AIBU to all for advice about my mum's dog?

[CowgirlBride]

Aibu to need advice about my mum’s dog.
My mum had to go into hospital yesterday. She’s not got Covid - we think she had this in March (although she wasn’t tested as she didn’t go into hospital) They think she’s got a problem with her gallbladder or liver but haven’t got results yet. She’s quite unwell and I’m really worried which is obviously compounded by not being able to go to her. Neither me or my brothers live locally.

She’s left her dog with the neighbour (who also have a dog) as she had to go at short notice yesterday, which they were happy to accommodate. It’s really looking like it’s going to be a longer stay in hospital while they give her antibiotics/find out what the problem is. The neighbours are nice people but I don’t think it’s fair to assume they are going to want to take on an additional dog for weeks on end. Plus they’ve only got a few days worth of food for her. (I know they could buy more but I have no idea what their financial situation is like, particularly at this time)

Obviously under “normal” circumstances we’d be able to travel to see and support her and could incorporate the care of the dog somehow within that. But we can’t. All of us would have to journey to get there. All of us have children under 10. I’m really at a loss as to what to do for the best. I really don’t need this on top of worrying about my mum!

How far is it? Can you go and collect the dog? Or speak with the neighbour- you could transfer some cash for food if they are happy to keep ddog

Have you got a contact number for the neighbours? They may be happy to look after the dog in which case no worries. You can find out what food it's on and order it online to their house or offer to transfer them the money if they'd rather.
If they aren't happy to have the dog contact the cinnamon trust in normal circumstances will foster dogs while their owners are in hospital.
If all else fails how far away are you?

As above... contact the neighbour in order to check in with them, so that they know where they stand and to ask for their bank details in order to transfer funds for food and upkeep.
They may just want the dog for a short time and might need someone to collect the dog and look after it.

I think no matter how far away your mum lives, collecting her dog is a legitimate reason for travel. But as a pp said the neighbors might be more than happy to mind him long term. I would be fine about it assuming it was a nice, properly trained dog.

The nearest brother is a good hour and a quarter away, I'm the furthest- at least a couple of hours. We couldn't personally have the dog here - we've a six month old and a cat that wouldn't tolerate a dog in the house, and the dog is really not very well behaved. Both my brothers have cats as well but they may be more tolerant of the dog. We could and obviously would offer to fund it, but I'm not sure how well behaved the dog is around other dogs, and whether the neighbours would put up with her long term.

I got a contact number from my mum earlier and rang and left a message for the neighbour but they haven't rung back yet.

@WombatStewForTea thank you for that - I hadn't heard of that trust.

@CowgirlBride
Definitely worth contacting. Just not sure how/if they're operating in times of Covid.

@pondypandy the dog really isn't - she's quite jumpy and boisterous and excitable. Hence me not wanting her here with the baby. I think I'd be a lot more calm about this if the dog was calm and well behaved, as I'd think either the neighbours would be happy to keep her for longer, or she'd be able to come to one of our houses.

My friend is still doing dog walking for the CT...

@Elderflower14 so they must be functioning on some level!

Chances are the neighbours dog knows your mum’s dog, as do the neighbours. If my neighbours were in hospital I’d gladly feed and look after their dog if they paid for feed and vets bills/insurance (you’d possibly need a contract). If not why not ask the neighbours if they know of any local dog sitter that might be able to look after the dog? Obviously you’d have to pay for that.

If the dog is insured that usually includes kennels if you’re ill. Worth looking into?

I would continue to seek contact, ask if they are willing to care for the dog for the foreseeable, and tell them you and your siblings will provide full financial support for the dog's upkeep. If they say no, then you will have to figure out a solution.

@TheDoctorDances I didn't know that either - yes I will look into that. You can tell I don't have a dog!

@Aquamarine1029 yes I will definitely ring them again tomorrow to discuss it - I'd have tried again this evening but my bubba was a bit unsettled going to bed and it seems a bit late now.

Sorry about your mum and hope she gets better soon. Dog people are usually v relaxed and if the dog is nice the chances are they won’t mind having it for longer. I certainly wouldn’t mind. Once you have one dog another isn’t a big add on.