I don’t think her sister has put her in a bad position at all. She asked because she trusts her sister to watch her dog. Nothing wrong with asking. And nothing wrong with saying “no” if it wouldn’t work.

Well, it puts the dog in a bad position. However, I don't think her sister meant to do it deliberately, but she does seem like she isn't picking up on the verbal clues. But I agree, you have to be direct and say no. My post was mainly to extend understanding, as I can relate to the guilt you feel when you say no, especially when it's due to anxiety or OCD.

You summed it up perfectly, Leonana. I think my sister simply isn't thinking this through properly. The fact that it's triggering anxiety due to my OCD tendencies isn't helping and making me feel resentful towards her that she's not getting the hints I'm throwing at her.

As you, Gams, Donna, and others have mentioned, I think it's time to put on my Big Sister pants and simply tell her that I'm not comfortable dog sitting for her because of the stress it's (already) causing me and because the dog being in her crate all day is not fair or healthy for her!

i think you should tell your sister you can't do this, it's just too much for your OCD lifestyle. dogs are very messy. it would be best if she hired a dog walker to come a few times a day to her home and care for the dog or to ask someone else to do this

A big THANK YOU to those of you who provided helpful, understanding and compassionate advice regarding my situation.

I wanted to help my sister since she has been there for me in the past yet I wanted the best care for her dog as well. I have put in for time off work so I can stay home next week to care for the dog. I am going to purchase a gate so she is confined to the entryway and sun room (which have tile / hardwood flooring) and will just crate her at night, when I'm sleeping. I have also told my sister that it is best if she finds someone else to use in the future since my situation does not easily lend itself to dog sit for her.

That is a great solution. You are an awesome sister!

glad to hear!:)

Dena, that sounds like a good solution. I used to board my dog at a woman's house who only took in a few dogs at a time and gave them the run of the house. No outdoor kennels. My dog loved it but the woman ran into zoning problems with her township and hasn't been able to do this for at least 2 years. I found another person who had the same set up but I personally don't like her as much although she loves the dogs.
Lately and going forward we are using my neighbor who is retired but does pet sitting as a part time job. She stays at my house to take care of my elderly dog who really can't go elsewhere at this point. It would be too stressful for her. We have also had young adult friends of the family stay in the house to pet and house sit. Then they could take care of our turtle, fish, cat and taking in the mail and watering the plants. This is all to say that there are many home-like options for pet boarding/care.

Regarding the cleanliness issue, the concern is real. I love my dog dearly and will miss her when she is gone but I am looking forward to not cleaning up messes and dealing with the smell.

That is so nice of you! Great solution and I’m glad you are able to do it.