Roommate takes care of Border Collie after his owner temporarily moved overseas, then questions if they should keep the dog after a year together: ‘We formed an attachment’

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Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Jun 25, 2026 6:45 AM EDT

Who is the doggo's rightful owner?

When you take care of a sweet dog, it is only a matter of time before both of you form an attachment to each other. It's so easy to fall in love with this giant fluff ball and want to spend every single moment you have with them, forever and ever.

The problem is, you should only form this strong an attachment with a pet you actually own, otherwise you are setting both of you up for heartbreak. Sure, you can spend time with your roommate's dog, or bring your sister's cat snacks every time you visit, but there is a special bond that should only form between a pet and its owner, that shouldn't happen with anyone else.

The situation between the trio below is a bit more complicated, but the good thing is that it all comes from a place of love. After a sweet Border Collie's owner decided to move overseas for two years, the owner decided to leave his dog, called Benji, with the care of his housemate. The housemate agreed to take on the commitment of taking care of a dog, and since they already lived together, it was an easy shift.

Since then, a year has passed, and Benji and the housemate are truly happy with each other. They formed quite an attachment.

But that attachment is not necessarily a good thing, because now the housemate is dreading the day of the owner's return. They start wondering if Benji is happier with them, and shouldn't be separated from another owner he has grown so fond of. Yet, as far as the owner is concerned, they left their dog in the care of the housemate for two years, and fully expect to get Benji back when he returns. And the toughest part is that Benji has no say in the matter.

It's a good thing that Benji has two people who love him so much and want to be with him forever, but who should be the one to end up keeping him?

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  • 01
    Cute Border Collie Dog with Owner at Home, Presented by Model
    via Africa images

    Cute Border Collie Dog with Owner at Home, Presented by Model

  • 02

    Should I give a dog (Border Collie) back to his original owner after over a year of separation?

    Bit of back story: My old housemate moved overseas, planning to be gone for around 2 years. I was more than happy to look after is 6yo
    via raw_horderves
  • 03
    Border Collie (Benji) - Id been unsure whether I was ready for the commitment owning a dog requires and wanted a trial run. Plus I knew Benji well having already been living together.
    via raw_horderves
  • 04
    I've had Benji for about a year now - unsure when his owner is returning exactly. His owner has been paying for all his upkeep and we've been in contact about how he is doing.
    via raw_horderves
  • 05
    BUT here's my question: Benji has now formed an attachment to me (and vice versa) and has a bit more separation anxiety since his original owner left him.
    via raw_horderves
  • 06
    Is it psychologically damaging to return Benji back to his original owner if/when he returns? Or is it just another abandonment by me?
    via raw_horderves
  • 07
    Obviously he's an extremely intelligent dog. I worry he won't have the same relationship with his old owner. What are the risks?
    via raw_horderves
  • 08
    Border Collie Dog Giving Paw to Owner at Home, Closeup with Model
    via Africa images

    Border Collie Dog Giving Paw to Owner at Home, Closeup with Model

  • 09
    I love Benji and I'd be happy to keep him and I have the means to take care of him. Just seeking some professional input on what's best for him.
    via raw_horderves
  • 10
    EDIT** I'm not looking to steal the dog or refuse to give him back. I'm looking for insight into what the risks of returning him are after such a long time apart.
    via raw_horderves
  • 11
    Thanks to those who have given helpful advice on approaches to transition Benji back to his owner.
    via raw_horderves
  • 12
    SimplyTheApnea I think the fact that it was always meant to be temporary, and the fact that the original owner is paying for all the dogs needs, yea your should give it back. But offer to spend time with it as much as you can to acclimate the dog to its new situation.
    via SimplyTheApnea
  • 13
    ArtisticMoth Did you promise your housemate that you would look after his dog for ~2 years and return Benji when the owner moved back? If so, I think it would be really mean to switch it up on your housemate and refuse to return his dog.
    via ArtisticMoth
  • 14
    Same-Ad5086 Yes, you should. Not taking into account that it's his dog and you seem to have an agreement. Just based on the dog's needs. It's good that he formed an attachment to you.
    via Same-Ad5086
  • 15
    However, that doesn't mean he lost his attachment to his owner. I have a collie. He might be mad at me and sulk if I returned after a long absence, but that wouldn't break our deep bond.
    via Same-Ad5086

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pet ownership dogs heartwarming dog owner doggo sweet pet roommates border collie rescue
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