Do you think i should keep this dog that likes me more than her owner?

Question

Hi, for the past 4 years, I have a neighbor a who sometimes let me babysit her dog (6 years old schunauzer) when they are leaving the house for couple of hours, or out of town. And we are both pretty close for just a 'neighbor'.
So ever since i started babysiting her dog, Lucy, she LOVES us. Mainly because we play with her often and give more attention, but that's because there are more family members in my family than my neighbor's). and especially, Lucy loves me so much that you can clearly tell that she loves me more than her owner.
 When I take Lucy back to her owner, she would literally have her tail down and when i turn around to leave, she would follow me instead of her owner. It have come to the point that i actually feel very bad for Lucy's owner)
 So just today, when i stopped by their house to give them some brownies i have baked, Lucy's owner said that she would like me to have Lucy since she loves me more than her, and Lucy have not been eating since i left her and just sleep all day long. Of course, i denied for multiple times because i know that she is a sensitive person, and if i do take Lucy, she would be very sad. But her owner keeps on insisting that it's all for Lucy (and she even said she would get another dog), so now i really don't know what to do...

Please help! i REALLY don't want to give any negative feeling to Lucy's owner but she seemed very serious about giving me her dog).

Boxinii · Accepted Answer

If I were you I would.
Or else that dog is gonna be miserable for quite some time when she's not with you am I right?
It sounds like she doesn't mind if you take her, she cares a lot for Lucy and wants her to be happy.
Just, if you do end up taking her, make sure your house is a reasonable size and you know what you're getting yourself into.
I mean giving the dog walks every day, buying her food, grooming her, ect ect.
Then you'll be grand.

K-Dawg · Answer

You need to do what you think is best for the dog. If that's living with you, then congratulations, looks like you've got yourself a dog!

Like one of the earlier answers said, owning a dog is much different from babysitting one for a few days. Taking the dog one a trial period of a month or two would be an excellend idea. And, if after that time you decide that you will take the dog, make sure you get something in writing stating that your neighbour is surrendering the dog to you.

Also, you said that the neighbour is going to get another dog...what's to say that the same thing doesn't happen.

If you think the same thing will happen to the second dog then I'd probably lean toward not taking Lucy. You don't want to end up with all your neighbours cast off dogs.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Anonymous · Answer

I think you should take Lucy. If the owner insists on it, then you really should take Lucy. It is for the good of the dog. Tell your neighbor that she can visit Lucy whenever she wants.

darlene r · Answer

take Lucy on trial. babysitting and ownership are two different things.

? · Answer

well i would take her but just to be nice maybe once you get her keep your eyes open for a free dog that you could get her.

RoVale · Answer

If she says it's all right and you want to, do it.

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Do you think i should keep this dog that likes me more than her owner?

6 Answers