My sister seems offended after I turned down offer to take her dog
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been pet owners for 30 years. Six months ago, our last beloved dog passed away. We’re in our late 50s, still working full time, and we agreed not to get any more pets so we could finally travel without worry.
My sister has an older dog—well-behaved and good-natured—and she’s hinting that we should take him in while she visits her son in Florida, where pets aren’t allowed. While her dog may be well-mannered, he drools, shakes his head, and leaves messes that would cover my furniture and floors. Yuck! I suggested a friend of mine who could care for him instead. After losing our dog, we went through the effort of cleaning our home, replacing rugs, and getting rid of pet odors. We’re simply not ready to bring another animal into our lives. I also commute to work by train and don’t have the time to care for a large dog.
Since I made my recommendation, my sister has stopped answering my calls and texts. I feel guilty, but the dog is not my responsibility, and my husband and I do not want to share our home with an 89-pound pet. Her request felt presumptuous, yet I am now being punished with silence. Should I just accept it and move on? I don’t feel I deserve this.
— IN THE DOGHOUSE, TENNESSEE
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