Debating Whether to Rehome Sisters Abandoned Dog: WIBTA for Taking Action?

A 28-year-old woman thought she was doing a quick favor for her sister’s abandoned dog, but a year later she’s still stuck holding the bag. What started as “just for a few weeks” turned into months of feeding, special care, and trying to manage an older dog who does not play nice with her own pets.

Her sister, 32, vanished after dropping him off, never checking in, never coming back, and only resurfaced recently to joke about OP “keeping him” while admitting she might move into a new apartment that bans pets. Now OP is paying the emotional and financial price, and she’s wondering if rehoming the dog without permission makes her the bad guy.

At this point, the real question is whether the dog’s future is tied to a promise that was never honored.

Original Post

So, I'm (28F) currently facing a dilemma involving my sister (32F) and her dog. About a year ago, my sister asked me to take care of her dog temporarily as she was going through a tough time.

I agreed, assuming it would be for a few weeks at most. However, she never came back for the dog or even checked in on him.

For background, I already have two dogs of my own, and adding her dog to the mix has been a challenge. He's older, needs special care, and doesn't get along well with my pets.

Despite this, I've been trying my best to care for him properly. Months have passed, and my sister hasn't mentioned anything about taking him back.

I've brought it up a few times, but she always brushes it off, saying she's not ready yet. It's starting to take a toll on me emotionally and financially.

I feel like I'm being taken advantage of. Recently, she dropped by my house and mentioned she might move to a new apartment that doesn't allow pets.

She jokingly said I should keep him since he's settled here, but I could sense she was serious. I'm torn because I care about her dog, but I also didn't sign up for a long-term commitment.

AITA if I rehome him without her consent?

This situation highlights the complexities of family relationships, especially when pets are involved. The OP's sister, who initially agreed to a temporary arrangement, has now left her sister in a lurch while she enjoys her life without the responsibilities of pet ownership. It raises the question of accountability—how long can someone hold onto a commitment without facing the consequences of their actions?

Readers can empathize with the OP's frustration, as many have likely experienced similar situations where family members don't follow through on their responsibilities. This tension between familial loyalty and personal burden is palpable, making the OP's dilemma resonate with many.

Comment from u/Adventure_Bug_99

Comment from u/LucyGoosey22

Comment from u/RainbowSkies37

OP agreed to a temporary setup, but her sister disappeared after the drop-off and never once followed up.

The Emotional Weight of Pet Ownership

Pets are often seen as family members, and this story illustrates the emotional weight that comes with taking care of one. The OP is not just dealing with a furry friend but also the fallout of her sister's neglect. This emotional tie complicates the decision to rehome the dog, especially if the OP has formed a bond with it over time.

Many commenters likely relate to the struggle of making a tough call that affects not just the pet but also the family dynamic. The OP's concern about doing what's best for the dog versus her loyalty to her sister adds another layer of conflict to the already complicated situation.

Comment from u/MoonlitDreamer

Comment from u/WhimsicalWanderer8

Comment from u/SunnySideUp123

Every time OP brings it up, her sister waves it off with “not ready yet,” even as the dog’s needs keep piling up.

This feels similar to the AITA debate over taking back a neglected childhood pet after a sister abandoned him.

Community Reactions: Divided Opinions

The Reddit thread has sparked a lively debate, with opinions split on whether the OP should rehome the dog or wait for her sister to step up. Some users argue that the OP has every right to take action, emphasizing the dog's well-being over family loyalty. Others, however, caution against making such a move without giving the sister another chance.

This division mirrors real-life tensions many face when balancing personal responsibilities against familial expectations. It’s fascinating to see how different perspectives shape the conversation, revealing that everyone has their own threshold for loyalty and responsibility.

Comment from u/MidnightMist27

Comment from u/SilverLining99

Comment from u/EchoEcho123

Then her sister casually mentions a new pet-free apartment, and the “joke” about OP keeping him suddenly sounds like a plan.

The Ethical Dilemma of Rehoming

Rehoming a pet is never an easy decision, and this story brings that moral quandary to the forefront.

Comment from u/CrimsonClover42

With her sister effectively signaling she’s not coming back for him, OP has to decide whether rehoming is the only move left.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.

This story underscores the emotional and ethical complexities that arise when family commitments and personal responsibilities collide. The OP's struggle to decide whether to rehome her sister's dog reflects a situation many have faced, where the lines between duty and personal well-being blur. As the community weighs in with divided opinions, it prompts us to consider: how far should we go to uphold family loyalty when it compromises our own peace of mind? What would you do in the OP's shoes?

What It Comes Down To

In this situation, the original poster (OP) is clearly feeling the burden of a commitment that her sister has abandoned. Initially agreeing to care for the dog temporarily, she's now left managing three pets, including one that requires special attention and doesn’t get along with her own dogs. The sister's indifference, highlighted by her casual comments about moving to a pet-free apartment, suggests a lack of accountability that’s understandably frustrating for the OP, prompting her to consider rehoming the dog to prioritize her own well-being. This scenario perfectly illustrates the often messy intersection of family loyalty and personal responsibility, leading to a dilemma many can relate to.

He might be happier in a home that actually has plans, not promises.

Still torn about keeping a neighbor’s lost dog after her search, read this Reddit thread.