To think this is rude?

[Lifeispassingby]

So a friend/colleague of DH asked him and I to dog sit for them for 2 weeks while they are on holiday the week after next. This has been planned for months and we happily agreed to help them out (we have dogs so know how expensive and difficult kennels can be). The ‘friend’ text DH today to say they have found someone else to do it that they would prefer so they don’t need us to do it now. AIBU to think it’s rude to agree to someone putting themselves out to help you until a better offer comes along then change the plans so near to the time?

There can be lots of reasons for why they'd prefer someone else. E.g that person doesn't have other dogs, which they might have been worried about, or are less busy so can devote more time and attention to the dog. I think you are overthinking it. Just be grateful to be off the hook.

I think the message from the couple has made it ruder than it should have been. I think they could have sent a simple text explaining that someone who knows the dog well is now available to dog sit, but thank you so much for your offer. If I was the couple I'd probably buy you a nice bottle of something or some chocolates to say thank you for the effort anyway.

I probably send a message back saying "Hi, oh that's a shame as we've cancelled a few plans to fit in the dog sitting but glad you've found a more permanent solution now. Have a good trip"

That better offer might be someone more willing to help- like a family who have spare time or a teen who wants a dog and needs practice. It's not rude in the slightest!

This ^^

They need to brush up on their social graces. Very rude.

I think the way they worded it was unnecessary. They could have easily left out the “we’d prefer that”. I wouldn’t be agreeing again OP.

I agree with Little Miss Unreasonable's suggestion. The permanent solution bit lets them know they've fucked up if they wanted to ask you again. Too late, find another sucker, rude motherfuckers!

Thanks everyone for the replies. DH replied today saying ‘not offended but wish you had organised your preferred sitter sooner as we had declined offers including gig tickets and family days to help you out and do you a favour. Glad you have someone else to help you out when you want to go away from now on as we won’t be putting ourselves out for you again in future’. I told him I thought it was bit direct?

Well done to your husband. Life is too short to pander to the whims of others. If they are unhappy with his response I’d simply say “we appreciated your honesty and directness regarding your change of mind and we’re glad we were able to do the same. Have a great holiday”.
it is understandable to be a bit miffed but maybe a lesson in realising people are different and we often don’t share the same values with acquaintances or work colleagues.
have a lovely anniversary celebration.

Husbands reply is just truthful though, nothing wrong with that .

Unless they'd offered to pay me I'd be thrilled! Mind you, first time our neighbours asked us to cat sit ( I hate cats) I said yes to be neighbourly and was told day before they'd be kept indoors so I was on litter duty. Probably not a surprise to hear they didn't leave any spare litter or money to get more. Cheeky duckers

Did the colleague reply to your DHs message @Lifeispassingby ?

They replied ‘we weren’t aware you were putting yourself out so much to do it and shame we can’t ask you again in future as would’ve liked to when we go away to X in September’

And with that last update they have nominated themselves as CFs!! What a rude couple they are

Ace

It’s rude the way they’ve said they’ve got a better offer. But their problem as you won’t be doing them any favours in the future as you’re not good enough it seems.

Happy 10 year anniversary! Hope you have a lovely time celebrating.

They replied ‘we weren’t aware you were putting yourself out so much to do it and shame we can’t ask you again in future as would’ve liked to when we go away to X in September’

@Lifeispassingby oh I bet they would 😂Must have been great for them thinking they could have you on the back burner until their better offer comes along again and they let you down again. Well done to your DH for shutting the CFs down

The dog is probably used to the preferred person so makes it easier for them.

Don't overthink it and enjoy the 2 weeks you've got back!