I just reported my neighbor!

[LittleLoves]

When we moved here 3 years ago, we were stunned and frustrated by our neighbors keeping their black lab outdoors at all hours. He is a huge barker, and will bark when we roll over in OUR bed at night if the windows are open. Our homes are very close together. Anyhow, I had called two years ago to report the barking, but decided not to file a complaint. We instead went over and asked them to put their dog inside at night so that he would not be barking and waking us up. Even with our windows closed (impossible in the summer) we can still hear him barking out there.

They agreed, and for awhile it got better. Then they slacked off and he is still outside all day and night (winter and summer).

The other day, Riley (the dog) started doing this low, moaning type of howl. It was pitiful. It has been going on the days, so, yesterday I went over to my fence (the shadow type fencing) and put my hand through with a cookie for him. I was shocked to see how thin he is. The space between is ribs, down to his hips is sucked right in. I've never seen a lab that skinny. He is not that thin from exersize...they NEVER walk him.

Then I tried to see through the fence if he has any shelter or water out there. Besides the pool (we don't let our dogs drink our pool water...so I don't know about him...if out of desperation he would) there is nothing.

I took an empty Coke bottle and tried to pour the water out as a fountain for him, but it just frightened Riley.

I called the animal protection, which is run by the NBSPCA, and Rick is coming to check it out.

I feel torn to have done it. I like my neighbors a lot, and we are friendly, but I just couldn't believe his condition. To look at my two spoiled rotten dogs, and think of how he looks and how lonely he is.... :sad:

UPDATE:

Yesterday afternoon I was in my backyard with the children I take care of. My neighbor (who is never home that time of day) suddenly appears in his backyard, followed by an older man. They stand around the dog talking, and I cannot hear what is being said, but the older man asked the dog's age.

My neighbor was squeaking a toy (I have never heard that toy before...didn't know one was even over there) and trying to interact with the dog.

After about 10 minutes, they went back inside, and I ran to my front window to peek out and see what was happening. I saw a silver truck, and my neighbor climbed in the passenger side. They drove off.

They didn't take the dog with them...but I can't help but feel this was the officer I spoke with in the morning.

This morning my husband and I went out to check our pool, and my neighbor was out there putting dog food in a dish, and had what looked like a prescription bottle next to the food dishes.

I think I will call the officer back to see if he will give me an update.

[meow]

can you ask them if they want the dog and can you take it?

[LittleLoves]

Taking on another dog is not even remotely an option. We have two as it is in a small house (and I run a home daycare). I'm lucky my hubby let me have the two I have!

[adammo]

I hope you get a good resolution. Poor dog. Where is he located (i'm in Freddy as well).

[LittleLoves]

Originally Posted by adammo

I hope you get a good resolution. Poor dog. Where is he located (i'm in Freddy as well).

We are in Lincoln.

[JennieV]

I think you have done the right thing. Neighbours come and go, but if that dog starved to death would you be able to live with yourself, knowing you could have helped and didnt? I certaintly would not be able to.

I would talk to the neighbours and try to find out if they want the dog. if not, there are other options than the SPCA, there are rescues etc...But anything is better than starvation to death.

:sad:

[BenMax]

Hats off to you for being pro-active. So many people look the other way. Personally, I would have done the same thing.

As JennieV says - people come and go. I think you would have felt worse by not reporting this and no longer hearing him bark as he expired in the backyard.

Anyways, the SPCA or animal control will not tell them who complained so just play it smooth. THere really is no need for you to say that it was you - why bother. Better having good neighbours than making enemies in my opinion.

Pretend that everything is normal and you will not be suspected.

[LittleLoves]

Originally Posted by BenMax

Hats off to you for being pro-active. So many people look the other way. Personally, I would have done the same thing.

As JennieV says - people come and go. I think you would have felt worse by not reporting this and no longer hearing him bark as he expired in the backyard.

Anyways, the SPCA or animal control will not tell them who complained so just play it smooth. THere really is no need for you to say that it was you - why bother. Better having good neighbours than making enemies in my opinion.

Pretend that everything is normal and you will not be suspected.

That is my game plan!

My daughter (age 14) was in tears yesterday as we tried to get water to the dog. I really cannot see if he has fresh water available or not...but that wailing howl was just so pitiful..

Anyhow, my neighbors, the husband is very nice, and we speak with him over the fence often (we both have pools and discuss methods on cleaning and such) and it's just hard to believe he would allow the situation.

Maybe there is something I don't know going on? My mother suggested that the dog may have worms. I can't imagine the owner not feeding him...