So frustrated with my neighbors re: their dog

[njjentoky]

Let me preface say that I really like my next-door neighbors. We are friendly, I let their kids play with my cats, we trade magazines, we chat outside, she keeps an eye on my house when I'm away.

The situation: they have a dog that constantly gets out of their yard. She is super crafty, digs holes under fences, etc. When I see that she has escaped, I bring her home, and they never seem too concerned.

When I came back from a run this morning, the dog was in the middle of the road on a fairly busy section. I brought her home - they weren't home so I put her back in the yard. I'm not exaggerating - the dog got out at least 4 more times. Once someone else on the street brought her home because she was running in the street. Twice I was outside trying to get her out of the road. Once she came within maybe 5 seconds of getting hit by a car right in front of me. I figured out that she had dug a hole under their fence so I put some bricks there to block it.

When my neighbor came home, after being gone all day, I showed her that I put the bricks there because the dog was getting out that way. I told her how the dog had escaped so many times and almost got hit by a car. She was so dismissive. Didn't care one bit.

So I know I need to butt out. But I can't let the dog run in traffic. I don't want to come home and see the dog dead in the street and her kids upset. If your dog is an escape artist, don't leave her in your backyard for 9 hours while you aren' home and think she is going to hang out there. URGH!

[Deleted]

Maybe it`s time to start calling animal control to pick up the dog. I dont think she`d know who called.

[njjentoky]

The dog is totally going to hit by a car in front of me. I just know it. And I will be traumatized for life.

[birdistheword]

Yeah, I would anonymously call animal control in this situation. Not to be malicious, but out of genuine worry for the dog. But I already have a slight hatred for people who leave their dogs outside all day, so there's that.

[alzi]

that is so sad i hate when you know a dog is going to get hurt bc the owners suck. poor guy deserves better..

[njjentoky]

I am not sure animal control would get here in time to make a difference. I mean, her address is on the collar, so if I'm holding the dog for animal control, I'm going to look like a major asshole when they show up and it's my next door neighbor's dog. Sigh. I have a great relationship with them and don't want to ruin it, but I can't keep an eye on their dog and save her from the street all the time. They need to just keep the dog inside!

[thedutchgirl]

Could you buy them a tie out for the dog and do the joking "you'll need to pay for my therapy" line? Or just suggest they put her on a tie out? That's what our neighbors do with their escaper dog. Even with a fence.

[kellbell191]

No I don't get people like that. It's dangerous for everyone else, dangerous for the dog, totally irresponsible. She could be cited by ankmal control if someone called her in.

Our female dog is fucking Houdini. She is never outside alone or off of her leash. It's a pain. She normally stays close and just visits the neighbors or chases rabbits, but I don't want her bugging them and I worry that she could try to cross the street and be hit.

[softspot]

I wouldn't be concerned about looking like an asshole for calling AC. The owner clearly isn't taking the necessary steps to prohibit the dog from escaping (leaving it inside, crating, tether, etc.).

[polarbearfans]

Call animal control. One day a neighbor won't get the dog in time. Either it will get hit by a car or it will wonder far enough that someone else takes it in or it can't find it's way home.