How long is too long for dog sitting?

[LennyPugGoat]

awkward situation, I need some help please.

Don’t know very well colleague went on leave, her flat to house rental fell though and she asked another colleague to pet sit for her.

That didn’t go well over a very short period of time, I offered to help out.

DDog has been with us since a few weeks before Christmas, we all love him. Made contact with owner who has said they want DDog back in March.

It’s seems such a long amount of time to care for DDog and then give them back...

Dee had this at Christmas. Beautiful dog came to stay, we would have kept him in a heartbeat. Made us realise we could have a dog and new puppy arriving soon.

Ask her outright.

Do you really want him back? Only we would be happy to keep him if you if you wanted us too. No problem if not.

You might get the answer you want.

Couldn't even imagine dumping my dog on someone and not seeing him for that long. I've never left him more than 5 days and ask for daily updates.

What can you do? You’ll have to give him back, make sure you ask for money to cover the costs. Then maybe go and find a rescue dog if he leaves a space in your home/heart.

Personally I would force the situation and throw some cash at it.

I totally understand how you must feel.

I would tell them you are getting far too attached to the dog and won't be able to give him up in March, they must take him back immediately but you would be willing to pay for him and a new puppy of their choice if that is a better solution for them?
It won't be cheap and you would need something in writing but I think that's your only chance.

Good luck.

Thank you, such a difficult situation but I’ll give her a call tomorrow

We don’t want DDog to leave, we have bonded. Well unfortunately that's your problem. You offered to help out.
If you can't handle it, you need to tell her but shes going to have to find someone else at short notice.

I did long term fostering, 8months was my longest. It is hard, but you are doing it to help keep the dog safe until their owner can have them back. You are helping keep a dog and owner together. You cannot think of him as your dog.

You aren't pet sitting. You are being taken for a ride really. Now they have made contact you need to say 'that's a long time. Shall I give you my bank details for you to reimburse my costs or will you pop round and give me the money?' And reiterate that you never envisaged it being so long

If no payment for anything wasn't expected and you are helping out till March, it's still their dog regardless of whether you have bonded with the dog. Not sure what you want an answer for, it's their dog that you said you would look after. You return it when their ready or say you can no longer look after it.