Should I Keep My Roommates Abandoned Gecko? | Reddit Dilemma

A 28-year-old woman is stuck in a real-life gecko custody plot, and it all started with one rushed move and one pet that ended up on her doorstep. Sarah, her roommate, took off to another state with basically no notice, leaving behind Rex, a leopard gecko she’d been carefully caring for.

OP stepped up, kept Rex’s environment right, fed him properly, and even got emotionally attached. But as weeks turned into a month, Sarah went from “I’ll be back soon” to total radio silence, and now OP is wondering if keeping Rex is the right move or the selfish one.

It’s a messy mix of kindness, ownership, and fear that Rex could end up forgotten.

Original Post

I (28F) have been living with my roommate Sarah (26F) for over a year now. Sarah enjoys having exotic pets and recently got a pet gecko named Rex.

She always took good care of him, making sure he had the right environment and food. Last month, Sarah told me she was moving out unexpectedly due to a job offer in another state.

She had to move within a week and was in a rush. Sarah asked if I could take care of Rex for a while until she sorted things out.

A week passed, and Sarah didn't mention anything about Rex. I tried contacting her, but she was busy with her new job and settling in.

It's been a month, and I haven't heard from Sarah. I've been caring for Rex diligently, ensuring he's healthy and happy.

I've grown attached to him too. Would I be the a*****e for considering keeping Rex if Sarah doesn't come back for him?

I want what's best for Rex, and I fear Sarah might have forgotten about him amidst her new life. WIBTA for wanting to give Rex a stable home with me if Sarah doesn't return?

The Dilemma of Responsibility

This situation raises a significant question about responsibility. The Reddit user, who’s taken on the care of Rex, seems genuinely invested in providing a stable home for the gecko, but one has to wonder, is that enough? Sarah's abrupt departure leaves a cloud of uncertainty. Did she intend for her pet to be left behind, or did she genuinely believe she could return for Rex later? The emotional bond between a pet and its owner complicates things even further.

Readers might empathize with the OP's desire to do right by Rex while grappling with the ethical implications of keeping a pet that technically belongs to someone else. This tension between compassion and ownership adds layers to the debate, making it relatable to anyone who's had to navigate similar situations in their lives.

Sarah asked OP to watch Rex “for a while,” then disappeared right when the deadline should have started ticking.

Comment from u/midnight_bliss

NAH, you're looking out for Rex's well-being. Sarah should update you on her plans for Rex. Maybe give her a final reminder before making a decision.

Comment from u/Adventure_Galaxy32

NTA. You've been responsible and caring for Rex. Sarah's silence speaks volumes. If she cared, she would've updated you. It's only fair to consider Rex's future.

Comment from u/moonlight_dreamer

Keeping him in a familiar environment seems best. NTA.

Comment from u/Sunflower_Soul

Honestly, Sarah should've communicated better if she plans to take Rex back. It sounds like he's in good hands with you. NTA if you decide to keep him for his sake.

OP tried contacting Sarah after that first week, but the new job and settling in turned into silence.

Comment from u/starry_night_24

NTA. You've been responsible in caring for Rex. Sarah's lack of communication puts you in a tough spot. Consider consulting a local pet rescue or shelter for advice if needed.

This feels like the split over an ex’s neglected pet snake, where the caretaker draws a hard line after the breakup.

Comment from u/ocean_breezes

Sarah's silence isn't fair to you or Rex. NTA for wanting to provide a stable home for him. Keep looking out for Rex's best interests!

Comment from u/Forest_Wanderer19

Sarah's lack of communication isn't ideal. You're doing what's best for Rex by ensuring he's cared for. NTA if you decide to keep him. His comfort and safety matter most.

Meanwhile, OP is doing everything right for Rex, which makes the question feel less like paperwork and more like heartbreak.

Comment from u/Mountain_Songbird

It's evident that you have Rex's best interests at heart. Given Sarah's silence, Rex's stability with you seems like the most responsible choice. NTA in this situation.

Comment from u/whispering_pines_78

NTA. You're showing care and responsibility towards Rex. Sarah's silence puts you in a tough spot. Keep prioritizing Rex's well-being, and consider reaching out to Sarah one last time before making a decision.

Comment from u/starlight_journey

NTA. It's evident that you've grown fond of Rex and have been providing a stable environment for him. Sarah's lack of communication makes it reasonable to think about keeping Rex if she doesn't return.

Even the comment from u/midnight_bliss lands on the same point, Sarah still needs to say what she’s doing with Rex.

What's your opinion on this situation? Join the conversation!.

Community Reactions: A Mixed Bag

The Reddit community's reaction to this dilemma is fascinating and divided. Some users wholeheartedly support the OP, arguing that it's better for Rex to stay with someone who cares than to risk being neglected. Others counter that taking Rex could be seen as overstepping boundaries, especially since Sarah might have plans for him. It’s a classic case of differing values clashing: some prioritize animal welfare above all, while others uphold the importance of respecting property rights.

This conflict strikes a chord because it mirrors real-life scenarios where emotional ties to pets lead to complex human interactions. The comments reveal a broad spectrum of views, showcasing how personal experiences shape one's perspective on responsibility and ownership.

Where Things Stand

This story highlights the complexities of pet ownership and the moral gray areas that arise when life takes unexpected turns. As the OP grapples with the choice of keeping Rex, readers are left pondering their own views on responsibility and compassion. Should Rex stay with someone who can offer him love, or should he be returned to his owner, even if that owner abandoned him? What would you do in this situation?

The Bigger Picture

In this situation, the Reddit user’s actions stem from a blend of responsibility and emotional attachment. After Sarah’s abrupt move and lack of communication about Rex, the user has stepped up to care for the gecko, demonstrating her commitment to its well-being. The growing bond she’s formed with Rex only complicates her decision about whether to keep him, reflecting a common struggle many face when personal connections and responsibilities collide. With Sarah seemingly absent, it’s understandable that the user feels compelled to prioritize Rex's stability over the uncertain claims of his original owner.

Rex is getting a stable home, but OP still has to decide if stability can come without stealing.

Still unsure what to do with Sarah’s abandoned gecko, Rex? Read how one Redditor refused a friend’s neglected reptile.