Server down versus dogs need walking? I think the family needs my income more than the dogs need walking(than can be deferred).

I have left work when the wife or kids truly needed me.

I was on a teleconference once, and my wife couldn't reach me. She ended up talking to my boss, who came into my office and asked me to put the phone on mute. It was an emergency and my boss understood and basically took over the call for me, as I went to my car.