Should I give my friend his dog back?

Question

About two and a half years ago, I agreed to take my friend's dog because my friend was moving into an apartment where he couldn't have pets. The dog was eight years old at the time. Now my friend is moving into a place where he can have pets, and (per our agreement) has asked for his dog back. But the dog is happy with me--I've got other dogs and kids to keep him company, and he gets to sleep with me at night (my friend puts him in a kennel). He's also begun to show signs of age, and I'm worried that leaving his "adopted" family to go back to my friend is going to be really hard on him. My friend lives 800 miles away, so sharing the dog is out of the question. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

This is a tough situation. It's obvious that you love the dog very much and giving him back would be difficult for you. You need to speak with your friend openly and honestly and come to the best solution for everyone involved.

Answer 2

Tough one...you did make an agreement...however, I totally understand how you have the dogs best interests at heart.....I think I probably would just explain to the friend that the dog is aging (maybe call the vet for an opinion)....and in the best interest of the dog...you'd rather keep him there with you...where he's not caged all day etc....at this point...the move again would be a very hard transition on the dog...going from "freedom" to being caged.....I'd try to come to an agreement with your friend...maybe the friend would like to have a new puppy......I'd try to work out what's best for the "furkid"! Good luck with this one!!

Answer 3

It may seem like it is in the best interest of the dog for you to keep it but you have to think about how important the dog is to your friend. Also, did he pay you to take care of the dog? I dog sat for 8 months and didn't want to give her up but I know that in reality the dog belongs with its owner. Her owner paid for her vet bills, food, etc. I feel your pain but I believe that per your agreement you should give the dog back to your friend. Also have you considered getting another dog to fill that void from a shelter or rescue organization? That saves another doggie life! Look on www.petfinder.org to find a dog that deserves a second chance. Good luck and even though it hurts it will get better.

Answer 4

Maybe you should explain this to the dogs owner,If the owner disagrees becuase of the agreement(or just disagres).Then try buying the dog from the owner and if the dog has puppies try giving one for free to the dogs first owner.Also you could offer to buy the dogs first owner a new dog.If none of these thigns work you should probably give the dog back afterall you did have an agreement and the dogs owner may love the dog just as much as you do.Or you could try going to cort against the person but this could end ur freindship with that person adn be exspensive...Good luck!
from a dog owner

Answer 5

If you had an understanding that you would give the dog back, you really should return his dog to him.

I think it says a lot about this person that he even wants the dog back. Most people would not want to take an older dog, even if it was theirs in the first place. He obviously cares about the dog, and will give it a good home.

Unless you both agreed that it would cause the dog a great amount of stress, he should be with his owner.

Also, as dogs age, it might be easier for them to not be in a household with all the hustle and bustle of kids and other pets.

Answer 6

Did the agreement say just how long you would keep him? 2 yrs sounds like an aufully long time. Of course you two have bonded, you also said his owner lives 800 miles awasy. Is the dog in good enough health to travel that far? He needs to pay for a vet to take the dog for a examination to see if hes healthy enough to travel that far. Good luck.

Answer 7

Well if he is moving that far away I guess you don't have to give the animal back, but what does that say.

Personally though if it was an agreement that you had with your friend it is your responsiblity to give the dog back,,, what does it show your kids if you don't keep your promise to your friend. How do you think your friend felt having to give up his dog, he might have only been able to do it knowing he would eventually get the dog back. Dogs are very adaptable plus he stayed with your friend for the first eight years of his life and very easily adapted to your house to he will very easily adapt back to your friends house.

Give the dog back!!!!!!!

Answer 8

You and your friend have an oral agreement. These are still valid in court. Return the dog. Kenneling is not worse than sleeping on a bed.The dog will adjust just fine.If you still can't do the right thing, offer to buy the dog.Have a nice giving and thoughtful Christmas

Answer 9

i don't think you should give him back the dog would off formed a strong bond with you and sees you as his master and friend and at his age the stress of traveling moving that far away from you and bonding again with someone else wont do the dog any favor's it would of been different if you were only looking after him on a short term basis but 2 yrs is a long time to a dog

Answer 10

Unfortunately if you had an agreement to give the dog back, your obligated to follow through. However, you might want to talk to your friend and discuss your thoughts on the dog, and you concerns for the pooches health. Perhaps your friend might be open to letting you keep the dog if you both open up -he/she might be thinking they are taking the dog off your hands, whereas you've become attached and would be more than happy to keep him.
Good Luck!