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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Neighbour's unhappy dog

70 replies

AltasCloud · 30/06/2019 12:59

First of all, I love dogs. And I have no problems with my neighbours!

They're not over friendly, we say hi if we see each other but they keep themselves to themselves.

They have two dogs, one of which has separation anxiety. I know this because he cries, howls and barks continuously when the house is empty, even with the other dog there. I know he's old, around 15, too. They are aware he has separation anxiety but unlikely to know he cries continually, I imagine.

Luckily, he is very rarely left alone and this past year I've heard him crying/howling only three or four times, and never for more than 2-3 hours.

But - I've listened to the poor dog cry for 5 hours today. The whole family must be out (their car isn't there) and no idea when they're returning.

What would you do? I feel so bad for the dog. I'd offer to dogsit but I'm a terrible pushover and I wouldn't want them to become CF and start leaving them with me all the time...

Is it none of my business?

OP posts:
Original poster
AltasCloud · 30/06/2019 20:05

We're semi-attached - attached to them, but they're on the corner with no neighbours until the next street over, as such.

I know they won't accept parcels for any neighbour whatsoever so I doubt anyone has a key to their house.

They have extended family popping around a lot usually at weekends so I can only assume they're all out together. They have 5 DCs varying in age so there's always someone around normally.

This is horrible.

OP posts:
Orangeballon · 30/06/2019 20:11

The dog has probably shit on th3 carpet by now.

Original poster
AltasCloud · 30/06/2019 20:25

I hope the dog will sleep and rest soon.

after shitting all over their sofa, peeing on their carpets and chewing up their laptops

OP posts:
nicecuppaforme · 30/06/2019 20:27

They are council tenants, I only mention to ask if local councils have any departments I could report it to?

They will have.

Original poster
AltasCloud · 30/06/2019 20:36

Any idea what I ask for department wise?

OP posts:
FredaFrogspawn · 30/06/2019 20:38

I think you would need to leave it for 24 hours, even though it is awful. I doubt they would act on 12 hrs.

nicecuppaforme · 30/06/2019 20:46

@AltasCloud just explain the situation to the call handler and hopefully they'll connect you to the right people.

You could phone the police if you were really worried.

Original poster
AltasCloud · 30/06/2019 20:49

I don't want to look like a dickhead neighbour - guaranteed as soon as I call, they'll come home and have a go at me for interfering.

No sign still of them, dog still crying. :(

Assuming the kids need to be home tonight for school tomorrow?

OP posts:
nicecuppaforme · 30/06/2019 20:51

It's quite late for them to be out if their kids have school tomorrow I'd think.
Something must have happened as you've said it's completely out of character.
You could phone the non emergency police, explain the situation and say that you're worried as it's out of character and the dog has been distressed for 12 hours now.

Itswinternow · 30/06/2019 21:02

This thread is really sad. That poor dog 😥

mamaofboyzz · 30/06/2019 21:10

I actually think it would be a really nice thing to offer to dog sit. The dog sounds in deep distress and if it's old that's even worse. What a kind thing for u to think of. Many people would be just complaining of the noise.

Laiste · 30/06/2019 21:18

They've had the dog 15 years, know it's got anxiety, know it's got dementia (so obviously get it medical attention). They don't usually leave it too long alone but today suddenly have not come home for 9 hours.

Shame on you all calling them names and wishing them ill. They could have had a bloody car crash or something!

Original poster
AltasCloud · 30/06/2019 21:23

They've just returned!!!

That was 12 hours as DH heard the dog crying at 9am-ish.

It's the first time they've left him that long, I won't ring anyone as it's a one off as it stands but I will speak to the neighbour tomorrow to tell her he cried for a full 12 hours with no stop, and offer to dogsit if he needs to be left again, if I'm home.

Hopefully he'll have food/water, a toilet stop and sleep like a log now.

I haven't been able to relax all day for worrying. :(

OP posts:
Eliza9919 · 30/06/2019 21:24

Any sign of them yet op?

FredaFrogspawn · 30/06/2019 21:24

Glad they’re ok. I think it’s a good idea to talk to them tomorrow.

Original poster
AltasCloud · 30/06/2019 21:25

They're unpacking picnic boxes, cool bags, towels and laughing/chatting looking burnt so I think they're fine, @Laiste

Shame on them leaving their dog for 12 hours so they could go to the fucking beach.

OP posts:
Laiste · 30/06/2019 21:28

Oh amazing.

Rumboogie · 30/06/2019 21:37

I too think it is disgusting to leave the dogs that long - apart from anything else surely they needed a pee and some food.

If the older dog has dementia this could be the cause of the howling, rather than separation anxiety per se.

I would have thought a picnic/beach was an ideal outing to take your dog.

TanyaChix · 30/06/2019 21:47

The utter bastards. That poor poor dog. I have two and would never ever leave either of them for 12 hours.

SirVixofVixHall · 30/06/2019 22:12

I would never leave a dog that long unless there was some extreme unavoidable emergency. My old dog had been fine when younger, left for occasional shortish bursts, (a few hours at most, and not often) but when he was an old man he did cry much more. Once we came home after about three hours, I could hear him wailing, and I suspected he had been crying for ages, so we pretty much stopped leaving him at all then. He died a few months later.

Ontheboardwalk · 30/06/2019 22:13

I'd love a dog but can’t have one because my lifestyle doesn’t support it.

People saying it’s not a child are completely wrong. It’s a thing dog or child that you have to care for all the time. You wouldn’t piss off for a day out and leave a child all day alone, why would you an animal that you have to care for exactly the same.

Inconsiderate dickheads

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 30/06/2019 22:35

You need to say something (I'd be ringing their doorbell as soon as I was up and dressed tomorrow . No bloody lie-ins for them Angry )

Summer holidays are just about to start if you are not in Scotland . This could be a regular weekend jaunt for them. That poor soul could spend every weekend holding his bladder and pitifully wailing .
What a life for him Sad

"Just so you're aware your elderly demenred dog was crying for 12 solid hours with no let up yesterday . I hope this won't be a regular occurance"

I'd not have a problem offending them TBH .

Only trouble is if they decide his end is nigh. But as an elderly unwell animal there are worse things than death

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 30/06/2019 22:37

know it's got dementia (so obviously get it medical attention).

Not neccesarily

DpWm · 30/06/2019 22:38
Sad
caringcarer · 30/06/2019 22:49

I would be knocking on their door at 8am telling them their dog cried and howled for 12 hours yesterday continuously as you were considering ringing the RSPCA as you did not know if it was unwell or just neglected. I would say if it ever happens again you will ring and report it. They don't deserve a dog if they can't make the effort to look after it properly when it is getting old.

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