Anonymous wrote:Thank for the replies!
I'm concerned about my baby, dogs, and my home as well. After talking to my husband, he is very much against it. The other option the mom mentioned was me coming to the house multiple times per day while their gone. The problem with this is, they are gone over the holidays so I won't be available to visit their house to care for the dog on Christmas or New Years and they live 25 minutes away so going to their house multiple times a day is out of the question. The dog will likely be to young to board.
I will ask if they would consider delaying delivery of the puppy, but I know they've paud for it already and I'm not sure a breeder would agree to hold a dog for an additional 6 weeks until they are back. Also, I don't believe they have anyone else in the area who could care for the dog (no family, not sure about friends).
I feel bad because I do want to help out but ultimately I think it is a bad idea because we can't predict how the puppy will be with my dogs or my baby and u really don't want to risk it. My dogs are very small and my baby is mobile and this is a large breed puppy.
Any advice on how to politely decline and explain all this?
"I'm sorry, but I won't be able to take care of your puppy while you are away." Rinse and repeat. If they really push you, this is one case where I might use my husband as an excuse: "My husband does not want the puppy at our house." Add: "I don't think my dogs will get along well with the puppy. And I am worried about my baby and the puppy." Add: "Because of holiday plans, I won't be able to visit your house as often as a new puppy would need." Finish: "I'm sure you can find a reputable dog-sitter."