Feedback on Neighbor who neglect dogs, arriving after seven days...
By dee777
@dee777 (1417)
South Africa
January 1, 2013 3:27am CST
And they quietly sneaked in - early hours of the morning. I am sure the poor dogs were outside, waiting...It is now about five hours later and there was a knock on my door. It was the neighbor's wife with a plate of eats.
I invited her in. She looked guilty, standing there with the plate. 'I am sorry.' 'We should have told you we were going away.' 'We should have made arrangements for our dogs, or asked you to help.'
I allowed her to speak first and then told her that I accept her apologies. I told her that I was first sad for the dogs, but then I became angry at them for neglecting their pets. I told her that I thought they loved their dogs. I said that I was ready to phone the spca to come and collect the dogs. She could see that I was serious. I told her that I was deeply disappointed in them. It looked as if she wanted to cry. She promised that it would never happen again.
I forgave her.
4 people like this
15 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
1 Jan 13
You handled that very well, though 7 days is a long time for dogs to be neglected. Does this mean they had no food or water for this amount of time?
My neighbor's know me and my love of animals, so I have three neighbors, (use to be four but the one neighbor's dog was so old, he had to be put down.
) that call me anytime to dog sit for them. I hope your neighbor takes you up on your offer to help next time they leave town. 
) that call me anytime to dog sit for them. I hope your neighbor takes you up on your offer to help next time they leave town. 1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
1 Jan 13
Good for you and your son, I am glad the dogs didn't go hungry or was without water..
@ZoeJoy (1392)
• United States
2 Jan 13
Forgiving is important but she should never do that again. What if you didn't take care of her dogs? Then, she could have been charged for neglect of animals. I hope she paid you.
Sorry, can't understand why someone would not make arrangements for their dogs when they were gone for a week.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
2 Jan 13
I admire how you handled it. At least, the owner was aware of their neglectful part. When as we want to play the role of avenging angel, we still don't have the full situation there and she did explain - so I guess that is a point for her. I think that at least you and your neighbor will have soemtihng to bond over - those dogs which both of you love.
@ashwinanand (582)
• India
1 Jan 13
I hope she has realized what she has done and never repeat it again.Hope the dogs are fine and happy now after a long wait for their owners and food,poor animals.
1 person likes this
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
1 Jan 13
You are a brave woman dee, that took courage. If there were more people like you then dogs would not be left alone to suffer. From what you have written it seems that your neighbours have taken your telling off to heart. You must have a lovely way of saying things that people don't want to hear. That is a gift.
I hope this problem has gone for good and that the relationship with your neighbours becomes a good one. You have been totally sincere with them and honest, so they must surely realise that they not only have dogs to look after but they have a good neighbour to get to know.
1 person likes this
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
1 Jan 13
Thank you so much. Our relationship are still in tacked, because I focused on the problem of the dogs and did not get personal. I could see they really feel bad and I am glad the issue is now resolved. They have learned a valuable lesson (I hope... haha)
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
1 Jan 13
i really like the way you handled it. you let her speak first, you weren't righteous. but you also told her everything so she knows how it affected the neighborhood, that you're willing to help next time, and what actions you'll take if it happens again. it's fair and retains respect for each other, very effective than shaming or threatening someone. i wish i could do that, too.
1 person likes this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
2 Jan 13
I don't suppose their 7 days trip is anything to do with pleasure otherwise she would not have forgotten to make arrangements for her dogs to be looked after. After all, she does not have one but two dogs here.
What was her explanation for not returning your text messages?
Not hoping for another similar incident from her but I think she would have learned her lesson here. I admire the way you handle the situation and most of all, yourself here. Keep it up.
@allknowing (130134)
• India
1 Jan 13
Firmness pays. Good job! I wish there were more people like you.
1 person likes this
@Octav1 (1419)
• Romania
3 Jan 13
I wouldn't believe that person when she promised she will take care of the dogs.
I think that once she did that, she will repeat it. There are people that don't care about the dogs, they don't give a cent for the dogs' health and happiness.
If I were you, the first time she neglect her dogs again, I'd call the SPCA. I hope they will make them pay for neglecting the poor animals.
@machristinajes (10)
•
1 Jan 13
Glad to know that your neighbors are now back so the dogs can be taken care of again and be fed. It wasn't right for them to just do that and not at least inform you, or other neighbors that their pets will be left behind or might have left enough food on their dog's plates until they come back home. You are one concerned citizen and I salute you for that!
1 person likes this
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
1 Jan 13
This is nice to know. And you might have used good words to make her feel guilty. But that is cruelty really, good thing that her dogs are loyal and did not get wild afterall
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
1 Jan 13
But they get lonely too specially if they feel neglect. Poor dogs
@StLouisMetroTutoring (678)
• St. Peters, Missouri
1 Jan 13
Thank you for giving us an update. I'm so glad the neighbors have come home. You did a very good thing.
@sreelatha100172 (23)
• India
1 Jan 13
'Hats off' to you for your affection towards pets..I am very glad to know that finally the neighbor realized the mistake and came back.In our fast life, all are in a race of achievements,forget about the living things in their house.Most of the people do not take care of their pets in a proper way,but need them to guard their house.We should show kindness,love and affection to their pets and also feed them or take care as if our own child.They are also having a precious life given by the almighty.
