Woman 31 Weeks Into High-Risk Pregnancy Declines To Dogsit As Friend Plans Vacation With Open Return Date
Dog owners facing the possibility of vacation must carefully consider their options for their furry companions. They need to secure a reliable dog sitter who can provide the necessary care and attention in their absence or bring their dog along for the trip.
The decision should prioritize the dog's well-being, ensuring they are safe, happy, and well-cared for. That is probably the main reason why dog owners choose to entrust the care of their dog to a friend rather than a stranger.
But, sometimes, friends are not able to help. The OP, a 31-year-old woman, has a friend who is 50 years old and owns a 2-year-old male Labrador/Golden Retriever mix.
Last week, her friend asked her to look after the dog at her home while she and her husband went on a vacation with an open-ended return date, planning to decide on it after reaching their destination. Despite having numerous family members who could take care of the dog, her friend preferred her for this responsibility because she is a stay-at-home mom living on a farm.
But the OP already has three dogs of her own and is 31 weeks into a high-risk pregnancy. Her dogs are well-behaved and manageable, but she is reluctant to temporarily take in another dog that could potentially disrupt the stability and add stress, especially without knowing when her friend intends to return.
So, the OP expressed her concerns to her friend, who persisted by suggesting that the dog could stay outside. The OP said she could leave the dog with one of her husband's adult daughters or a dog boarding facility, but her friend dismissed these options.
Since their conversation, there has been no communication between them, leaving the OP to feel guilty and questioning her firm stance. She values their longtime friendship but admits that she prioritizes her need for solitude and well-being over compromising her own comfort and regretting it.
Here is the OP's dilemma:

The OP's friend has asked her to take care of her dog while she and her husband are on vacation:

But they don't know their return date:

The OP, being in 31 weeks of high-risk pregnancy, refused:

The friend urged, but the OP couldn't accept that responsibility:

They haven't spoken since, and the OP started to question her decision:

The OP values their friendship but doesn't want to add unnecessary stress to her current situation:

Considering the OP's situation, her friend shouldn't have asked her in the first place

The friend should have offered to help the OP, not add to her plate

The friend can find an alternative solution

It seems like the friend tried to rehome her dog

The OP didn't have to explain her decision, but since she did, her reasons are legitimate

Another Redditor also suspected that the friend wanted to abandon the dog

Considering the OP's current situation, she has legitimate reasons for refusing her friend's request to dogsit her puppy. Her friend shouldn't have asked her because the OP's plate is already full.
The friend has alternative solutions for her puppy and could ask someone else. The OP has the right to prioritize her health.