AIBU to think its unreasonable to leave a dog home alone

[littlelotti91]

Partner has children with his ex. Whilst together they got a dog, she initially paid more money but as he paid the insurance and things for the dog, over the years together he has certainly made an equal contribution to the family dog. They separated a few years ago and the dog stayed with her. No arguments about it, he had no set place to stay and the kids are/were attached.

Over 2 years on. He lives with his girlfriend (me) she has a new partner who she doesnt live with but goes to his to stay, and she has bought a second dog (currently around 5 month old)

Partner has taken the kids on holiday for a week. As he collected them from the house she also left as it turned out she had made her own plans for a holiday also (great, probably what I would do with a child free week).

However both dogs were left in the house and whilst partner was still popping the kids in the car, his ex left also. Leaving the dogs. Before she left he asked about them and was told someone would be calling over. Which he believes means they are bobbing by the house for a brief period each day to feed and let out for a wee.

We know in the past the dog (previously just the one) has been left alone overnight and the neighbour/friend just asked to pop in to feed and walk. My partner wasnt happy with his former dog treated like this and made a point of saying he would have her. Were certain it's happening again, only this time who knows how long for.

What would you do if you strongly suspect there is 2 dog left alone for up to a week, with only the odd visit for food etc?

I have a dog myself and wouldnt dream of leaving him on his own, and really dont like the thought this is happening to another dog.

Its not on, to leave a dog unattended even when working long hours never mind going away. My next door neighbours did this for a night with their son popping in, the dog was clearly distressed and barked constantly during the night. I reported it.

I wouldn’t treat my Ddog like that, and I would speak to her when she got back. But as long as there’s two of them for company and they are being fed and walked every day, I don’t think there’s much you can do.

Why hasn’t he asked her what the plan was? Could be someone in to feed and walk, back at lunch then taking the dog out again?
I’m not sure what you can actually do though. Hopefully they will destroy the house and she won’t do it again!

It won't be "the odd visit" it will be daily, perhaps more than once.

Not good obviously but don't try and make it sound worse than it is. There's not much you can do really. If arrangements have been made for their care - visits, walks, feeding etc then it's not severe neglect and RSPCA or police will not be interested.

My next door neighbours did this for a night with their son popping in, the dog was clearly distressed and barked constantly during the night. I reported it.

To who? And what was the outcome? Genuine question.

I think they will get their just deserts once they arrive home. A 5 month old puppy can achieve a lot during a moment of inattention so it will probably have destroyed the whole house! At least it has some doggy company.

It is horrible leaving dogs alone, our neighbour leaves hers for long periods of time, all day and all night usually and it barks for aboout 20 minutes solid every time someone walks past the house and when it gets dark it howls and howls. I really don't see the point in having a dog if you're just going to treat it as an inconvenience most of the time.

I think it's highly antisocial, considering that a dog left alone could well bark for hours on end disturbing anyone in earshot, and the owner will be oblivious. I've had to both live and work near houses with that kind of dog owner.

That’s unbelievably cruel and I would be reporting it to the RSPCA. Some dogs have such miserable lives.

I would only ever leave my difs alone overnight in an emergency, and would make sure some one could come three times a days for walks. I certainly would not leave them for days with someone popping in. And a puppy who is probably not completely house trained?
However there's really nothing you can do until some days have passed and you know for sure they have been left alone.

@AngelicaElizaAndPeggy

I think they will get their just deserts once they arrive home. A 5 month old puppy can achieve a lot during a moment of inattention so it will probably have destroyed the whole house! At least it has some doggy company.

I would like to agree, but the sad reality is the house is rented. It was initially my partner who struck the deal with the landlord who was a friend of a friend. The area is an expensive area and the landlord rented it cheaper on the basis it would be well looked after. From my very brief times spent in the house it's becoming clear the property is been impacted by the animals. (When he left 1 cat and 1 dog. Today 2 dogs and 3 cats) doors are scratched, kitchen units are chewed, puppy has had accidents on the carpets. When my partner was there last he noticed electrical wiring (fortunately disconnected for some smart lighting) chewed through.

Part of my cannot fathom why in a new relationship with a man who lives an hours plus drive away would she have got a second dog. But hey ho. If it made her happy, and they were given the attention and care. Fine. (I completely get my opinions are busy body opinions there) but it really upsets my partner knowing this is happening to his old dog. I'd happily let her come here. She gets along fine with my dog (same breed as it goes)