The truth about cats and dogs

[captainsblog]

Things have been a little mellower between the kid and the 'rents this week, and I think I know why. Em done got herself the ultimate temp job.

A week ago yesterday, we got a visit from a couple of our neighbors. Their oldest kid is Emily's age, but she went to Catholic school and they never really got to know each other. She and her mom came to ask a favor; they'd planned a road trip for this entire week, and their housesitter cancelled on them at the last minute, much to the dismay of their two dogs and two cats. Would she do it? Could she do it?

Is the Pope Catholic? Do their dogs shit in the basement?

So three times a day minimum, including Way Before Her Usual Summer Wakee Time most days, Em's been going over to let out the dogs (and occasionally the cats), chase them round the neighborhood when they defeat the fence, feed them, and generally give them human companionship. She's been downright upright about the responsibility, including cleaning up the aforementioned shit in the basement. That's all good.

Here's the part that I wonder about, though. I asked her last night when they were getting back, and she said it would be sometime late tomorrow. So, I went on, in the five full days since they left, have they called to check in on how things are?

No, she replied. Not a once.

Now we, too, have two pair of animals, two of each species.  And I know, we're a bit more taken by them than the average pet owner. (We don't buy them Christmas presents and we haven't named them in our wills, but basically they pwn us and the house and, worse, they know it.)  So I turn to you, citizens of Poll-land, to tell me from your likely more objective POVs- is it weird for a family to go away for a week and not wonder even once how their house full of animals is?

ETA. Right-click the "view answers" links, then "open in new tab," to see them (thanks to cafemusique for the awesome bugfix:)

[Poll #1229442]

Comments

[symian.livejournal.com]

The part I am having the most trouble with is: "...chase them round the neighborhood when they defeat the fence..."

If that was even a mild possibility I'd make sure I got it in writing that I would not be held financially liable if they did and something happened to them (or to others, because of them).

[liddle-oldman.livejournal.com]

We have a casual friend for whom I catsit if she goes away (one that rushes over for patting; one that glances at me unconcernedly; one that no one ever sees, save for a retreating tail now and then). She never calls. I'd find it a little irritating if she did -- if she doubts my ability to feed, water, and interact with her cats for a week, why ask me to do it?

So, I'm not astonished that they never checked. Perhaps they trust Em. Perhaps they figure they'll cope when they get back.

Of, of course, they might well be cruel, negligent cat parents who just don't care. ;)

[khuckie.livejournal.com]

I'm a total crazy person when it comes to my cats. I'm way more attached to them than I should be. When we leave the cats at home, I really don't worry. The girls next door come in and feed them/love them twice a day. I never really think to call about them. Even when we were in Hawaii for the month, I never checked in. I just trusted that they were fine, and knew the neighbors would email/call/whatever if something was wrong.

Of course, when we were in Thailand, Cosmo had just had his urinary issue, so he was at the vet's kennel. He HATES being in a confined space, so I worried constantly. Then he wound up needing his sex change, so I was glad he was there. I did stay in close contact with the vets via email. I still didn't check on Merlin because again, I knew he was fine. Even when they were in the kennel for the first week we were here, I went to visit them every day.

So I guess my rule is if they're home, they'll be fine, and no worries. They'll do their normal sleeping and playing and eating. If they're not, then I'm freaking out.

[siercia]

Would and have gone a week without checking in with the people feeding and watering the beasts.

I'm totally not that person when it comes to my pets though.

[headbanger118.livejournal.com]

I'd go the call if there's a problem route. I care for my animals, but I really don't obsess over them if I've arranged care for them while I'm gone.