Posted on 07/02/2011 9:49:45 PM PDT by getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL
In a nutshell:
Back in May, a friend of my daughter agreed to dog-sit our 1.5 year old sweet dog while we traveled to NJ to visit my father (who has metastatic cancer and heart ailments/surgical defibrillator). For weeks prior to our trip, we were reassured this family would not be traveling over the 4th of July holiday, and that the dog-sitting was still on.
Our trip was to commence on or around the 24th of June; we fly standby non-revenue. In the 48 or so hours prior, we were informed that due to a conflict in their schedule, the family of the dog-sitter wanted us to drop off our dog early on Thursday am. (even though our plans changed to a Saturday departure.). We offered different drop-off times -- even days to work with their schedule, but they were insistent for some reason.
The sitter's mom ultimately came on the phone to explain she was heading out for the weekend -- to visit her mother and family 90 minutes away, but that they were going to take good care of our dog...she'd be with their dogs...I tried to be understanding, but of course I was crushed to see our baby off sooner than we needed. We were told they'd return home on Sunday, the 26th. Our dog has never traveled, so we felt horrible for allowing this. But since this family watched our dog last year, we felt like we could trust their word.
During our trip, we rec'd usually a text message every day from the ds (dog-sitter). Only dog-lovers & owners who understand the special bond between canine and human will truly understand.
Ffw to yesterday. We notified the sitter that we were coming home on Sat (today) and we continued to keep her updated. Upon arrival in Dallas, we didn't hear anything until two or three hours after landing. The father called us, telling us they were in another state - in the north/northeastern U.S.
Huh?
According to the dad, his wife's mother had suddenly fallen ill, and so as to not worry us, they took our dog to Ohio without notifying us. My husband would have flown back to TX had we known of their situation. Flabbergasted, scared, intimidated and shocked, I offered sincere condolences about his m-i-l...I can truly relate given my own father's poor health - and asked the obvious question -- when would we get to see our dog/when would they be back home... I was told, "I don't know. Some time next week."
But now wait -- I thought that her mother lived 90 miles away?
After hanging up the phone, my husband and daughter stared at me, wondering what was going on. Fortunately, a clearer head prevailed and my husband decided he would fly tomorrow to wherever the family was, so he could retrieve our dog. The dog-sitter's father adamantly opposed - and told my husband that their location was none of our business - that our dog was being loved on, and that they'd be home next week.
Have any of you ever heard of anything like this happening?
Add an innocent 12yo dd with Asperger's to the picture who needs her dog back. We just can't believe we weren't told at any point, the truth about our dog's location. And we would be happy to go and get her, but the family is refusing to tell us where they are.
So now what?
Thanks guys.
We did leave a plan — call us. My husband would come home. Or we’d arrange for her to go to our vet’s. We left cell and vet numbers.
Are you reluctant to call the cops because you feel these people are wealthy and might seek retribution?
I know you must feel terrible, but if they are dog lovers and their dogs go everywhere with them they will take good care of your dog. The mother is probably dying and they had to make a hard choice and took the dog with them. Your dog is in the company of their dogs and is probably enjoying himself as part of a pack. The man was probably short and rude to you because because of the situation they are in. I understand your dreadful situation. You are wondering where you dog is and how he is doing, but you will see him soon. Be comforted in that.
Who do you think should be in control?
All I can think of is our sweet baby is far, far away and that she should be home with us tonight, and that she has to endure another long car ride. That is, if they are in fact, where the father says they are.
Why couldn’t they just tell us the truth?
If that's the case, then it may not be so unusual that they took your dog with them. You say they are accomplished people with resources. I doubt they have stolen your dog or will mistreat her in any way. Keep up with the text messages and take the people for their word. I understand your love for your dog, and you've been through an emotional time, but I believe everything is going to turn out fine.
You have to get your dog out of this situation so don’t cry. Time to Buck up and trust in the Lord.
Have your daughter facebook or text her friend and try to find out where they are.
Call the cops,,,
Tell them you are going over to their house to collect collateral.
Brace for bad news about the little dog. These people are hiding something. The only thing that needs hiding is bad news.
Yes, parents should be in control of their children. That’s not what I was trying to say. I am heartsick and wanting to believe the best of people. Can you cut me a break? It’s been a really long day. I don’t understand the need for this family to lie. If they truly loved dogs, they wouldn’t be doing this to ours.
Thank you. I’ll try.
If they really had this big medical problem in their family to deal with, they would be happy with his offer to come get the pup.
They at hospital, etc,,, it’d be one less thing to deal with. They are up to no good.
The sitter's mom ultimately came on the phone to explain she was heading out for the weekend -- to visit her mother and family 90 minutes away, but that they were going to take good care of our dog...she'd be with their dogs...I tried to be understanding, but of course I was crushed to see our baby off sooner than we needed. We were told they'd return home on Sunday, the 26th. Our dog has never traveled, so we felt horrible for allowing this. But since this family watched our dog last year, we felt like we could trust their word.
Sounds like the mother did tell you the truth. That they were going away for the weekend and taking your dog along with theirs. The mother said 90 minutes away. Maybe she meant 'flight time'.
This is a first in this kind of lesson for my daughter. She feels responsible. She feels betrayed.
If we don’t hear from them first thing in the morning, my husband is going to the police station.
I’m not the thief -
I don’t believe that.
$250 for a week, but I've been dealing with these people for 15 years and the facility is first class.
I agree with the first line.
They probably wanted to let their daughter earn some money even though they had plans to go away. When the mother told you that they were going away for the weekend, you probably should have just found a kennel or someone else.
Were it me and I was worried about my beloved pet and having the pet travel, I would have found someone else or a kennel.
An extra dog isn’t that big a deal.
Can I ask why you have not called the cops?
She never mentioned out of state. She never mentioned a plane or anything past the 26th. We were told she would be back at their home that Sunday.
The father told my husband tonight that WE were wrong - that Zoe was a great car traveller.
I would never, personally, just take someone else’s pet out of town without asking permission first. Maybe it’s just that some people feel entitled to do as they want and to heck with everyone else.
I need to force myself into bed right now so good night FRiends.
Zoe, wherever you are, may God keep you safe from fear and harm. We really miss you.
I can’t imagine what “bad” plans they might have.
What evil might anyone guess they’d be doing? Besides a stud fee scenario, pretty far out there, and anyway apparently the dog in question is a spayed female.
g_FL, I can’t think of a bad plan that they might have. So I don’t think they have a bad plan. I can’t explain their actions, but my assumption is they mean you no harm.
Get some sleep. Think of your dog as having an adventure right now.
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