A few months ago my friend lost his job and apartment. Feeling bad for him and wanting to help I offered him a place to stay at my home while he got back on his feet.
I have a dog who means the world to me and I made it clear from the beginning that while he was welcome to stay my dog was non-negotiable. This is my dog’s home and their well-being comes first.
At first things seemed fine. However over time I started noticing that my friend was increasingly dismissive about my dog. He would complain about fur on the furniture or the barking even making snide comments like “I don’t get why people care more about animals than humans.” I chalked it up to him being stressed and didn’t think too much of it.
Then last week something happened that completely crossed the line. I had to work and asked my friend if he could take the dog for a walk a simple favor. When I came home later that day I found my dog locked in the bathroom trembling and clearly distressed.
My friend casually admitted that he had locked the dog in there because the barking was “too annoying” while he was trying to play video games.
I was furious and heartbroken. I told him that what he did was cruel and if he couldn’t respect my dog he couldn’t stay in my house. He tried to downplay the situation saying it was “just for a little while” and that I was blowing things out of proportion
. To me it wasn’t a minor thing it was blatant disregard for an animal that depends on me for safety and care.
I gave him until the next day to leave and since then he’s been telling our mutual friends that I abandoned him during a tough time. Some of them think I was too harsh and should’ve given him another chance. Others agree that his behavior was unacceptable.
Even though I know in my heart that I was right to protect my dog I still feel a twinge of guilt for kicking him out. But this was my dog’s home long before it was his temporary refuge and I refuse to let anyone mistreat my furry companion.