Pet Sitter Takes Dog With Serious Behavioral Issues To A Party, The Owner Is Furious

Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• August 9, 2023

Dogs with behavioral challenges often require specialized care and a deep understanding of their past traumas. Handling such canines demands specific skills and knowledge, ensuring their rehabilitation is effective and safe for both the dog and those around it.

OP is adept at managing high-risk dogs and has a rich background in canine rehabilitation. Two years prior, she encountered a young German Shepherd with behavioral issues stemming from abuse.

Through consistent efforts, OP has been trying to rehabilitate and socialize the dog, always ensuring that she is in controlled environments due to her understanding of the dog's reactive nature.

Given the dog's special needs, only a select few are trusted to care for her. Currently away for over a week, OP left her dog in the care of a friend, believing he would respect her wishes to keep the dog at home, especially during Canada Day because of the stressful fireworks.

However, OP's trust was shattered when she received a video from him showing the dog in his car as he was heading to a distant party. This unexpected and unapproved situation left OP infuriated, fearing for the safety of her dog and others.

Should any incident occur due to the dog's anxiety or reactivity, the dog could be euthanized, and OP might face legal repercussions. The pressing question remains: Was OP justified in her anger for her friend's uncommunicated actions and potential risk-taking with her dog?

OP asks:

OP is adept at managing high-risk dogs and has a rich background in canine rehabilitation. Two years prior, she encountered a young German Shepherd with behavioral issues stemming from abuse.

Given the dog's special needs, only a select few are trusted to care for her. Currently away for over a week, OP left her dog in the care of a friend

OP's trust was shattered when she received a video from him showing the dog in his car as he was heading to a distant party.

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:

The pet sitter is liable

OP says that the pet sitter is very well aware of the issues

Basic common sense would be not to take a reactive, sometimes aggressive dog to a party...

This Redditor doesn't leave their dog with anyone.

Sounds bizarre...

Handling dogs, especially those with behavioral issues, is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. OP's expertise in canine rehabilitation emphasizes the critical nature of ensuring a safe and controlled environment for such animals.

Trusting someone with a creature that has a traumatic past requires utmost confidence in that individual's understanding and respect for the animal's needs. OP's friend's decision to unilaterally expose the dog to a potentially stressful and unpredictable environment was not only thoughtless but also reckless.

It not only jeopardized the progress and well-being of the dog but also put others at risk. In this scenario, OP's anger and concern are entirely justified. When entrusting the care of a vulnerable being to someone, there's an implicit expectation of responsibility and respect for the caretaker's wishes.

In this case, the trust was undeniably broken.

Damjan