Neighbor Problems

[Shadow Wolf]

I have been having alot of trouble dealing with my immediate next door neighbors latly.
They hate my dogs, and there dog is in a barn all day and night and will not stop barking. I even hear it barking right now. I don't blame the poor thing, all it wants is some attention.
I would call the human society and report it, but a few months ago my dogs killed on of thiers when it wondered onto my yard. My dogs were just defending thier territory. I am affraid if I report the neighbors dog is neglected (allthough obviously feed and watered, or the barking would have stoped months ago) and should be given to a family that would love it and appreciate it, the neighbor will report my dogs killed his. I have no witnesses that can verify it was on my property.
I live out in the middle of no-where, where animals should be free to roam and bark (the dog catcher started enforcing an ordinace that requires dogs to stay on property, or face a 50 dollar fine), but I'm feeling much sympathy for this dog who obviously wants someone to pet it and play with, and annoyance towards this Mennonite neighbor who will not show any love towards his dog.
Does anyone have any advice that could help this dog get moved to a better family?

 

[Feathers in Hair]

Hmm... Are you still on a speaking basis with this neighbor?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Hmm... Are you still on a speaking basis with this neighbor?

We used to. He never seemed to mind my dogs roaming before. I havent had a friendly conversation in, ohhh...., about seven months.
I did have my two dogs before he got his. I did apologize for my dogs actions. I always avoided playing my "devil" music on the outside speakers when they was outside. I tried to be nice, but anymore, he's just being acting very holier than thou. I could better describe it with a slang, inappropriate word.

 

[Feathers in Hair]

It's horrible, but if the dog is fed and watered, I don't know how much the Humane Society can step in.

Is it at all possible that you could, say, come up with an excuse for asking the fellow if you could exercise or play with his dog? Or maybe just strike up a conversation, and re-build some rapport with him, then say something like "I feel awfully bad about what happened to your other dog (try not to bring up the fact that it was because it had gone on your property, since it'll probably make him less receptive), and I imagine you're not letting this one out because you don't want the same thing to happen to it. Because I want to be sure you're not inconvienienced, how about we set up some sort of schedule, where I have my dogs indoors, so that we can be sure your dog gets some running-around time." (If you make it a statement instead of a question, most people are more willing to go along with it, unless you do it too forcefully.)

 

[Pussyfoot Mouse]

That's some great advice Feathers. Good luck Luke Wolf.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Well, my mom called the sheriff yesterday, who gave her the number to the dog catcher. The dog catcher told my mom that a barking dog is a nousance, and he would get to the guy tomorow, and tell him to do something about the dog. The dog catcher apparently told the neighbor who called, and the guy is angry about it, so I don't think talking will work for awhile.

 

[Feathers in Hair]

Sorry to hear that. It's odd that the catcher told your neighbor. I would've hoped such things would be private.