to be annoyed about this situation with neighbour and her dog?

[CantGetBackToSleep]

I’m lying awake because I don’t know what to do about this situation.

On Sunday our neighbour came to see us visibly upset. Her mum had been taken into hospital and she had been told to get there asap. Her mum lives in Scotland and we are in the South of England so she was panicking about getting there on time and also about who would look after her dog. We helped her book a flight as she was in a state shaking and in no state to think properly. She asked if we could have her dog for a few days. Reluctantly we agreed but said we were leaving to go on holiday on Friday evening so she would need to make other arrangements by Friday morning for him. We went and collected the dog and he has been with us since. We have our own dogs and they are all getting on well.

Our neighbour text me on Monday to say her mum had died. We had a brief text conversation and obviously I said how sorry I was to hear about her mum.

I text her on Wednesday morning to say that I know she has a lot to deal with but we really need to know what she’s doing about her dog as we are due to go away. I didn’t hear anything so I text her again yesterday to ask what she wanted us to do with the dog and got a text from another of her relatives from her phone saying our neighbour is very upset and isn’t in the right place to sort this out. I replied to say I understood but that when we agreed to have the dog, it was on the condition that she made other arrangements for the dog by Friday morning as we are due to go on holiday. I didn’t get a reply. I tried to call last night but it went to voicemail. I had already called our nearest boarding kennels who do have space so I told her on the voicemail that I could drop him at kennels but she needs to give them her payment details. I still haven’t had a reply from my neighbour.

What do we do? I’ve asked other neighbours and they won’t have him. My parents are having our dogs while we are away but are not willing to take the neighbours dog as well.

A friend has suggested I drop him at our local vets which is the vet my neighbour uses but I don’t think they would be ok with that. Another friend said if it comes to it to call the rspca, explain the situation and say he’s basically been abandoned.

I’m so stressed. I know my neighbour has lost her mum but we are not missing our holiday.

For those who didn't read the OP's posts. the situation is resolved!

That boat has long sailed. Read the updates.

Well done OP - what did you tell the vets?

That’s great news. I would unblock her number simply to see how neighbour responds and see how far she takes her sense of entitlement. Or maybe she will surprise us all and be deeply apologetic.

Great new OP and have a lovely (dog free) holiday!

Well done OP - you were really generous to take this on and have ensured the dog is safe. Hope you have a lovely and well deserved holiday :)

No way would I unblock the number when heading off on my holidays. I'm in the camp of relax and enjoy.

Yes, my bad in this situation as I was in a hurry and hadn’t. Don’t need to be scolded though.

and for those who appreciate new info, the Cinnamon Trust is specifically there to help in situations like elderly owners dying, people going in to hospital and other emergencies. I don’t know how many people know about them but they have volunteers all over the country and do amazing work. I don’t work for them, came across them by accident but support them and their work by donating.

Poor dog. I don't blame you at all, OP, but I'm furious at your awful neighbour. The poor thing must be so confused and stressed.

Id also see if your neighbour is on FB and reach out to a friend or relative and phrase it like youre helping.. we said we could help til friday but were leaving tonight and noone is back for the dog - is there someone who can get him for her? A boarding place she use?

But if it got to 2pm, id text once more and say unless they have an alternative youll need to leave him with the RSPCA because you cant have him left without food til shes back

Well handled OP👏🏻😊

Sure, I’m just saying what I would do.

The dog is in safe hands now so I would be able to enjoy my holiday whilst getting confirmation of what kind of person neighbour is, regretful or unashamed.

Do vets keep dogs? I've only ever seen them pass dogs on to the council run kennels.

Unblock her at least, you don't have to respond if course, but blocking her seems extreme

Edited as I’ve seen the vets have taken it in.

Yes the dog will be passed on to the council approved kennels, and the owner will be charged.

Edit: the council will pursue the charge.

RSPCA don't take in dogs

They also couldn’t force her to take the dog with her when she walked out the door - it sounds like Op did exactly that anyway - walked in dropped the dog and out again with little in the way of explanation

Well done, did you tell the vets exactly what had happened? I hope they will reiterate to her what a difficult position she put you in

They will indeed. I had two beautiful labradors turn up. The female was leaking milk. I took them in. Went on FB etc with pictures. Everyone suggested dog warden. So I called him. Lovely guy came searched for a microchip on each dog, nothing. He offered to take them. I said no believing someone would turn up any minute. Well they didn't for five days. Turns out those dogs had walked miles over steep hills through fields to reach us.

Eventually owners came didn't even apologise or explain just took the dogs. I was steaming. I know now I should have let the dog warden take them.

Well done OP, your neighbour is a CF.
i hope you have a lovely holiday.

Regardless of the situation, she is an a*hole for leaving her poor dog in that situation and also seriously taking advantage of your good nature.
I personally wouldnt speak to her again theres just no excuse for that.

Abandoning your dog is the extreme thing here.

There are no excuses for her behavior. None. She is taking advantage (I have been in her situation so I know).

Have a great holiday.

Haven't read whole thread but whenever we've used kennels they've needed full vaccination and kennel cough record, emergency local contact plus the dog's usual vet. And good kennels are fully booked in school holidays.

Neighbourhood whatsapp might have someone to come in and walk dog until she returns?