Girl Seeks Advice On Dealing With Neglectful Neighbors And Their Pet

"This person has a history of serial adopting dogs."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• February 2, 2024

Pet neglect is a big problem. It means not giving them enough food, exercise, or love. This is a sad thing because having a pet means you have to look after them like they're part of your family.

OP has known this friend since childhood, and they recently became her neighbors. They both live in the Midwest, where the current temperature is a bone-chilling 20 degrees Fahrenheit, with the first snowfall occurring yesterday. It's become a winter wasteland in their area.

With the cold weather creeping in, OP has become increasingly concerned about her friend's dog, which is left outside for extended periods, often 12+ hours a day. This dog is ill-suited for winter, weighing only about 8lbs soaking wet, and OP has witnessed it getting wet in the rain due to her neighbor's negligence.

The poor dog is outside again, crying whenever it spots OP. OP's friend has a history of serially adopting dogs, only to abandon them upon finding the slightest flaw.

OP acquired a cat from her friend through this process. She is torn about what to do.

She has contemplated taking the dog and placing it in a more caring home but worries that her neighbor might simply acquire another pet. She doesn't want any more animals to suffer.

The dilemma leaves OP with the question: should she involve the police and hope her friend gets charged with animal cruelty?

Her primary concern is the welfare of the animals, but she also fears losing her friend and worries about the potential consequences if her friend were to discover her actions.

OP needs Reddit advice about her childhood friend who just became OP's neighbor in the Midwest, actually OP is worried about his dog's well-being.

The neighbor leaves their small dog outside for long hours, even in bad weather, and it cries when it sees OP.

Her neighbors adopt dogs but quickly gives them away if they find any flaws.

OP is concerned about animal suffering and is considering involving the police, but she is in fears about a friend's reaction.

OP should report them, it could lead to trouble for them, and the dog might be taken away if the issue isn't resolved, potentially finding a better home.

It's important for OP not to be concerned about losing a friend, as associating with someone who mistreats a dog is not desirable.

Repeated neglect could lead to them losing pet privileges.

OP could start by talking to the owner and expressing her concern about the pet's well-being.

If she doesn't change her behavior, OP should consider ending her friendship and reporting the mistreatment.

OP could bring the dog into her house.

OP can report it anonymously.

OP could take the dog to the front door and warn the owner that if the dog isn't let inside, they will call Animal Control due to the dangerous weather conditions.

OP could take the dog to the friend's front door and warn them that if the dog isn't brought inside during the harsh weather, she'll call Animal Control. Another option is for OP to bring the dog into her own home temporarily, giving it a safe place to stay.

But if the friend doesn't change their ways, OP should think about ending the friendship and reporting the mistreatment more officially. This means telling the authorities about it, which could lead to the friend losing their right to have pets.

Most importantly, OP should remember that it's more important to protect the dog than to keep a friend who mistreats animals. Reporting the friend's actions might cause them trouble, but it could also help the dog find a better home where it's taken care of properly.

Damjan