Neighbors can be great and they can be a real nightmare. Then there are those situations where the neighbors start out great and then turn into a real pain in the butt. Unfortunately, this is my current situation. I’ve lived in my home for about 12 years. Our neighbors moved in about 5 years ago. They were a very nice couple; they were friendly, took care of their lawn and didn’t cause any problems.
However, all of that what about to change. About a year ago they were given a puppy. A family member had a good idea of getting puppy to keep in their college dorm. Needless to say, that didn’t work out so the puppy needed a home. I have a dog. She is a 4 year old golden retriever, border collie mix and her name is Shadow. She’s about 50 pounds and comes up to my knee. So she’s not really tall. She thinks she’s a lap dog but that’s another story.
Well, shadow and the puppy became instant friends. They were like kids barking for the other one to come out to play. It was fun for both dogs and really cute to watch. Well, the puppy grew up. She was part of golden retriever and collie so she ended up pretty big compared to shadow.
Now, here’s where things start to get interesting…
About 3 or 4 months ago, Shadow was out basking in the sun when the puppy came running over to play. Ok, that’s fine. My neighbor stood in the doorway of her screened patio watching the two play; ok that’s fine. Then the puppy started walking around with her nose to the ground with a mission in mind. Then she pooped in my yard. The neighbor comes over with a bag and picks it up; ok that’s fine. But then she tells me that her husband is in the hospital and she needs to get back to he hospital so she will just let the puppy poop in my yard and she will pick up so she can get back to the hospital. “Well, that’s fine for this one time”, I think to myself.
Well, here is how my kindness that one time has led to a bad situation. From that moment on, the puppy is constantly pooping in my yard. Even when she and Shadow aren’t even playing together. The neighbors use my yard as an extension of their yard. They play ball and Frisbee and allow the puppy to poop and pee. The pick up the poop most of the time when they can find it. And to make matters worse, when their daughter came to visit with her two dogs, it was like a dog park in my background. During all of this, Shadow is going bananas inside the house. She doesn’t know these other dogs and doesn’t want them in her yard.
Whenever ALL of the dogs go inside, I let Shadow out who runs all over the yard like a manic smelling and remarking her territory. It must be very disturbing for her.
There was even a time when my in-laws were visiting and we were sitting on the patio and my neighbor allowed the puppy to come in our yard and poop right in front of where we were sitting. She came over to pick it up but couldn’t find it and just walked away. Really?!
We are not confrontational people and assume that most people will do what’s right. My husband has been quiet vocal about his hatred of this situation. So, we’re pretty sure they have heard his rant. However, that doesn’t seem to stop the situation. We haven’t spoken to them directly to ask them to not allow their dog to poop in our yard. Why? Because it’s an awkward situation and there is still that belief that people will eventually do the right thing.
Just last week, I noticed that their house is up for sale. Let’s just say that I hope it’s a quick sale. Again, most people would have already said something but then I just keep thinking, “Why do I have to”. You would think that any normal person would know that it’s wrong to use your neighbors’ yard as their own.
Have you had any problems with neighbors?