Neighborhoods, neighbors, and all the critters

[naenae42day]

This post is more a vent..and plea for help/suggesstions.  I live in a fairly nice neighborhood in North OWasso.  I have a very nice yard that is professionally cut/groomed.  I have a fully fenced back yard...gated and locked...because it seems the parents in my neighborhood haven't yet taught the kids to respect other property.
Not really my point...

My point here today is about my neighbor.  He is a REALLY hard worker, who is going through a divorce.  So he is home VERY little.  But he has 2 of the sweetest dogs that live their entire lives in the back yard.  It can be days at a time before we see him...I am sure he leaves food out...but our animals need companionship.  And I HATE to think of them spending the night out in this nasty weather.  Tonight...we heard the 2 dogs go after each other...fightin like crazy...over what...who knows.
I have offered my help...more than once...and after much frustration, I even called animal control once.  According to my neighbor...AC has been called 3 times...of which he graciously gives me all the credit.  AC said they had water..and a dog house...couldn't see food...but they looked fed.  My concern is for what they could get by living in their own filth.
But seriously folks...if you don't want the dog....take it to the pound.  Just making it live out is life in a yard with very little contact isn't a life.

Anyone dealt with this...and what was the best solution.

[tim huntzinger]

Step 1. 'G-d, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.'
Step 2. (see 'Step 1')

[waterboy]

That's good advice Tim offered. Never had that problem to face but I'll offer some insight. Guys don't think of dogs the same way women do. We see them as animal play mates that have basic needs of food, water, and exercise with occasional maintenance. We sort of see them the same way as hunting buddies who crap your lawn.

That is, until we've lived with a nurturing, insightful, compassionate mate who clues us in to their view of cats and dogs as lower level versions of children that require respect, love and care. It is from women that we learn that dogs have personalities, are sensitive and deserving. It prepares us for children.

When he finds a girlfriend the dogs will have a better life. You can play with them over the fence, give them a toy etc if it helps the pain. Anyway, FWIW, good luck.

[cannon_fodder]

Tough situation.   I treat my dogs well and agree with you that if you have them, it is your duty to treat them well (not Paris Hilton $500 dog sweat well).  BUT, it appears this man is treating his animals adequately.   They have water, food and shelter.  It is unlikely the authorities will offer assistance (and arguably they should not - lest anyone could call on anyone else and accuse them of not showing their animal attention. How do you prove that to a degree allowing someone to take my dogs?).

I'm afraid your best option is to get his permission to go play ball with them every now and then.  See if you can take them for walks.  Throw a few dog treats over the fence now and again.  Something to increase their human interaction.

The dogs are part of his former life, odds are he either wants to separate himself from it OR wants to hold on to it but is not in a position to allow that.  It is even possible that a divorce decree is pending and he doesn't know if he can keep the dogs (sometimes a really big issue).  In any event, as much as I love my dogs in life changing circumstances I can understand how they fall down the priorities list.

[Wilbur]

Don't become a pest.  Animal control being out there three times and finding water and shelter, plus saying the dogs look fed......  should be good enough.

[naenae42day]

Thank you all so much for the replies.  I agree with just about all...except Wilbur.  I will reiterate...AC was called 3x..but only 1x by me.  So obviously my other neighbors are concerned as well.  A point i did make to him.  I only called after I went 5 days without seeing anyone..and was concerned they had been abandoned.  (We are hearing of this more and more with the foreclosure rate up)

Pretty much everyone here has the same thoughts I had...this poor guy has enough on his plate with work and life in general.  I have to resign myself to the fact they he and I have a moral difference when it comes to they way we treat out critters.  Nothing wrong with that...just different.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to vent/chat.  I look forward to reading the forums everyday...and enjoy the friendly banter we share.

Peas Out!

[Red Arrow]

I am glad when my neighbor can throw a toy over the fence for my dog(s).  It means they can get along together. Good neighbors.

Unless you have an agreement with your neighbor, I wouldn't feed the dog. It may have diet restrictions. There are also things we don't feed our dogs that some people think are fine for dogs but they are not. Pork is not good for them.  Bones can splinter and cause problems.  Most people know chocolate is bad but grapes are also not good. I'm sure there are others that most of us don't even think about. Dogs may eat these thing if they are on their own but they probably won't live as long as we like our pets to live a healthy life.