My neighbor's dog

[IndianInlaw]

Dog thieves of the world...UNITE!

[Verruca]

I don't think it's Dorinda's decision, frankly.  She's a child; her parents or guardians are allowed to tell her, "Your irresponsibility is making this animal suffer.  We don't think you're ready to have a dog."

I'll keep my fingers crossed that this is what happens - that girl should be locked outside in the cold with no food, water or attention for a day just so she can see what it's like.

[blue2000]

I don't think it's Dorinda's decision, frankly.  She's a child; her parents or guardians are allowed to tell her, "Your irresponsibility is making this animal suffer.  We don't think you're ready to have a dog."

Absolutely!
I think kids should be given a chance to correct their behaviour, but at fourteen she should get only ONE chance. And if the young mom is the one that has been doing the work, then Dorinda has had more chances than she deserves. There is no way her parents should have allowed her to keep the dog even this long.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that this is what happens - that girl should be locked outside in the cold with no food, water or attention for a day just so she can see what it's like.

I think losing the dog and not being allowed to get another pet or anything requiring care, is a bad enough consequence. Fourteen is an age where you really want your parents to trust you to do things, or have things. You want to be as grown-up as possible.
If she not only loses her dog, but also loses that trust, it may shock her into changing her ways.

And if not... at least the dog won't be the one suffering the consequences.

[Mikayla]

I don't think it's Dorinda's decision, frankly.  She's a child; her parents or guardians are allowed to tell her, "Your irresponsibility is making this animal suffer.  We don't think you're ready to have a dog."

Absolutely!  And Denise is not a nice young woman if she is allowing a small dog to suffer the consequences of her inability to instill responsibility in her daughter. 

OP:  I admit, I'm a frothing maniac when it comes to pet issues, but if it was me, I'd try one more attempt at gentle persuasion and then I'd get more proactive.  But I'd be as nice as possible in my gentle persuasion: 

"Denise, we need to get this resolved, because it's unfair to expect us to be Plan B for this little dog.  We're starting to bond with her, and it's getting harder and harder to return her to you.  It's not all that unusual for new parents to relinquish a dog when they find themselves overwhelmed, so I'm not judging you.  Further, it might be the best lesson for your daughter.  She'll learn about accepting responsibility and what happens when she doesn't.  Right now, even though I know it isn't intentional, you're teaching her that it's ok to ignore promises and obligations, because someone else will pick up the pieces".

[Shoo]

Denise isn't Dorinda's mother.  She's Dorinda's future SIL.  Denise and Dorinda's brother live there with the parents (Wanda and Corbin) and Dorinda.   And Denise and her fiance have a baby, too.  Six people total.

And Maggie.

Wanda and Corbin (Dorinda's parents) would have final say, I'm guessing.  Denise is disgusted with the way Dorinda neglects Maggie, and she tries to help out as much as she can, but with a new baby and all...

I'm anxiously awaiting word from next door.  My dd has her hopes up so high.  This isn't like talking about finding a puppy or adopting a dog from the shelter.  We've gotten attached, and it must be MAGGIE or we shall never have a dog.  KWIM? 

[Esther_bunny]

Dog thieves of the world...UNITE!

I second that!

(I saved a puppy from some horrible owners that lived across the alley many years ago. They would leave her outside and she'd get out of the yard or lock her in the shed, and beat her-all this during the heart of winter. She now lives with my best friend is happy as a clam!  I'm still sad about the other dog I could not save though.)

[RuneGuardian]

I don't care if it's stealing or not, the dog deserves better than her current 'owners' do for her - and I use that term loosely for those wastes of oxygen. My family and I have 'stolen' my lazy neighbor's pregnant cats to care for them until they had their kittens, then found the kittens homes and had the mothers spayed. My two sibling kitties were from one of these litters. In fact, all the pets I've ever owned were animals I picked up out of the backyard. Sorry, but if the same cat or dog shows up in your yard more than a couple times, chances are the owners are worthless scum and do not deserve to have the animals. This would be the only time I'd advocate stealing because another life depends on it.

I hope you get to keep Maggie, because she deserves some spoiling and a good home. If not, I would advise taking her in and telling the Lazy Idjits you have not seen her if they come looking. But judging by their past and current attitude, I doub't they'd even notice she was gone.

[sempronialou]

I hope you get to keep Maggie.  She sounds like a very sweet dog.  Positive thoughts are in your direction as you wait.  I have a soft spot for dogs as I have little long-haired dachshund I just adore.  They are worth the poop scooping, walking in cold weather, vet visits, etc. for their companionship and love.

I was thinking you could also tell Denise that Dorinda could come over and visit Maggie once in a while.  I would think that would be a fair compromise. 

[ButterflieRJ]

I agree with the posters who said it's up to the parents to make the decision about Maggie.  The daughter, IMO should have NO say, since she can't, obviously, be responsible enough to even let the dog back in after she goes potty.

Such a shame.

I hope that they agree to it and you get to keep Maggie.  It sounds like it will be better for everyone overall, Maggie especially.

[MineralDiva]

Shoo, you did the right thing by going over to tell them where Maggie was, and having the conversation you did.

I'm hoping that they do the right thing by Maggie, by letting you give her the loving home she deserves.

[hobish]

Shoo, you did the right thing by going over to tell them where Maggie was, and having the conversation you did.

I'm hoping that they do the right thing by Maggie, by letting you give her the loving home she deserves.

Yes.

[Suze]

I hope so too, Maggie deserves love and attention.

My take would be if the pup shows up at your door again, she would be mine, period, end of statement.


Last March I stole the neighbors cat away from them (I found her huddled by my door with her feet duct taped together)

One of my friends husband is one of the town cops.  He told me that not one of them would try to return her to the neighbor.

Neighbor has yet to ask about the cat.

[Twik]

Last March I stole the neighbors cat away from them (I found her huddled by my door with her feet duct taped together)

The mind boggles at what those people thought they were doing.

[Suze]

Last March I stole the neighbors cat away from them (I found her huddled by my door with her feet duct taped together)

The mind boggles at what those people thought they were doing.

I don't know either, but I think that they tried to throw her out with the garbage. (it was garbage day and one of their sacks had a hole in it)

She is the sweetest little calico - who decided that her name is Mert (at least that is what she keeps telling us)

 Except for the "alarm clock cat" at o-dark-thirty (anybody know how to reset them, I have looked and looked for the snooze alarm on her and can't find it, must be a factory defect.)

[ccnumber4]

Shoo -- I just found this post today.  What happened??

Am SO hoping Maggie has a new home with you today!