'She has never bought him dog food': Former friend asks woman to take care of her dog temporarily, leaves for 7 months, then demands the dog back

Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager

Sep 28, 2026 6:45 AM EDT

Is a dog still really "yours" if you leave it with someone else for 7 months and don't check on it even once?

I try to keep things pawsitive over here on Animal Comedy, but there are some stories that just rub me the wrong way. And this is one of them.

There is so much information around nowadays about dogs, their breeds, the level of care required for each kind of dog, and endless resources on dog training that there is no excuse to say that you weren't prepared for dog ownership. There are hundreds, probably even thousands, of YouTube channels dedicated to dealing with all sorts of dogs, from chihuahuas with barking problems to reactive Dobermans.

The worst part is that this owner didn't even have that excuse for essentially abandoning their dog with a former friend - they just simply left for 7 months. No contact at all. They didn't pay for a single bag of dog food, any vet appointment, or any of the supplies necessary for taking care of a dog. And then, when they returned, they demanded the dog back like it was a purse someone borrowed. Meanwhile, the woman who was watching her former friend's dog has been bonding with the dog, caring for it, feeding it, and making it become part of the family.

So, if lack of information isn't this owner's problem, then what is it? It's that some people just see dogs as lesser beings. That they don't require love, consistency, routine, enrichment, socialization, and a place to call home. Should you treat a dog like a human? No, they're pack animals and need to be treated like dogs, but that doesn't mean that you can leave them with a "friend" for 7 months and then show up and expect to still be their pawrent.

If it were me, I'd lose their number and get the dog microchipped in my name. You snooze, you lose, and this dog is now mine.

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01

via Mercedes Mehling

Short-coated brown dog waiting on the rug for owner to come home
_{Photo is a representation of scenes.}
My former friend left her dog with me for 7 months, never cared for him, and now wants him back.
I’m looking for some outside perspective because I honestly don’t know what to do.
This woman is no longer my friend. We haven’t spoken since May of this year, but she recently reached out because she wants her dog back.
About 7 months ago, she got a dog and brought him straight to my house. I agreed to take care of him, thinking it would be temporary.
Before I had a doggo of my own, I watched friends' dogs when they would go on vacation or take lengthy work trips. But that was maybe for around 2 weeks at most, and they always paid me a nightly fee and provided all their food, toys, and supplies, all the way down to the bags to pick up their #2. Without any of that, you're not only asking someone to watch your dog for free, but essentially pay to watch your dog because you will have to buy a bag of dog food, toys, etc.
I love dogs, but no way I would pay to watch someone else's dog. In this economy? Nuh uh.
02

via Vitaly Gariev

Woman taking pictures while watching her friend's dog
_{Scene shown is a visual representation.}
For the entire 7 months, the dog has been living with me. During that time, she has never bought him dog food, never provided supplies, and hasn’t really taken responsibility for his care. I’ve been the one feeding him, taking care of him, and making sure he’s okay.
There’s also some history that makes this situation especially upsetting.
03

via Camylla Battani

Dog waving goodbye as owner leaves
_{Featured likenesses do not identify those mentioned.}
Now, after 7 months of me caring for this dog, she suddenly wants to take him back.
We haven’t even been in contact since May, so it’s not like she has been checking in regularly or asking about him. I’ve continued caring for him this entire time.
I understand that she originally purchased the dog, so I’m not sure where I legally stand. But morally, I feel responsible for this dog after caring for him for 7 months, especially knowing what happened with her previous dog.
I’m worried about what could happen to him if she takes him back.
What would you do in this situation? And does caring for a dog for 7 months, while the owner provides essentially nothing, give me any rights to keep him?
I’m also curious if anyone has dealt with a similar situation where someone essentially abandoned their dog with them and then later wanted the dog back.
04

via Getty Images For Unsplash+

Dog owner coming back home to dogs after being away
_{Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.}
louderharderfaster
I would add up all the expenses - including boarding - and let her know she has to pay in full before you will consider giving the pup back. If she pays that means she cares and has gotten her s**t together well enough to care for the dog. No way would I just hand him back.
CorgiCadillac
Chipped or not, papers or not, she left her dog for 7 months with no financial support or care for the dog. As far as I'm concerned, that dog was abandoned, and your state law may agree. Worst case scenario, add up every expense associated with the dog's care (food, toys, treats, vet, p**p bags, everything) and demand reimbursement before you turn over the dog. Bet she will change her mind real quick.
New_Scene5614
Go and immediately microchip that dog now.
Like yesterday.
I’m in Canada and you have to prove you have ownership and that is usually what decides it.