Steph M Posted March 28, 2014 Share Posted March 28, 2014 Speaking from a neighbour's POV ..a story I have told before - living in the big city back in teh days of free range cats when I was at work . My Rufus used to be waiting at the door for me ..but he smelt of perfume! this went on for ages ...until one day I saw him with a lady in a flat down the laneway a little . He used to visit there while I was at work ... he had his chair & cushion by a window ..but she never fed him ..and he was always out and waiting for me when I came home . :) It suited us all - she absolutely doted on him ..couldn't have a pet in her flat ... he was safe ..and he was always waiting happily at home for me at night .. That arrangement worked for some years ..the difference being - it was Rufus' choice always to come home :) This poor little dog thinks YOU ARE her home ..and she is not a part of the other family ... I had the opposite when I was young, creepy guy in the flat next door would let Hector the cat in and keep him for hours and only let him out when I'd go call him in for dinner. It got so bad he was prising my windows open to let him out and let him in, he did it to evert cat on the block of apartments and would often have 3-4 in his flat at once. I ended up having to call the police after I came home one evening to find him with his arm in my window feeding him. I have no idea what he thought was going on, but I suspect he had some sort of mental impairment. I still shudder to think. He was creepy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted March 28, 2014 Share Posted March 28, 2014 Speaking from a neighbour's POV ..a story I have told before - living in the big city back in teh days of free range cats when I was at work . My Rufus used to be waiting at the door for me ..but he smelt of perfume! this went on for ages ...until one day I saw him with a lady in a flat down the laneway a little . He used to visit there while I was at work ... he had his chair & cushion by a window ..but she never fed him ..and he was always out and waiting for me when I came home . :) It suited us all - she absolutely doted on him ..couldn't have a pet in her flat ... he was safe ..and he was always waiting happily at home for me at night .. That arrangement worked for some years ..the difference being - it was Rufus' choice always to come home :) This poor little dog thinks YOU ARE her home ..and she is not a part of the other family ... I had the opposite when I was young, creepy guy in the flat next door would let Hector the cat in and keep him for hours and only let him out when I'd go call him in for dinner. It got so bad he was prising my windows open to let him out and let him in, he did it to evert cat on the block of apartments and would often have 3-4 in his flat at once. I ended up having to call the police after I came home one evening to find him with his arm in my window feeding him. I have no idea what he thought was going on, but I suspect he had some sort of mental impairment. I still shudder to think. He was creepy not pleasant ! Rufus' friend was nice, and absolutely meant no harm :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted March 28, 2014 Share Posted March 28, 2014 (edited) My heart is breaking too, as I listen to the 5 months old Labrador pup cry and bark in the tiny front courtyard over the road, high brick walls so she can't even see the outside world . . . and the people are home. She has a kennel which would be fine if she were a toy breed . Why would she be fine if she were a toy breed ? If one of my toy poodles lived like this it would break their heart, they would get depressed & they are not couch potatoes either. I meant the size of the kennel ! Of course the situation is horrid for any dog; the description was meant to show the total lack of understanding of a dog's needs. Edited March 29, 2014 by Dame Danny's Darling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christina Posted March 29, 2014 Share Posted March 29, 2014 My heart is breaking too, as I listen to the 5 months old Labrador pup cry and bark in the tiny front courtyard over the road, high brick walls so she can't even see the outside world . . . and the people are home. She has a kennel which would be fine if she were a toy breed . Why would she be fine if she were a toy breed ? If one of my toy poodles lived like this it would break their heart, they would get depressed & they are not couch potatoes either. I meant the size of the kennel ! Of course the situation is horrid for any dog; the description was meant to show the total lack of understanding of a dog's needs. Oh, obviously I read it as you meant it would be ok the dog being kept that way if it was a toy breed. Now what else can I misinterpret ? :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted March 29, 2014 Share Posted March 29, 2014 I meant the size of the kennel! Of course the situation is horrid for any dog; the description was meant to show the total lack of understanding of a dog's needs. /quote] Oh, obviously I read it as you meant it would be ok the dog being kept that way if it was a toy breed. Now what else can I misinterpret ? :laugh: I should have been clearer in my meaning. :laugh: I know about the kennel because on a couple of occasions, I've ducked over when I know everyone is out and peep through the slatted gate (which is kept locked - otherwise I might be tempted to be very naughty). The dog is on a narrow, roofed deck, but in one of my sneaky visits I could see that the rain had wet all the deck and the sail shade thing they've put up is useless at keeping the rain out. Luckily the dog's bed is raised. The grass hasn't been mown for weeks and there are a few toys dotted around. Poor little dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise6616 Posted March 29, 2014 Author Share Posted March 29, 2014 wow Steph!! That is creepy!! So FYI, the dog is still here..I have messaged them multiple times asking that they feel comfortable that she has been staying here while the weather is so cold and wet. Also asking if they can pop in etc. No reply. I can only assume - but in my mind anyone that gives a cr*p about their dog, at least has the decency to reply!! I always asked permission before having her visit us, she just hasn't been home in a few days! I can block the trench under the fence and keep her out, I suspect the recent digging has more to do with the fact she is on heat. Previously she has spent the days with us, and the evenings next door and it hasn't been a problem. IMO, dogs can adjust to this kind of routine, obviously it would be best if she had a proper kennel and bedding at her home! Hopefully they will reply or pop in or something soon! I am reluctant to just go and pop her back in their yard while there is zero communication and she is on heat. I am happy to purchase her, or look after her, or whatever they want. But rather than she be a fugitive it would be best if we could make a mutual agreement - I'm sure you would all agree! Thanks for the thoughts on Parvo etc - yes, I am aware of the risks. I used to be a foster carer... It was I that quarantined many a doggie on their escape from death row. I didn't suggest that I take their dog to the local dog park, or mine, so no need for the lecture. I have 1.8metre colourbond fences, there is no chance of her escaping my yard. Should something happen in my yard, my home etc - of course, I will accept responsibility and pay any fines, fees etc. No, you can't save 'every' animal - but you can certainly try and save the ones you know about!! Holidays, hahaha, my animals stay home with a house/pet sitter living here if to we need to go away and cannot bring them. Not a big issue I would think to have an extra set of paws.. Anyway, the purpose of the thread was not so you could attempt crucify me because you don't agree with my decisions - but rather to ask your thoughts on the best way to allow the dog access to us for the purpose of stimulation, socialisation etc - but at the same time, not overstep the boundary and keep the owners happy as they still 'own a blue staffy'. There's been some really great comments etc, so thank you so much for the great suggestions rather than crucifixions!! Can't we all just be polite and constructive? Isn't that the purpose of having an online community? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darcy&Zoe Posted March 29, 2014 Share Posted March 29, 2014 OP ... an old neighbour of mine had a gorgeous Great Dane that used to stick her head over the fence to say hello everyday. her owner worked long hours and being younger went out a lot and she was left alone. She would always find a way out of their yard and I would find her wandering down the street so I would bring her home to keep her safe. She used to hang out with my dogs. Problem was she started trying to get into my house at all sorts of hours (like 3am) coz her owner hadn't come home. She ended up at my house most days and I would return her when the owner got home. When I moved out years later, there was no one to take her in and I heard from other neighbours, that there were lots of problems with this dog's behaviour and complaints went into Council ... she ended up being rehomed (hopefully to someone who would love her). I love what you are trying to do, but my only suggestion is say how much your kids love this dog and if they would be willing to let you buy her? Fingers crossed they say yes. But as others have pointed out they may say no, or even if they do agree, they may just go out and get another dog. Unfortunately you may find these people think they are on a good wicket, they own a dog (and plan to breed from her) and you do all the work looking after her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted March 29, 2014 Share Posted March 29, 2014 Honestly ..I think this thread has been pretty well behaved . You are but recent ,..and haven't seen what can happen :/ Everyone seems to be concerned about the dog, and your situation , and trying to save you both from confusion and pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted March 29, 2014 Share Posted March 29, 2014 I have 1.8metre colourbond fences, there is no chance of her escaping my yard. Well she got IN to your yard via your 1.8 metre colourbond fence, so not sure how logically your argument is! Oh, and a 1.8 metre fence will not keep out a determined entire male, nor will it keep in a determine "staffy" bitch in heat. Crate or pen with a roof. No, you can't save 'every' animal - but you can certainly try and save the ones you know about!! And if you are comfortable doing what you're doing then all power to you. as they still 'own a blue staffy'. Ah. OK. be prepared for a large price tag if they do want to sell and lots of vets bills. Perhaps the knowledge that blue is now the most common colour in the breed (more than 65% of registrations) will be useful to you in negotiations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise6616 Posted March 29, 2014 Author Share Posted March 29, 2014 Sure Sandra, but we didn't stop her trying to get in if that makes sense. We let her in, one might even say we assisted in letting her dig into our yard!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted March 29, 2014 Share Posted March 29, 2014 I haven't seen anyone being rude Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise6616 Posted March 30, 2014 Author Share Posted March 30, 2014 Hmmm..I just wrote the worlds longest reply and it didn't post!!! noooooooo!!! Anyway, long story short - I usually text the daughter to ask if dog can come and play etc. I have sent a few messages basically saying 'hey I just wanted to check you are happy for doggie to be here with is while weather so awful and she is on heat blablabla, we aren't holding her hostage, you are welcome to pop over'. Haven't had a reply. So yesterday, on the off chance technology failed, I messaged her on facebook - basically saying the same thing but with the addition of 'not sure if you got my text'. This evening she replied. Said she wanted me to take dog back over there, I asked if she would come here so I could chat with her blabbla A few excuses later about why she can't come over as she is going on a cruise in 2 days etc etc, I said 'I don't feel right about bring her back until we've had a chance to chat. 1minute later, she and mum come over. Very weird, very awkward. They are happy for dog to be in here in day time, as long as we bring her home at x time each day. As for the 'digging under the fence while she is on heat' - they say 'well if she's not in our yard we know she is with you'. Obviously best case scenario is they give up ownership. Second best, is that she gets the socialisation/stimulation in the day, and has somewhere warm and safe to sleep at night. I will do my best to keep it all kosher with second best option until novelty wears off for them. And definitely get her a warm cosy kennel (canberra is freezing in winter!). By next weekend her hormones should have hopefully decreased, so we may look at blocking the fenceline to keep her out - we have obviously chosen not to previously! - then we can go back to the previous harmony! Thanks all for your ideas and messages :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise6616 Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 FYI for all those playing along at home She is vaccinated and chipped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 FYI for all those playing along at home She is vaccinated and chipped. that's good, is she registered with the council? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maddy Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Thank you so much to all of you for offering some great tips, I will buy a dog kennel and pretend I got it for free. You know what I love the most about DOL? THere are some really geniune, dog loving people, offering constructive advice. And of course, there are others that simply state their opinion or insults to make themselves feel better. I get what you are all saying: rock - me - hardplace. But I already knew that! Maybe to some people listening to your neighbours dog howl and cry and be yelled at etc is ok, but I can't just ignore it. Yes, I still have the dog. No they have not 'asked for her to come home' or phoned or messaged or come to collect her. There isn't much point putting her back in her yard so she can wiggle under the fence right at the minute. And no, I don't care who knocks on my door -I am not sending her home to sleep out in the cold, wet, mud. I will get her a kennel, that way they will hopefully still let her come and play in the day, and we can send her home knowing she isn't going to freeze to death overnight. So thank you so much for the great idea!! I will get her a little jumper too, and pretend I 'had it spare' so they she doesn't freeze to death in winter. Hopefully it will al settle back down soon. One person may not be able to change the world - but for this one dog I have changed her world! the last thing this world needs is another undesexed, unsocialised, scared staffy finding her way into and even worse home! I'm in a similar situation to you so this is something I actually have experience with. While I can absolutely understand you wanting to help (my heart breaks when I hear the miserable crying from next door), I suspect you will be in for a whole lot of heartbreak if you continue to involve yourself. If I had offered to buy every dog our neighbours got bored with, I'd currently have at least seven entire, unsocialised bull breeds running around my yard. Enabling them to be bad owners really isn't the answer. If I were you, I'd fix the fence, step back and leave it alone. If they get sick of the dog, they may offer it to you. If that happens, great. But in the mean time, maintaining an emotional distance will likely save you a lot of pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise6616 Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 Not registered that I am aware of. They wouldn't be able to register her entire I don't think. I'm so glad she's vacc'd though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akayla Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 They can technically register her in the ACT without applying for a permit (two forms and the staff often don't know much about it). However if DAS picks up on her being undesexed without a permit they will fine them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 I'd take her back and simply comment on how lovely it's been to have her visit and wistfully say that if they are ever moving or whatever and can't keep her then you'd gladly offer her a place. Then fix the fence so she can't come through and leave it at that, you may find that after a few weeks they get sick of actually having to look after their own dog and they offer to you anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keetamouse Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 They can technically register her in the ACT without applying for a permit (two forms and the staff often don't know much about it). However if DAS picks up on her being undesexed without a permit they will fine them. They can register her as an entire bitch that will cost them around $200 but if they say she is desexed they have to produce her desexing cert, what is the permit that you have mentioned?? permit for what?? Maree CPR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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