Expert: Robin Flynn - 6/11/2006

Question
Robin,
I just wanted to say thank you and update you on one of the questions I sent to you.
It was in reference to a neighbor who buried her dog in the front yard.
The neighbors addressed it with the homeowners association and the township and she was told that the dog had to be removed and taken to the SPCA.

The other problem, I don't know if you recall but it is the neigbhor that is a foreigner and keeps the dog out all day long in heat and then leaves it in the garage all day long.

Still working on what to do with that one.
Helping them didn't do a thing.

I guess my best bet is to call someone.
My neighbor told me that she believes that it is in writing from the association that no dog is allowed to be left out all day long here.
I'm afraid that if I have them take care of it, that the dog will be kept in the garage all day long.

I know it's not trained because when they open up the garage to take it out to the backyard there is doggie dodo all over the garage floor.

Last week they had a cable guy out to install a dish for their television.  He had to do it in the backyard and they wouldn't bring the dog in the house, so we brought it over to our house.
While the dog was in the house, and this was just for the first five or ten minutes is pooped in the house and went pee on my carpets.

I felt so bad.
I live in Jamison, PA by the way.
The dog is a Husky. Doesn't the heat really bother those type dogs?

As you probably can tell this is bothering me.
My son called me at work the other day because we had a bad storm and it was thundering and lightning, and he was going to go over and take the dog to our house, but when they realized it, they brought him in.
They see us going out and checking on him. They don't come out of their house but they peek out though the windows.  

Answer
Hi Debbie,

HI,

After doing a little research, I found this site: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com Ironically, their home is in PA. They have many reps that you may want to call to find out specifically what you can do to help this dog (see list below). And, they may be able to help you approach your homeowners association. I am going to ask some groups if they have had any luck with changing by-laws and what they did to approach the subject.  I believe these reps will have information that can help you, although sometimes reps  volunteer time but don’t always have the answers. If you find this don’t be discouraged because I will continue to help and I bet one of the people on this list has encountered this situation before. And if all else fails the National Rep will definetly have some answers for you.

National Rep: Kris Taylor at ddbrepcoord@dogsdeservebetter.org.

Pennsylvania

Altoona, Pennsylvania
Tammy Grimes 814.941.7447 e-mail info@dogsdeservebetter.org

Berwick, Pennsylvania
Kimberly Obert 570.542.5775 e-mail obert@epix.net

Birdsboro, Pennsylvania
Karen Foehl 610.416.5580 e-mail karenfoehl@yahoo.com

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Bob Goodman 717.487.2521 e-mail goodman@superpa.net

East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Tamara Marinaro 570.242.0055 e-mail tamilynn1280@aol.com

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Christine Ameduri 717.372.7357 e-mail leolionboy2003@yahoo.com

Smethport, Pennsylvania
Cintra Johnson 814.887.2118 e-mail julia@pennwoods.net

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania (Pocono Mountains)
Kathleen Slagle 570.476.5970 e-mail kslagle11@email.com

Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
Sharon Dalrymple 610.724.1367 e-mail sndmd@hotmail.com

Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
Bobbie & Terry McIntyre 717.762.0658 e-mail loddx@comcast.net

Weatherly, Pennsylvania
AnnMarie Zubris 570.956.6799 e-mail annie18216@hotmail.com

I know you said that approaching your neighbors may not be an option but maybe if one of the reps from the list above is willing to go with you it may be an easier situation. Below are some tips for approaching them. I know its hard to deal with people that “ don’t get it” but until there are laws in place that can help us in our fight we have to do whatever is possible to the animals. I know I fight for animals everyday and sometimes it is extremely frustrating . But the good news is there are many people like us who don’t just sit by and watch it happen. I read so many success stories about animals that were helped and it always keeps me going.
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/Talking.htm

This site has so many great tips, 2 goals to keep in mind.
1.Educate the owner so that he will think of the dog in a new light; as a living creature who needs love and attention and care. Hopefully, he will learn how to treat dogs better in the future.

2.Helping the dog a little is better than doing nothing at all. You may not be able to convince the owner to relinquish the dog. You may not be able to convince the owner to put up a fence. Even if all you can do is get a decent doghouse, a well-fitting collar, and some toys for the dog, that is a success and the dog’s life has been improved.

This link will provide you with information on why their approach is not best for a “Guard Dog”. This information may also be useful when approaching your homeowners committee if you choose to do so.
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/GuardDog.htm

http://www.helpinganimals.com/f-chainingOped1.asp

It may be that your neighbors never find the respect that their dog deserves but by educating them and letting them know you are watching, it may just push them to treat their dog better. If you have other dog lovers in the neighborhood you may want to approach them and ask if they have encountered this type of situation. It might just get the ball rolling and help push the appropriate change in your neighborhood.

I think I have loaded you down with a lot of information which I hope is helpful because I cant stand thinking that poor dog is by himself all day and all night. I know how hard it is to just watch it happen and feel helpless. We will do something and I hope the outcome is positive for everyone.

For the Animals,

Robin