WIBU to tell colleague she shouldn't have a dog?

[thesleepystorm]

I know I should mind my own business but...my colleague is about to purchase a pug puppy. She found it on the pets4homes website. She lives in a top floor London flat (where she isn't allowed pets anyway, she rents), she is out all day at work and then the gym so about 12 hours a day but does not intend on employing a dog walker because it's too expensive, nor does she intend on getting pet insurance for the same reason. Yet she has spent ££££££ on an expensive bed, toys and carrier for this dog. She has never owned a pet before.

I really want to say something to her regarding the above - particularly warning her off pets4homes - but I think she might tell me to sod off. But it makes me so cross!!! WIBU to say something?

What's the point? Is she actually going to say "Oh you're right, well now you've told me I won't do it"?

I'd say something and if she tells you to sod off so be it.

Poor dog.

I would maybe try to talk to her about how demanding big dogs are and also remind her that a large dog left alone all day and not exercised properly will destroy her flat.

If she's not thinking about the dog's well-being then the thought of all her stuff getting ruined might make an impact.

I'd warn her off the website but the rest of it, just leave.

How is she planning to housetrain it??
I know you can get the fake grass things now for them to go on but it takes real commitment and a lot of time to housetrain a puppy.
it sounds like a recipe for disaster.

How will she hide the dog during flat inspections?

it's a pug, sock, so a small dog

grandOlejukeofYork I doubt it but she really knows nothing whatsoever about dogs so maybe there is a chance she might appreciate it, I don't know...

WRT housetraining I doubt she's even thought about that

Maybe point out that small dog equals small bladder and if left for more than a couple hours it will pee all over her flat.

How will she hide the dog during flat inspections?

She doesn't have any. It's not that usual to have flat inspections in London really. She'd only have an issue if the LL wanted to sell and then I imagine it would be fairly easy to just take the dog out at viewing times.

And then, in a few weeks, it will probably be back on one of the online sites, with the explanation that it must go as "landlord doesn't allow pets/needs someone at home and my working hours are long/needs company/finding puppy more work than I expected", (delete as appropriate). I think some people think puppies are like stuffed toys and just sit in a basket until you want to pet them. It's never going to work, is it?

Tell her landlord...

I think I'll tell her and risk being told to sod off, at least then I've tried.

Say something!!!!!!

Yes luc By which time it would have missed out on vital socialising as it's been stuck in a fucking flat the whole time but she won't mention that bit

I would have to say something. Explain how unfair this situation is on the dog, and hats it's wholly irresponsible to not get insurance. Does she realise an injury to the dog could end up costing thousands, would she just leave a dog to suffer because she couldn't afford care?

would she just leave a dog to suffer because she couldn't afford care?

I really don't know

Poor dog, poor landlord

I would say something, no dog should be left at home alone for so long. If her LL finds out the poor thing will have to be re homed. Pugs can have quite expensive medical problems due to how they are bred, so if the cost of dogwalkers/pet insurance is an issue it is absolutely not a good breed for her.

Send her a link to Totes Inapprope's Facebook page. She acquired Trevor, the 'thug' pug recently. It might put her off a bit (and give her a laugh at the same time).

I had a colleague ask me about dog owning. She wanted to buy something similar to fit in with holidays.

I bit my tongue, calmly explained about wait lists for proper breeders etc, rescue dogs etc and borrow my doggy.

She has successfully been borrowing someone else's dog as convenient for a year now. She's glad she didn't purchase a puppy as the novelty has worn off for her son, and she really didn't realise what a commitment it would be.

To be fair she was asking me about dog walkers to start with so might not have been as bad as your colleague.

Anyway, when asked for advice I gave 'solutions' rather than my own opinion.

She doesn't want a rescue as it won't be cute

Her words!!!

I would definitely say something.

The combined efforts of my colleagues in my previous job did manage to persuade the office wanker not to get a dog in similar circumstances.

It sounds to me like she just wants a cute accessory and hasn't thought about the practicalities and hard work involved in owning a dog.

Leaving the dog in a flat all day without being walked is animal neglect for a start. Not having pet insurance is fucking ridiculous as pugs are a breed renowned for health issues.

Your colleague is an idiot and I would have to say something if it were me.

They wouldn't let her have a rescue!!!!!!!
Appalling. If she gets this puppy and leaves it 12 hours you really should call the RSPCA, the only good thing about the whole scenario is that it might end up in rescue and get a nice home. A puppy left alone will not only pee and crap all over the place it will probably destroy all her precious things.

I don't think it will get you anywhere but I think I'd have to say something. People that do this really make me angry. That poor dog.