How to (politely) fend off curious neighbour?!

[Booksandmorebooks]

Just after your top tips of how to deal with my NDN. My dog is very ill & currently at the vets. I am super stressed about it. My neighbour knows that he is ill as she saw me leaving to take him into hospital. She keeps catching me each time I go out to ask how he is. I know she means well but I don’t want to discuss it with anyone as he might not come home and it upsets me to even think about it, let alone give people daily updates.

I was a bit short with her this morning when she asked but then this afternoon she stopped me again, before looking down at my other dog and saying “Ooh, he doesn’t look too well either does he?!” FFS! Like I don't have enough to worry about, now she’s freaking me out about No 2 dog too.

I'm not precious and am happy to chat about the weather etc. but I don't really like people knowing my business if they're not particular friends IYSWIM. I have to take kids to school etc. otherwise I would just avoid going out when her car is in the drive :) So question is, how can I deal with this lady politely? I don’t want to be rude and normally just avoid answering when she starts asking me about personal stuff but she’s really adding to my stress levels this week.

Sorry about your dog. Just tell her it's upsetting and you'd rather not talk about it.

I hope your dog is ok. I agree with telling her that it's upsetting you to talk about it.

Sincere tone, "thanks so much for asking but not so good, I'm struggling to talk about it without getting upset but I'll let you know if there's any update." Perhaps? If you think that might fend her off? So sorry. It's horrid when furbabies aren't well

Tell her how stressful it is and how the dog scrapes at the door all night, Has started peeing everywhere and has the odd tactical vomit in the kids shoes before hiding them in hard to find places by which time they are rank. The poo eating too, what a strange behaviour.
2 days of that then ask her if she could look after it for you as you need to take the kids to an appointment.
Might work.

Thanks for the advice everyone and for the good wishes. I will do as most of you suggest, but go to Plan B (Weesuzi's excellent idea!) if she doesn't take the hint :)

So sorry OP.
It must be horrible.
As suggested 'Sorry but it's really upsetting to talk about'

Sounds like good advice from PP's so I'll just add and well wishes for your doggie(s) and you.

Do you think she's just nosy/oblivious or is it misplaced genuine concern? If the latter, it's good to have someone who cares, but if she's just nosy, that doesn't help you at all!