We just moved into a new apartment, in a building owned by my husband's aunt. Her two daughters live on the first floor, with their kids, and we live on the second floor. This weekend they bought a puppy. She's cute and friendly and really sweet. I love dogs; we have a dog as well. The problem is that today, everyone went to work/school and this poor dog was left alone outside their back door. The back porch is enclosed and all the floors of the building have access via the back stairwell. They did not attempt to limit the access the puppy has to any part of the area, so it figured out how to come upstairs and start tearing up paper and boxes that we have out there from moving.
Today was also the first day that I started watching one of the girls who doesn't go to school yet. She wanted to go down and see the dog, which I encouraged. After going down there though, we realized the mess the puppy was making from coming upstairs, and also realized how hot it was getting out there (it's 90+ degrees today in Chicago).
I took pity on the puppy and brought her upstairs and into my kitchen, put up a baby gate, to keep her separate from my dog and from peeing all over the house. She's been really good, and I really don't mind her being here. But I don't think it should become a habit and I also don't want them leaving her out on the porch.....
Here's what I think I'll say when she comes to get her daughter:
"Hey, we had such a fun day! E played really well with J and she behaved and ate really good too. She wanted to go down and see the puppy, so we did. But she was already up here! I decided to let her in and have her hang out here where it's cool while no one was home, I hope that's okay."
I just don't know what or if I should say anything else at this point. My hope is that she'll be a little embarassed about leaving the dog out to make a mess and try a little harder to make plans for the dog too. I really don't have a problem letting her in here if I've got her daughter to watch as well, but once the other kids are out of school I think they should be responsible for the dog.
What do you all think? Thanks for your helpful answers!
Thanks for your input. I talked to the mom (my husband's cousin) about it when she came to get her daughter. I just mentioned that we had brought the dog upstairs because she was hot and whining/barking/making a mess. The mom doesn't really want the dog, but she got it for her fourth grade son because he wanted it. She wants the kid to make the decision about getting rid of the dog! At that point in the conversation I couldn't help myself, and I reminded her that SHE is the mom and she CAN say no to having a dog if it's too much responsibility right now. Poor woman is tired and stressed as a single mom with two kids, she just doesn't need a dog to worry about on top of all that. I hope that she can find the strength to put her foot down! Until then, I offered to take the dog in during the daytime while her son is still in school and no one is home.
Be honest, S.. Tell her exactly what happened. They need to know that the dog is bored and chewing on things. If you don't do that, then the puppy will find something to destroy when you aren't there to prevent it.
Don't offer to be the dog's babysitter without putting very clear caveats down.
Good luck,
Dawn
These girls are your cousins, yes? I would just tell them.
"Puppy figured out the stairs and came up for a visit, it was hot so I let him in. You might want to invest in a baby gate to keep him from wandering more. He's a smart little booger and I'm sure you don;t want him lost because he got too curious."
If all fails, baby gate your section of the back if you can.
Did puppy have access to food, water and shelter?
I'd just adopt him. :-) They clearly don't know what they're doing.
You do need to address the heat issue. That puppy could die if they leave it there when it gets hotter. That is not an issue to play around with.
I would ask them if you can put the puppy in their apartment for them once it starts heating up. Otherwise that puppy is going to think you are it's momma.
She can't leave a decision like that up to her children. First off, it's HER home. Secondly, a decision like that is an adult decision and not one for children to make. If they can't handle the dog and the poor thing is being neglected then they HAVE to rehome her, for the puppy's sake and for the family's sake.
Have you thought about saying you noticed the puppy was "accidentally" left out and it was getting so hot you went ahead and brought her in your place? Not sure how you can point out the mess? My biggest concern is the heat. Poor thing.
You can have a friendly chat and during that, you can bring up the puppy in an upbeat but honest manner. Tell the mother that you can't logistically manage her dog, your dog, and her daughter all of the time. I would politely tell her that they dog comes upstairs and makes a mess sometimes, and that you can't be responsible for the dog all the time. I'm sure this whole thing is just an oversight on her part. Best of luck with the situation!
well, after you tell her what you said you would tell her, add on "but I am not able to do that everyday" so she will get the hint that it is not something that you enjoy, or want to do on a regular basis. If that doesn't work, you'll just have to be blunt about it.
I read your SWH, I hope she will realize that it's best if the puppy goes to a different home instead of her giving into her son on this - there's no reason for a dog to live out it's life neglected in the back yard and unwanted. If you catch the puppy left alone again, without water or shelter, you can report her to animal control.
You might mention that you were concerned about the dog's safety as puppies can get into so many things that we don't even think about hurting them (chewing electric cords, any type of toxic chemical especailly antifreeze, heavy objects falling, small items that they might eat). Crate training is the safest thing for a dog. If there's a way, you might want to mention crate training as an option and that you'd let the dog out a time or two during the day to help with that so that the dog can be well housetrained.
Just tell her. How will she know otherwise? No need to make her embarrassed or feel guilty. Just give her the facts so she can do something about it and not let it happen again. You can also decide what you are willing to do to help and offer that. Then ask her for what you'd like her to do to contain her new puppy. Be clear and keep it simple.
I would just tell the flat-out how hot the dog was that day. If they haven't had pets in the past, they may not realize what they need to do!
Offer to let him out twice per day IF they keep him contained in their kitchen?
You realize you just set yourself up to be responsible for her dog. Well once it has learned bad habits it can go to the pound, this will be when you are done with the dog.
I sorry to be harsh, I volunteer my time at local shelters I have no patience for this. Why do people do that?
Good luck with it lady, it sounds like you will be the one that will be affected, happens to me all the time. You can get the kids some dog traning books, and maybe encourage them to help.
