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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be upset that my water for the dogs was taken.....

78 replies

DumbestBlonde · 14/08/2021 21:13

I KNOW it is so trivial - but I do get sad quite easily these days.....

I have been leaving out water - just next to my low waall - for passing dogs. On really hot days, I put ice in it as well..... For weeks, it has been fine - and I know there is one particular dog who has come to expect it (his elderly owner sometimes has a break, sitting on the wall....).
It is just something I like to do.
I used a standard dog bowl from the start but a few days ago, "upgraded" to a pottery mixing bowl in the shape of a heart. This meant I could put more water out, and it didn't get empited by the first one to take a drink. (The bowl wasn't precious.)
A group of children who have been known to both converse with, and taunt, me have reappeared after a trip away - although I am not accusing (hmmm) - and now the bowl has been tipped over and disappeared.
I know I am being pathetic, but am really sad (although dare not be, even if I knew for sure the kids had done it). I think I just need to have a bit of a rant.

Yes, I know it's trivial - and I do have a bit of "a life" (although cannot read the thread that is titiled "Life worth living?") - but as a person who does appreciate the smaller things in life, the downside is that smaller things can be upsetting too.

OP posts:
Kanaloa · 14/08/2021 21:15

That’s a bit mean, especially as you were doing a good deed, but I think it’s best not to leave nicer items outside.

Why have a group of kids been ‘taunting’ an adult? Speak to their parents and put a stop to it.

OverByYer · 14/08/2021 21:15

That’s mean.

Nsky · 14/08/2021 21:18

Get a large used ice cream container next time, won’t get nicked

Original poster
DumbestBlonde · 14/08/2021 21:20

@Kanaloa

That’s a bit mean, especially as you were doing a good deed, but I think it’s best not to leave nicer items outside.

Why have a group of kids been ‘taunting’ an adult? Speak to their parents and put a stop to it.

It is kind of linked to my neighbour _ who I have written about previously. They are just incredibly cheeky with no boundaries or discipline. A man over the road gets a lot from them - including false allegations.

I fell into the "familiarity breeds contempt" trap before I knew what was happening.

OP posts:
PheasantsNest · 14/08/2021 21:22

That's really mean. Just to note you should never put ice in the water. It can make their body temperature rise to compensate for the coldness.

Original poster
DumbestBlonde · 14/08/2021 21:22

@Nsky

Get a large used ice cream container next time, won’t get nicked
For some reason, I thought a nice bowl would be left alone.... I feel sure they would also throw a plastic container away or into the hedge next door. I honestly shoud not have bothered, I know that.
OP posts:
RandomMess · 14/08/2021 21:24

Put a dish on your pathway the regulars will know their dogs can come in and drink from it.

Angry to your neighbours.

Invest in a ring doorbell?

Original poster
DumbestBlonde · 14/08/2021 21:24

@PheasantsNest

That's really mean. Just to note you should never put ice in the water. It can make their body temperature rise to compensate for the coldness.
Oh right - it wasn't much, and always melted so quickly - just trying to keep the water cool for longer, or at least not get too blummin' warm. I only have a litttle freezer, so there wasn't much. But I have noted your advice x
OP posts:
Original poster
DumbestBlonde · 14/08/2021 21:26

@RandomMess

Put a dish on your pathway the regulars will know their dogs can come in and drink from it.

Angry to your neighbours.

Invest in a ring doorbell?

I wish I could - but I have a small gate too - that's another story about the neighbourhood. If I say anything to ANYone (including parrents), I guarantee I would NEED a Ring doorbell. My car was intentionally damaged a couple of weeks ago but I can't prove anything.
OP posts:
Fitschkels · 14/08/2021 21:29

I haven’t got any advice but what a lovely sweet person you are. The world needs more of you. Xx

RandomMess · 14/08/2021 21:30

I think you ought to install ring doorbell discreetly anyway by the sounds of it.

Saz12 · 14/08/2021 21:33

OP, you are a great person, and there are many people who will be appreciative of that (all the dog-owning people at least!).

Don’t let the bastards get you down.

annacondom · 14/08/2021 21:36

It's very thoughtful of you. What a shame someone had to spoil it. Someone broke in and smashed the loo and basin in our local cricket club. No idea why people have to ruin things for other people. Yes to using a plastic tub.

dudsville · 14/08/2021 21:37

I'm sorry you're being badly treated by your neighbours, that's a sad situation. I always think it's lovely when people leave water out. I'm sure birds drink from it in the day too, and foxes, etc., at night. Whomever took it lacks an ethical back bone.

Farevalah · 14/08/2021 21:38

How awful op.
Understand completely where you're coming from. We bought a little solar lantern thing to go on DF's grave a while ago, it was only about £8, and when we went the following week it had gone. Some people are just low I think.

I'd use an ice cream tub or similar. Lovely idea, and keep going - good people don't get recognition, only bad people do. x

Seesawmummadaw · 14/08/2021 21:41

That’s really sad. You sound like a lovely person.

Mydogmylife · 14/08/2021 21:42

@PheasantsNest

That's really mean. Just to note you should never put ice in the water. It can make their body temperature rise to compensate for the coldness.
Actually, I think this has been debunked , and ice in water is now ok
Freddiefox · 14/08/2021 21:45

Aww that’s awful op, but so familiar these days.

If you can carry on putting water out for the man and his dog. His life is made easier by you and it outways the disgusting behaviour of your neighbours.

Cuddlyrottweiler · 14/08/2021 21:47

I think that's lovely of you and my dog would definitely appreciate it!
Use a cheap tub, if it gets taken at least it didn't cost you anything.

Papergirl1968 · 14/08/2021 21:51

My neighbours put water out in a Heroes chocolates tub and my dog drinks from it when we get back from a walk on a hot day - even though we only live next door!
It’s a very kind thing to do and I’m sorry to hear of your neighbour issues.

GoodnightGrandma · 14/08/2021 21:52

It’s a lovely gesture, but I don’t let my dog drink from a communal bowl as they can catch kennel cough from them.

Takingabreakagain · 14/08/2021 21:56

You're right, it's only a problem to give ice to dogs that have heat stroke. Ice cubes or cold water to a dog of normal temperature will not do any harm

Meatshake · 14/08/2021 21:56

There's a house I pass with a metal bowl that's got a hole drilled into the rim and is attached to the fence via a chain. Could you do something like that to secure?

Bloody little ratbag kids!

Happymum12345 · 14/08/2021 21:58

Please bother-it’s people like you that make the world a better place. Thank you & I’m
sorry for what has happened.

Singinginshower · 14/08/2021 21:59

You sound lovely OP.
Don't let them get you down. If it is kids, they may grow out of it.