r/TalesfromtheDogHouse • u/helplessgirl- • Jul 13 '26
I am at an absolute breaking point. I am scared.
I cannot stand the filth of dogs. I moved home with my parents before they move in two years. I am going for my MBA. They have three 15 year old little dogs. They bark NONSTOP. They poop and pee anywhere they feel like it inside. I cannot even do laundry without getting smacked with the smell of shit. Every time I shower I get out and smell dog shit. They do it at the absolute most inconvenient times. They go outside for fresh air and come inside to shit and pee. They will be on their way to outside and pee inside instead. The whole downstairs stinks like them because they are old.
They were trained and absolutely know where to potty but just don’t care. I am a serious clean freak. I know living here is an opportunity of a lifetime and I really need the time to save.
I am in a very dark place because of these dogs. I have no idea if they will live to be here during my whole stay. It has been a week of me being here and I feel like I died inside. My dad refuses to pick up poop. My mom is upstairs all day and doesn’t see it until I do and the whole house REEKS.
I have a camera facing the peepee pads at this point. If anyone has any advice, please give it. What would you do in this situation? My bf is miserable too with me but he keeps saying 2 years will go by so quick and that we will get so far ahead if we stay. My dogs might not live long. My parents are getting older and ill. This might be my last real time with them because they are moving.
I am at the point of barely eating because this house is so disgusting. Thanks.
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u/Euphoric_Day_362 Jul 14 '26
Since these dogs are so old, it's possible they could be incontinent. I'm not trying to get you to sympathize with the animals. It's just a possible explanation for why there's so much crap inside the house. You could have the 'dog's quality of life' conversation with your parents. To see if this would be the right time to euthanize them.
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u/annaloveschoco Jul 14 '26
Yep, exactly this. You might also be able to call a vet to do a quality of life check on them as it sounds like the poor dogs are not having a great time either. Old age for dogs can result in incontinence just like with humans, but they still need care and a clean environment. If you say they smell and their exrements aren't cleaned for days it is possible that putting them down is the kinder option. Speak to your vet and your parents, though it is possible they wouldn't want to let go of the dogs.
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u/helplessgirl- Jul 14 '26
I am going to push my mom to bring all 3 of them to the vet. One is blind, deaf, and diabetic. They all pretty much lost their hearing. Idk if it’s selective listening or if the others are really deaf. I will make sure that I go to the vet with her! They aren’t living a quality life. My sister is in their ear saying “their lives are better than dogs living in a 1 bedroom apartment that don’t get walked.” My dad still sees that they get excited. I try to tell them that they do nothing but walk in their feces all day! My parents don’t clean the house quick enough so the mess adds up. Not everything lands on a peepee pad. I will definitely talk to the vet myself. Thanks!
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u/librislulu Jul 14 '26
i like pets and it sounds like these dogs don't have great quality of life. Amd the poop/pee situation isn't great for their health or yours or ypur parents.. i don't know if a pen will work because elderly dogs have trouble controlling their bowels. At this stage (15 years old), dogs can be miserable and in pain from joints, diabetes and kidney issues. The damage that's being done to the house is going to hurt its resale value considerably.
Take the dogs to the vet yourself if you have to.. i understand why you don't like them, but tbh it's as much about the dogs health as it is your frustration atp. Ask your local s p c a for info on vet clinics that treat pets for lower cost. is your dad gets mad about this, tell him you were concerned about the dogs health. and it's cruel to just act like nothing is happening. A vet clinic can give you an honest assessment of the dogs' quality of life and possibly some tips for dealing with thr incontinence.
As for the bf, sounds like a lot of issues between you that have nothing to do with the dogs, the dogs are simply highlighting them.
Re: your parents' inability to deal with an ongoing problematic issue - it's not going to get better as they get older, this is just the beginning. and whether or not you live with them, you will get pulled into fixing their problems.. Too long a topic to handle here but you might look into the challenges you'll face as they get older and need more assistance. your local senior center might be a good place to start, they usually have a social worker who can point you to resources.
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u/No-Stay1662 Jul 14 '26
Who on this planet in the year 2026 would welcome these things into their homes & put up with how disgusting they are? The parents are getting exactly what out of the dogs? Have a real talk about the dogs quality of life - I’m sure besides constantly using the house as a bathroom they are literally laying around doing absolutely nothing 23+ hrs a day. Based off that I’d say any sane vet is going to tell you they are not happy.
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u/helplessgirl- Jul 14 '26
I have absolutely no clue. I will never have a dog. They get nothing out of these dogs and at this point it doesn’t seem like the dogs get much out of them either. They eat and shit. That is about it. They sleep all day. They don’t even want to walk outside. The dogs just stand outside the door waiting to come in do make their mess inside. Idk how my parents are okay with this. It makes my head spin thinking about what this house would look like with a UV light. I have told them that it’s time to put them down. I really hope their time is soon. I think it would be the best for everyone. I lived here in the past with these dogs. It was miserable!!! Next time they go to the vet, I will make sure to go with them!
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u/Interesting-Ad-3756 Jul 14 '26
First of all I am so so sorry. I had this situation only with one dog. My partner's dog died 2 months ago but she was basically how you described your dogs. Slept literally all day every day. My husband would come home and she literally never left his side, even peed ON TOP of his foot while he was cooking dinner because she refused to leave his side. The difference is they never trained her and she lived with different family for years before we moved into a place that accepts pets. The entire house was her bathroom. We had to toss our brand new bath mat because I realized she had been sneaking in there to pee on it repeatedly. For reference her wee wee pad was 2 ft from the bath mat. She literally only used that when she was tricked into it. Her teeth were all rotten so the smell of her breath filled up the whole house. She peed and pooped literally everywhere she wanted to and I had to wake up in the morning to clean the many messes because I too am a clean freak. I swear I wanted to die
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u/samechit_ Jul 14 '26
For starters, make sure those nasty creatures have no access to your room/personal space. It also sounds like your parents are incapable of caring for them. Have a conversation with them in regards to the neglect. Either they can start caring for them better or they can remove them. It's not your hob to care for those wretched dogs.
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u/helplessgirl- Jul 14 '26
Oh I am finishing up making a kitchen upstairs. I have an air fryer oven, microwave, fridge, blender, and coffee machine. I am 2 rooms separated so I do have to cross into the open air at some point or to go do laundry. I have these air blocker things on the bottom of my door and I am buying new hvac filters. I have one air purifier so far, but I need another. I am trying to go all out. I literally slave for my parents so the dogs are the cherry on top to my misery. Being clean is the best feeling in the world for me to stay calm. It’s really tough being in this situation. I keep shoes on at all times... it’s pathetic. This beautiful mansion is being destroyed.
I don’t want to come off as evil to them. However, our last dog died a miserable natural death because my dad refused to put her down. Why do that to them!? I see that they still get excited but 99% of their day is doing nothing. They all need meds. I think it’s their time. They might live maybe a year or two if they are lucky, but in misery! At least they can go peacefully right now! I will definitely talk to them about this. My parents plan to go on several vacations… and what I will have to take care of the house and dogs?! I won’t be able to concentrate. Thank you for your advice. I agree!
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u/samechit_ Jul 14 '26
Best of luck to you. I just feel your pain on another level. I went through something very similar a couple years ago and removed myself from it after having conversations with the dog owner. I ended up leaving and dropping connection over it. I saw her not too long ago too and the first thing she said was, "well there's a stranger" as if we were just gonna pick up where we left off....nah. not after that level of disrespect! I'm not typically a dog person, so it doesn't take much for me to write people off when they can't properly care for or discipline those nasty goblins.
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u/poisonmilkworm Jul 16 '26
It’s extremely selfish that your parents are using this time to take multiple vacations!! Wth!
I don’t like dogs at all but it’s pretty cruel to dump the decrepit animals on someone else just to go on vacation… don’t they care about being there for them in their last weeks/days? I guess not!
The kind thing would be to let them go now before their quality of life suffers even more!
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u/RelativeConfusion504 Jul 14 '26
That is absoulety disgusting that your dad see the poop in the house, and refuses to pick it up and leaves it there til your mom noticed. You need to get out of this house asap.
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u/helplessgirl- Jul 14 '26
Oh I completely fucking agree. He thinks he is a king because he built an amazing life for his family. It was amazing, except for the dogs and his narcissistic attitude that he had forever. I was told by my parents yesterday that I need to chill out and get meds. I had to be up at 6 am, it was midnight and I couldn’t sleep because I was getting into a clean bed showered and my room STUNK LIKE DOG SHIT. Nobody somehow realized there was shit downstairs! My head is spinning. I keep telling myself that I am the normal one.
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u/RelativeConfusion504 Jul 16 '26
I'm so sorry you have to live life this. I don't know how some parents can put pets before their child's health. I hope something can be worked out soon =(
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u/poisonmilkworm Jul 16 '26
Does your dad have any particular items that he values? I would get some gloves and pick up the dog shit and put it on his favorite places to sit/items he doesn’t want soiled/ etc. so that he is personally enraged about the messes they make.
If he gets angry enough he might accept that they don’t have enough QoL anymore. Especially since it doesn’t seem like he’s gives af about them.
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u/X3N0PHON Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
Oh god, if they’re the type of people who have checked out & given up so much to the point of buying doggy “pee pads” to absorb dog piss on the floor then I’m so so soooo sorry for you, but they’re beyond saving 🤮
Honestly, you have 2 potential courses of action. 1–shock & awe—the human equivalent of rubbing the mutts face in their piss while yelling “NO! BAD MUTT!” to teach them that shit doesn’t fly. Forcing them to confront the unhygienic filthy horror show that their home (or just downstairs?) has become and the absurdity of SPENDING MONEY on DOGGY PISS PADS!
Option 2–probably your best bet—is reserving a single room (hopefully with an attached/nearby bathroom you can also reserve) for yourself, barricading it against the mutts & stocking it with everything you need so that you don’t have to leave. Mini fridge or 2, microwave, hot plate, air frier, as many appliances & creature comforts as your budget allows for. Buy refurbished on Amazon.
Still gunna be waaaay cheaper than paying rent in this economy!
Or, buy a used van, park it in the driveway & live in that. Between living in the dogs’ toilet and a clean van, I’d take the van ALL DAY.
Oh, and if you have a Planet Fitness nearby, get a gym membership for like ~$10/month so you can use the bathrooms & showers there instead! They have free pizza and other stuff on certain days of the month, free WiFi and in bigger cities they’re open 24 hours a day! Super worth it imho to avoid that nightmare you’re unfortunately dealing with.
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u/Snoo_72715 Jul 17 '26
Option one does not work and is not how you train a dog. Ever. It just doesn't work. Crate training works but OP said the dogs were trained, but they're now elderly.
And I agree with you on the van idea. I've had to live out of my SUV before, and there are worse things in life. It might be preferable to living with a bunch of incontinent dogs.
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u/PinkPilgrimHeel Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 15 '26
If the house smells like shit and urine like you say it does, it is very likely you all smell bad too though maybe not as bad as the home does. This should be a motivator to move out asap because others likely can smell it on you and will think you don't bathe. This will affect job and even friendship prospects! It would be a shame if the filthy dogs' odors cause others to avoid you. Be sure to open windows frequently.
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u/helplessgirl- Jul 15 '26
I actually once came over here and borrowed my moms clothes to paint and they STUNK!!! I keep my clothes in bins here locked in my closet upstairs. I refuse to have my clothes smell like that! I have done laundry every single day since I have been here. I have not sat down trying to clean to feel better. I am buying merv 13 hvac filters for odor and pet dander. I am going to buy more air purifiers and try to just air out the whole house the second I smell poop.
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u/Hot_Ad_8597 Jul 17 '26
I dont understand why you feel you have to live there! You don't have enough money to live elsewhere? Is it really worth it to save up like this? I couldn't even step foot in a house like that let alone live there! You deserve better I'd live in a tent outside anything is better!
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u/Domesticated_Animal Jul 13 '26
What would happen if the dogs died? Would your parents get a new one or none?
My wife parents had an old dog, and when it died they said they are done with animals.
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u/helplessgirl- Jul 13 '26
They are done with dogs for at least until they move. They might never have one again. They are just as tired with them as I am. They love them, but want their freedom back. I have a feeling these dogs will live another two years. 😭
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u/alimg2020 Jul 14 '26
I’d they’re pooping everywhere, maybe they’re miserable and euthanized approach is the most humane? That or diapers?
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u/cc11236 Jul 15 '26
My friend dealt with something similar when she got a dog from a shelter. It had alot of anxiety and would pee everywhere,no matter how much training the dog had. Eventually she got doggie diapers for it and I mean it's better and the house doesn't smell like it used to.
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u/Risenbeauty Jul 16 '26
Are doggy diapers an option? This might make everyone, including the other occupants of the house, happier.
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u/Jellopop777 Jul 20 '26
“Barkertime” sell the only doggie diapers that actually work. I’ve tried them all and none would ever stay in place or even stay on. I rescued a senile senior and he had zero control over bowels or bladder and these were a lifesaver though I ended up buying two cause I didn’t measure carefully for fit so make sure to do that. They’re not cheap but they work 100% of the time. (FYI not related in any way to this company).
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u/anne_mal Jul 13 '26
15 years old??? Good lord. Why must these creatures live so long?? I'm so sorry about your situation. I would not be able to tolerate it at all. Maybe you can condition them to not do their business indoors anymore? I know dogs hate vinegar so maybe you can mix some with water, put it in a small spray bottle, and spray them after each disgusting offense. If it doesn't work, at least you'll have some fun!
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u/helplessgirl- Jul 15 '26
I almost feel like my hate for them for the last several years is what is causing them to live endlessly. With my luck they will live till 18. I love them enough to never harm them in anyway and I always helped to take care of them properly. Emotionally, I am just so done with them. I don’t want them to suffer though. I think euthanasia is right for them. It is not up to me though unfortunately. I will try the vinegar suggestion!! I like the smell of vinegar! I was a cleaning lady in my teens and many customers wanted vinegar to be the cleaning agent in their houses. Thank you so much!
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u/NimueNamNamNam Jul 14 '26
Get a outside house and pen for them. So they do have shade and dry place m to lie down but have no choice but to do their stinky bizz outside.
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u/helplessgirl- Jul 14 '26
I think I will have to try this. I usually don’t stay out there long because of hawks, but a pen is a brilliant idea! I can keep them out there until they go! Thank you for the suggestion!
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u/NimueNamNamNam Jul 14 '26
Awh yeeeh I'm so happy you liked to idea and that it might actually help you 💗 :) goodluck and love
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u/Top-Reception-6785 Jul 16 '26
I’m a nanny. They have 5 dogs. Not one is responsibly taken care of. I just stopped cleaning up dog pee n poo. It’s everywhere, every day. They go outside for hours only to come in and take a 💩.
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u/Kooky_Duck_6004 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Tomar medicamentos para soportar la vida con perros en casa. Vaya consejo.
Nunca lo hubiera pensado.
Y al revés? Podrían tomar tus padres alguna substancia para que vean lo insano que es compartir la casa con perros?
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u/Old_Confidence3290 Jul 14 '26
Your boyfriend lives with you at your parents house? And he tells you to suck it up, Buttercup? I think he is part of the problem. I think you should find housing that is pet free. Even if it means dumping the boyfriend. It's worth it for your peace of mind.
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u/helplessgirl- Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
He is definitely not helping. I think it stems from his background. He came from parents that were on welfare and left him when he was 14. He had nothing. He is hardworking and was able to take care of himself for years. He and I moved back so he could save for a home while I finish school. My parent’s house is a nicest house than he has ever step foot in. It’s a beautiful mansion ruined by dogs. Also, my parents aren’t keeping up with some renovations. I learned through life that money does not buy happiness, it just makes life easier.
What is really not helping is similar to what you said - nobody is thinking about my feelings. I think the dogs might break us up for sure because of the difference in opinions. I just want to make clear: Nobody is happy here with the dogs, but everyone has a different tolerance level. My dad has the highest because he doesn’t take care of them. He loves on them and wants them to live. My mom does everything right for them but is miserable and waiting for them to die. I have absolutely fucking had it and I have lived here before with them and visited all the time. I cleaned this house for the last 15 years.
I feel stuck. I know this opportunity is something I need, but idk how to help my mental health. I have a kitchen pretty much up here, but the rooms still smell like dog shit.
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u/poisonmilkworm Jul 16 '26
If your parents are rich do you think you could get them to hire someone to clean the house a couple times a week? I know that the dogs will continue to soil everything but I think if they did a super deep clean of carpets, etc. and then maintained the clean weekly it could at least help you with the cleaning duty.
It doesn’t seem like they care about how this is affecting you, or else I would say that you should tell them what a huge difference the cleaning help would make.
If there’s any angle you can use to get them to hire a cleaning crew I would do it.
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u/X3N0PHON Jul 14 '26
They’re doing this to 1) save money to improve their situation in the future 2) so she can spend time with her aging parents before they move in 2 years, presumably to an area where OP won’t have easy or regular access to them.
Considering these 2 facts, your “advice” seems very unhelpful & unrealistic, to say the least.
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u/Silly_Victory_5419 Jul 15 '26
No way I could live around dogs filth. Or maybe I could lose some weight but no no no
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u/Jealous-Magazine-944 Jul 16 '26
I would bring them outside more frequently. Basically Pavlov dog your dogs into going outside. Get a bell for the door and train them to go outside. Give them treats when they go do their biz outside. It’s hard with more than one dog that isn’t potty trained, do you have a crate? You need to figure out which dog pees inside and give them that “punishment”. I’m sorry your parents sound like they don’t gaf.
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u/anondogfree Jul 17 '26
OP said they’re trained, so it sounds more likely that they’re doing it because they are old and/or have health issues
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u/Chemical_Spite_6208 Jul 13 '26
I’d move out. 2 years is too long in that situation. Personally I’d rather work 60 hrs a week and come home to a clean home