a meal and he's gone to bed beside the bed I will sleep in tonight.

In 3 minutes.

itsmyp4rty · 08/12/2023 20:03

Who actually walks the poor dog? Anyone? Or is he just left in the garden?

On the eating front, either he knows something is going on and is unsettled or he's not very hungry because he hasn't had any exercise.

Messyhair321 · 08/12/2023 20:04

Glad you've got dog. I mean though you didn't have to leave it so long to go & get him. You're looking after him, it means taking career not leaving him outside for hours.

GladioliandSweetPeas · 08/12/2023 20:08

Jesus Christ dogs are not like cats! You do not leave them outside unattended!!!!!!

Diaria · 08/12/2023 20:09

You left the dog outside without going to get it for 4hours?!

Original poster

XmasStag · 08/12/2023 20:09

I had a busy long day and stressful too. I was half considering on going to bed when the kids were in bed and leaving the dog but you guys encouraged me to go out for him.

Thank you. He's in now and settled by my feet.

OP posts:

QuestionableMouse · 08/12/2023 20:11

XmasStag · 08/12/2023 20:09

I had a busy long day and stressful too. I was half considering on going to bed when the kids were in bed and leaving the dog but you guys encouraged me to go out for him.

Thank you. He's in now and settled by my feet.

Honestly when the water starts to rise around your feet it's time to stop digging!

Original poster

XmasStag · 08/12/2023 20:11

itsmyp4rty · 08/12/2023 20:03

Who actually walks the poor dog? Anyone? Or is he just left in the garden?

On the eating front, either he knows something is going on and is unsettled or he's not very hungry because he hasn't had any exercise.

He's an old dog with arthritis and he's not allowed long walks any more. Just short walks for about 5 minutes. I walk him most days and that's how I know him now so well.

OP posts:

Original poster

XmasStag · 08/12/2023 20:12

I had broth for my lunch and when I saw he didn't eat earlier, I gave him a bowl of clear broth in the hope it would help him.

OP posts:

Diaria · 08/12/2023 20:12

Just read the updates… glad you got him in.

But in future don’t leave him unattended outside for hours on end. He is not a cat. You can’t do that.

For instance if he escapes and attacks someone or another dog that is on you.

I would check on a dog in an enclosed space every 5-10mins to check they are still in the garden and ok. Akin to a child.

Original poster

XmasStag · 08/12/2023 20:14

Messyhair321 · 08/12/2023 20:04

Glad you've got dog. I mean though you didn't have to leave it so long to go & get him. You're looking after him, it means taking career not leaving him outside for hours.

No, I was asked to babysit and look after kids. The dog comes with it too. My priority was the children during the afternoon but they are settling now and now I have time for the dog.

OP posts:

Megifer · 08/12/2023 20:15

XmasStag · 08/12/2023 20:12

I had broth for my lunch and when I saw he didn't eat earlier, I gave him a bowl of clear broth in the hope it would help him.

Oh behave now op 🙄

OhThatHappenedWhatNow · 08/12/2023 20:16

Megifer · 08/12/2023 20:15

Oh behave now op 🙄

Show quote history

Megifer · 08/12/2023 20:18

QuestionableMouse · 08/12/2023 20:11

Honestly when the water starts to rise around your feet it's time to stop digging!

Show quote history

And when the pudding drops off the back of a spoon, it's time to stop egging it

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