Redditor Gets Tricked Into Watching Contagious Dog For A Friend, Wonders If It Would Be Okay To Drop Out
Some people don’t recognize a favor until it turns into a full-blown mess, and that’s exactly what happened to this Redditor and his wife. They were trying to be decent when a college friend needed help, but the dog the friend dropped off came with stomach issues that refused to stay “not a big deal.”
Here’s the complicated part: OP’s household already had a dog and a cat, yet they agreed to take in their friend’s dog last-minute. On day one, the foster dog puked and had diarrhea, and OP kept getting mixed signals about whether it was contagious, especially after the friend supposedly claimed it wasn’t.
Now OP is stuck wondering if he’s the a-hole for wanting to back out, or if the real problem is the friend who handled the truth like it was optional.
OP asks:
OP and his wife had a friend from college who planned a last-minute trip home
OP and his wife felt bad, so they decided to take the dog in, despite already having a dog and a cat of their own.
OP and his wife took the friend’s dog in because they “felt bad,” even though they were already juggling their own dog and cat at home.
Assessing Responsibility in Pet Care
The responsibilities of pet care extend beyond mere ownership; they encompass emotional and physical well-being.
The dog puked and had diarrhea on the first day at OP's house. After speaking to other vets, OP and his wife discovered that another vet had told him it was not contagious, even though the dog was still testing positive
OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:
It is clear who is TA here
The second the new dog started puking and having diarrhea on day one, OP realized this wasn’t the quick favor he expected.
Research in the field of animal behavior indicates that stress in pet care can lead to anxiety and frustration, particularly when the pet's needs conflict with the caregiver's current circumstances.
These feelings are valid; acknowledging them can help individuals make informed decisions about their capacity for pet care.
Identifying personal limits is essential to prevent emotional burnout and maintain a healthy relationship with animals.
OP responded:
The friend lied about the condition of his dog
This is actually a good question. Are we so needy for friends that we would call anyone a friend?
Communication with Friends
Studies show that expressing concerns directly can lead to more supportive interactions, reducing feelings of isolation in challenging situations.
Implementing strategies such as using 'I' statements can facilitate a more constructive dialogue, helping friends understand your perspective without feeling attacked.
For instance, expressing discomfort about the situation can lead to a collaborative approach to resolving the issue.
The 31-week high-risk pregnant woman refused dogsitting while her friend planned an open-return vacation.
OP and his wife are under a lot of stress
This Redditor shared their experience
OP replied:
When OP learned the friend’s dog was still testing positive and the friend’s story didn’t match what was happening, the resentment started to kick in.
Creating a mutual agreement can alleviate potential feelings of obligation and resentment, ensuring all parties are on the same page.
This proactive approach not only fosters understanding but also strengthens friendships by promoting shared responsibility.
Good idea:
“He’s not contagious” vs “He’s low risk but still contagious”
Extremely inconsiderate
With OP and his wife under stress and the friend apparently lying about the condition, OP is now wondering if dropping out even makes him the villain.
People often lie to get friends to do them favors. This is especially common when it comes to asking for help with a task or a difficult situation. They may promise a reward or a favor in return, even though they have no intention of following through. They may also make up stories or even lie outright in order to get the help they need. OP should drop out of the deal and never speak to this "friend" again.
The situation illustrates the complexities that arise when one person’s emergency becomes another’s burden.
He might be the a-hole in his story, but the friend is the one who brought the chaos.
Before you decide to drop out, see how a sister refused bridesmaid pet-sitting, choosing a free weekend.
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