Question for you all. For my dogs sake and an issue that has arrisen recently. I'm just curious, how long do you think allowing a dog no access to water is acceptable or even concidered cruel? A debate going on between me and my new boss.

As far as I am concerned they should have access at all times, adn perhaps just not at night might be acceptable, but in summer even then no.

Ok might as well tell the whole story. For 2 years I have worked for a great boss who allowed me to bring my dogs to work. Now the store has changed hands and I was assured by the new owner before buying that I would still be able to do this. My B.C. puppy(Wicket) can only drink by eating ice cubes or else he asperates the fluid(nerulogical problem with throat). I am gone at work for at least 10 hours or more depending on the day. Aperently some people are talking to her telling her they don't believe his problem is neurological and they believe he is contagious(people can be idiots sometime). Now she does not want him there. I have explained that I do not feel right, nor do I think it's acceptable to leave him at home(I live in the US in Florida, average temp 85 degree's), for that length of time. She believe's otherwise. I have offered to post his final diagnosis papers from the University I took him to, but this is still not enough. Feeling reallly stupid in believing her and now feel as I may need to look for another job.

This is where I am afraid you should have had this written into your terms and conditions of employment; never rely on verbal agreements.

Outwith the water issue, there are other implications on leaving your dog alone for this period of time unless of course you have a dog walker/pet sitter of course.

You cannot stop other people jumping to conclusions or gossiping until and unless you get written documented evidence of the precise health issue which surely is just a confirmation letter from the vet which I am sure they would compose for you.

It might be wise to discuss this issue with your boss to determine why she has reneged on her initial agreement, it may in fact have nothing to do with what you believe is the cause.  She may have just changed her mind but be too weak to tell you.  If she confirms that she is basing her decision on hearsay and gossip she is not much of an employer/boss therefore I would not be wanting to work for her anyway.

Anyone with half a brain would ask for verification of your dog's condition if only to protect themselves from personal or company litigation.

As for getting it in writing I know I should have, that does not help me now. I allowed her smooth talking and I'm your friend talks to overcome my instincts. Anyways she is a huge animal lover and has 3 dogs herself which she brings to work daily. She has told me specifically that it's only because of people talking and fear of losing buisness because of the talking that she wishes him not to be here. And I agree completely with you on the fact that no dog should be at home alone that long. I have 2 other dogs who my kind neighbor lets out in out fenced back yard a few times daily for 20 minutes or so each session. She plays frisbee and ball with them while out. But asking her or anyone to watch this dog and feed him ice cubes all day(has to eat alot of them and very often) is too much. And he also recieves antibotics 2x a day for any possible asperation. He is a huge responsibility.

Well then you can take her to court for constructive dismissal if she continues to behave in this manner.

It might also be worth considering what action she would take in a grievance/disciplinary/harassment procedure if she acts on hearsay and gossip!

Perhaps she needs some management training..................... to gain the skills and knowledge needed to employ people!

The employment laws may be different in Florida to here.

Thanks guys for your replies. I will look into the laws and in the mean time I plan on having a real heart to heart talk with her. She was my friend before becoming my boss so it put's things in a little diferent catagory. Needless to say I would not call her a real friend anymore. I never would of dreamed of her asking this of me. Just goes to show you never know!

Hi divenride,

Just out of curiosity, do you put the cubes in a bowl,
and let the dog help it's self or do actually feed them,
by hand?

Donna

I don't mean to be against you however if customers are talking and because of your dog's unfortantate condition that "idiots" don't understand it could be bad for business and as owner/manager that she is, she cannot afford to be loosing business.  the "idiots" unfortantly are the customers that every busines needs!

However I think it's a good idea you have a really good talk to her about the situation, and good luck! :)

>Aperently some people are talking to her telling her they don't believe his problem is neurological and they believe he is contagious(people can be idiots sometime).<

I'd be guessing that the idiot is her as it doesn't take a great leap of imagination to presume that SHE doesn't believe this and SHE thinks he's contagious and may infect her dogs as she brings hers to work too. After all, why would anybody else be bothered if they don't bring their dogs to work? Some animal lover!

Don't forget this is in Florida where they will still have worries about things like rabies.  Dogs with neurological problems may well have tremors that might frighten people where these risks exist.  As others have pointed out she does have the business to consider and frighten customers will almost certainly go elsewhere.  I wonder if the dog could be kept somewhere away from public view.

Under normal circumstances a dog should have free access to fresh water 24/7.

Maybe she is using this as an excuse as she doesnt want your dog on the premises for some other  reason.

Have you thought about trying the bottles  that you use for rabbits etc that the water drips from, maybe that might work.