My mom who usually does the feeding of our two cats and dog left for the weekend and put me and my father in charge of taking care of them. I made sure to feed them all the usual treats. I took care of my cats by ensuring they had a running fountain. My dad made sure to walk our dog. I made sure to bathe her. However, I completely forgot to get the poor dog water and I feel awful. She went almost two days without water. I didn’t even realize until my mother got home and said something. I feel completely untrustworthy and like I should never own a pet despite having a cat. I’m afraid to move out and take my cat with me. I never want to harm another creature, but clearly, I can forget about another’s basic needs. I just wanted to get this out because I’ve been crying about it and feel so bad. Our dog didn’t deserve that.
I am sure the dog drank some of the cat water or toilet water plus mom probably filled it before she left so that covered the first day. Yes, you and Dad both messed up and it was irresponsible not to check the dog’s water. Now you learn and you don’t let it happen again. That’s just part of growing up and it never ends.
You are right, thank you
@DaisyFurman With this remorse, I am sure you won’t forget again.
The most important thing is to learn from this. You are 24, and you must be an adult capable of carrying out the tasks you committed to (such as caring for the animals).
Things happen. When I had my daughter, I was so fatigued from the newborn nights alone when my husband went to work that I forgot and discovered my dog drinking from the toilet. I set an alarm on my phone to go off at about. 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to give my dog water, so I wouldn’t forget. Learn from your mistakes and identify solutions to avoid them in the future.
I was 31 when I had my daughter, so I was old enough to be responsible. Additionally, a larger water bowl has helped. We have a half-gallon one for the pug.
Give yourself some leeway, especially because I am sure the dog drank from the fountain. Dogs enjoy them just as much as cats. You may be 24, but you are not the only person in charge of this mission. Mom usually does it. I have several cats and rats. Believe me, it’s difficult to recall everything. Next time, make a checklist for yourself. I need lists since I tend to forget stuff. Which water bottle have I just changed? I just saw someone’s food was running low. My ginger cat won’t let anyone forget anything; he yowls before running away. Your guilt demonstrates how much you care and serves as a reminder. You accomplished a lot more than Dad, who only went for a walk.
My cat and dog share the same fountain. If the dog was thirsty, that is what he would or could have done. You also bathed the dog, and if it had been thirsty, it would have sought to sip some of the bathwater. Let it go.
You are right. Your dog didn’t deserve that. It’s dangerous for a dog to go without water. Your mom was worried, and it seemed like both you and your father couldn’t manage the animals safely.
This experience has made you much more aware of the needs of your pets and has matured you. You did your best but fell short. Be grateful your dog is okay, and you’ll be more attentive in the future. You love your pets.
You will learn from this, and become a better owner for it. It’s okay. You caught the mistake. You aren’t a bad person. Think about it like this. You had not been the one caring for them. You got handed a routine that isn’t routine for you, trying to remember tasks that you aren’t accustomed to doing. If you were ever going to screw up, this was going to be the time. It doesn’t mean that you are a bad owner or a bad person or will never be able to care for an animal properly. It’s okay.