Need suggestions Neighbors threaten to call animal control

[fifeandshaffer]

Hi cozy,
I agree perhaps the neighbor had concern but was totally out of line how it was handled. I agree if coop would have performed he may still be in that cage.

It's amazing to me the ability dogs have to recover and trust again.
I hope his last four years with me have erased the first two horrible years.
He still has a few quirks like he jumps in the shower to pee because of the drain like he had in in his cage. ( now he has his own bathroom to do it in)
Sometimes he uses mine ;(. He also runs in circles when he gets excited. Everyone loves this but me. It's cute but reminds me he could only go in circles in that cage. It took coop a while to learn how to be a dog and what normal should be but I'm happy to report he is living the life at my house.
I rescued him about a week after I had to put my first dog to sleep. I was devastated so was my other yorkie shaffer. We both needed another dog. I often say I'm not sure who rescued who.. Shaffer was not a good only dog, shaffer helped coop and coop helped us. Shaffer only lived about a year with cooper but he taught him everything he needed.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by fifeandshaffer

Hi cozy,
I agree perhaps the neighbor had concern but was totally out of line how it was handled. I agree if coop would have performed he may still be in that cage.

It's amazing to me the ability dogs have to recover and trust again.
I hope his last four years with me have erased the first two horrible years.
He still has a few quirks like he jumps in the shower to pee because of the drain like he had in in his cage. ( now he has his own bathroom to do it in)
Sometimes he uses mine ;(. He also runs in circles when he gets excited. Everyone loves this but me. It's cute but reminds me he could only go in circles in that cage. It took coop a while to learn how to be a dog and what normal should be but I'm happy to report he is living the life at my house.
I rescued him about a week after I had to put my first dog to sleep. I was devastated so was my other yorkie shaffer. We both needed another dog. I often say I'm not sure who rescued who.. Shaffer was not a good only dog, shaffer helped coop and coop helped us. Shaffer only lived about a year with cooper but he taught him everything he needed.

Just to play devils advocate here....I'm super sensitive to seeing animals in distress, it hurts SO much to see it in any form. So if I saw a little dog who *appeared* to be suffering somehow and I was a neighbor...I might have to wonder what's going on there, ya know? I may misread the situation, though my intentions would be pure of heart, at the end of the day. But, if it was me....I'd have gone up to you to curiously meet you and the fur kiddo first, rather than judging first. Also, if I felt compelled to write some sort of letter, I would've written that thing with every ounce of kindness and compassion I could muster...in case I was misreading the situation. And it doesn't sound like your writer was very sensitive to the fact that they could be wrong, which is too bad.

[DBlain]

I am sitting here crying after reading what you wrote, poor little Cooper, how lucky he is to have you in his life, most people including myself would probably not have taken him in, you are a saint and his saviour. While it is nice that someone is concerned about a pet the way they went about it was all wrong. You will now probably be the most well liked person in your neighborhood among those that love animals.

Please let us know what type of reaction you get from your neighbors.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by fifeandshaffer

Here is the note I put on everyone's door. My bf told me not to bother but I wanted to

To my concerned neighbor,

I am writing this letter in response to an anonymous note left for me both at the gate and taped to my front door concerning my little yorkie Cooper. The note threatened to call animal control if I did not get the proper care for Coop. Frankly I'm appalled that a total stranger would leave a note on my door about something they have no knowledge of.
I understand the neighbor may have Coopers well being in mind, however I can assure you Cooper is very well taken care of. I felt compelled to write this to all my neighbors to tell you a little about myself and Cooper since the note was anonymous. My name is xxxx xxxxxxx l live at xxx xxxxxxxx. I have lived in the area for over ten years, but recently moved into the neighborhood. I'm a Neuro radiologist at xxxx hospital. I have been employed with them for 11 years since I completed my residency and fellowship. I live alone but I have a boyfriend who is xxx xxxxxxxx who is a well respected periodontist in the area. I have no children its just me and Coop.

I've had cooper a little over four years now. He was a stud dog that didn't perform who lived in a cage for two years with little to no human contact, he didn't even have a name. He has a number tattooed on his belly. When they realized he would not be able to perform they had no use for him.

I drove 5 hours on 4th of July to rescue him from the horrible conditions he lived all his life.
He was less than 3 pounds, had an eye infection, he had two rows of teeth, 14 baby teeth never fell out but his adult teeth came in, infested with fleas, in terrible health. He was fearful of me and people in general. He was not house trained, never walked on a leash, didnt know what grass was, his nails were growing into his pads, was food aggressive because he was so underfed. He was truly a mess.
I took him home cleaned him up, fed him. I took him to the vet the following day who instructed me how to safely have him put on some weight. Did blood work gave him some meds for his eyes and the huge infection in his mouth.
Within a month or so cooper was well enough to be neutered and have the 14 baby teeth removed. His eyes infections were still an issue but l was diligent with the medicine. Several weeks later coopers eyes were still not better my regular vet suggested I go see an eye specialist, my vet called the specialist for me, cooper was seen that day. He was put on several medication that quickly fixed his issues.
Cooper has been on those drops for four years. Cooper does not make tears or saliva properly. With an autoimmune disease that cooper has its common for these medications to stop working. I have been to the eye specialist several times in the last few weeks we are working diligently on fixing his problems.
You may also notice cooper is a bit clumsy often wobbles or falls down. Cooper has also had several strokes. He is under the care of our general vet and a neurologist at the university of Pennsylvania, plus his eye specialist. I have had several second opinions about coopers health. They all conclude that cooper is not in any pain, the wobble and head tilt are normal after his strokes, may fix itself but it may not. His eye does look bad but none of his doctors feel he is at the point where l should put him to sleep. l do give him some meds to make him more comfortable to be on the safe side until we get his eye issues fixed.
Thank you for your concern about my dog but I'm doing everything I can to make him better. If you have any further concerns the gate has my phone number I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have, or to call an apologize for assuming I don't take care of my dog when I clearly do.

Love your letter, I'll bet it hits everyone's heart including the person who initially wrote the note. I suspect this person may have assumed from the eye problem that Cooper was being abused, and while that would tick me off as well, it's kind of wonderful that we have people like that who will stand up for animals even anonymously.

As far as being anonymous, some say it's a coward's way, but if you've ever spoken up, you know that if there was ever indeed abuse, those people will then abuse you. I hope this person introduces herself to you, I'll bet you two have more in common than you realize. Just want to add, God Bless you for saving that little guys life!

[lyssaw519]

Omg. I just read this and I can't believe what you have done for the little guy. There are no words to say how much of a saint you are for taking such good care of him. There are numerous people that would think of the vet bills and walk away right there. Bless you for being such a loving mom to Coop.
As for the random note, I really hope you find out who left it and are able to explain in person what a lovely dog Coop is. I think your note was excellent. I couldn't have written it better myself, and I really think you will get the response you deserve: compassion and understanding. Like I said before, I don't know many people that would put the time, effort, and money into keeping that little guy comfortable like you have. Please post once you have heard from the mystery neighbor.

[fifeandshaffer]

Not one person called today. I guess the letter worked
When I went on a walk to ifit a few people said is that cooper.

[ShowGirlLola]

Honestly I probably would have left a note like your neighbor. If you caused Cooper's symptoms or weren't getting him help you'd have to be crazy or horrible and I'd be afraid to confront you.

It's great that Cooper has you, most people couldn't handle a dog with so many special needs.

[Verbena]

Originally Posted by fifeandshaffer

Not one person called today. I guess the letter worked
When I went on a walk to ifit a few people said is that cooper.

I am glad the letter worked. . . Now everyone should come and say hello now

My heart breaks for the treatment if cooper but you taking him in and doing everything be you can to give him a better life makes him and you Rock stars !

Hugs to you both

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by fifeandshaffer

Not one person called today. I guess the letter worked
When I went on a walk to ifit a few people said is that cooper.

AWESOME! Happy ending !

[LILBIT1]

I would deliver a note to gate guy and ask him to give it to person that is concerned. Id explain everything you just did here. And ask them to please come talk to you in person is they have any other concerns. Just let them know you are doing everything for your furbaby that you can. Note to you.. If they call animal control on you oh well. Your taking care of furbaby. Let them. Then you can explain your side to animal control.

I see you did write a note. Great job! You just keep taking care of Cooper and dont worry about the haters. LOL If you know what I mean.

[LILBIT1]

Originally Posted by fifeandshaffer

Not one person called today. I guess the letter worked
When I went on a walk to ifit a few people said is that cooper.

Great ending to a worrysome story. And by the way people are judgy about kids too. :-/ Ive had my share of nasty comments/suggestions about my autistic son.

[fifeandshaffer]

I came home today today to a bag of treats and a petsmart gift card in my steps
Funny maybe the guilty party trying to say sorry

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by fifeandshaffer

I came home today today to a bag of treats and a petsmart gift card in my steps
Funny maybe the guilty party trying to say sorry

THATS what I'm talkin bout!!!! THAT is the kind of good will that SHOULD have been what that nosey neighbor did in the first place! THAT is the kind of concern that glows with sincerity, rather than threats to involve animal control into a situation she knew absolutely NOTHING about! Great!!!!!

[JstPooh]

I'm sure the person feels really bad and was saying I'm sorry the best way she/he knew how.

[KeeganRiley]

Originally Posted by fifeandshaffer

I came home today today to a bag of treats and a petsmart gift card in my steps
Funny maybe the guilty party trying to say sorry

What an amazing chain of events! You have been and are continuing to do such a fantastic job of giving Cooper the love and care he was denied. And, now, by sharing your story, you are also teaching and inspiring others who may not have known what to do to help a dog like Cooper. Clearly, at least some of your neighbors care about animals and you likely now stand out among them as the type of pet parent everyone should aspire to be.
AND, by kindly educating the neighbors, Cooper's been given a whole new circle of friends! These acts of compassion will, I have no doubt, pay dividends in ways you won't know. Children in those households will remember the story of Cooper. Even if they have no pets now, they will know what a good pet owner does and how to be one when they are older.
I just love what you've done for Cooper and for your neighbors. Thank you! Wishing you and Coop all good things.