Babysitting dog all summer and don’t want to give it back.

[Anonymous]

My kids and really my husband and I too love this darn thing. We don’t want [a] dog, we want to keep this one. Is there anyway to keep it? I only ask because the owner (in-law) is so busy and doesn’t even seem to miss it. It’s not a puppy, it’s fully mature and even somewhat advanced in age, but he’s got so much spunk. It’s just so, as my kids would say, chill. I’m getting emotional that we have to say bye to it in a week. Every time we walk him people stop us and want to pet him. He’s so dang adorable with so much personality.

[Anonymous]

I would tell your relative this in a jokey, low key way. Who knows - maybe they would love to rehome the dog especially to a loving family!

[Anonymous]

No, you can’t keep it unless the owner offers. Dogs love most everyone, this dog probably really, really, really loves and misses his person.

You could say something about how much you’ll miss him, how you can watch him anytime, he’s welcome to come for visits, etc. and leave it there.

[Anonymous]

Ask them if they're looking for a long-term sitter. You don't mind. You've already bought the food. Then walk them out the door without the dog. See if they get the hint.

[Anonymous]

If you go the route of telling the owners the dog ran away the day before it was to return to them, be sure to hide all evidence of the dog when they come over to visit you. Just say things like “wow, you still haven’t found Fido yet? Let me call animal shelters for you or let me hang up more posters for you.” Maybe even post some fake NextDoor message?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would tell your relative this in a jokey, low key way. Who knows - maybe they would love to rehome the dog especially to a loving family!

Yes do this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you go the route of telling the owners the dog ran away the day before it was to return to them, be sure to hide all evidence of the dog when they come over to visit you. Just say things like “wow, you still haven’t found Fido yet? Let me call animal shelters for you or let me hang up more posters for you.” Maybe even post some fake NextDoor message?

You sound psycho.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it hurts to ask - hey, we have loved having him. I bet it can be tough with a job and travel - we'll take him anytime, but if you want he can stay longer and you can see him anytime.

Jut see where it goes.

[Anonymous]

“We really love Beauregard! If you ever are looking for a new home for him, please consider us.”

That’s it. Say that clearly, once.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you go the route of telling the owners the dog ran away the day before it was to return to them, be sure to hide all evidence of the dog when they come over to visit you. Just say things like “wow, you still haven’t found Fido yet? Let me call animal shelters for you or let me hang up more posters for you.” Maybe even post some fake NextDoor message?

You sound psycho.

it's a home. relax

[Anonymous]

Just ask. We would love to keep fido and have you visit frequently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“We really love Beauregard! If you ever are looking for a new home for him, please consider us.”

That’s it. Say that clearly, once.

This. It is perfect.

[Anonymous]

When I was a kid, we had one dog and started dog-sitting another dog whose owner traveled a lot. The owner eventually offered the dog to us, since our two dogs had become such good companions and the owner was a bit overwhelmed with life. That's how we got our second dog.

It's worth offering once, in a direct way, as others have been suggesting. Then drop it and enjoy occasional visits. Even if the owner isn't ready to let the dog go, you'll have planted the seed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would tell your relative this in a jokey, low key way. Who knows - maybe they would love to rehome the dog especially to a loving family!

I wouldn’t even joke, I would straight out say if they are interested, your family fell in love and would love to take him in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I was a kid, we had one dog and started dog-sitting another dog whose owner traveled a lot. The owner eventually offered the dog to us, since our two dogs had become such good companions and the owner was a bit overwhelmed with life. That's how we got our second dog.

It's worth offering once, in a direct way, as others have been suggesting. Then drop it and enjoy occasional visits. Even if the owner isn't ready to let the dog go, you'll have planted the seed.

Similar story here.