This is exactly what I would do. By offering to help, or even have it fixed if possible, you're not causing your neighbor any further problems and I'm sure it would be very much appreciated.

I'm just about certain he isn't aware of how the dog is suffering too. And, possibly has even noticed the missing slat.

I agree.

good luck <3

I would try to talk to him too and you don't have to do it in a mean or confrontational way. Maybe you could offer to help in some way? My heart really goes out to that family and I just would never be able to call the police or animal control and actually, the dog never did get out so maybe he is not as bad as he sounds but I can understand being afraid - I am thinking of gettting pepper spray too.

I'd contact the owner and tell him what happened. Not a bad idea to file a police report, though. HOW SCARY!

My former next door neighbors had an australian sheep dog and a brendyl colored female pit. The day they brought her home I went over to play with the new puppy. Because she had a coloring I had never seen before I was unaware that she was a pit until I asked (still playing with her) "What kind of dog is this?"

When they said a pit I stopped and started walking away. The neighbor said "They are all in the way you raise them, she is gentle as a lamb."

These people had a child with MD confined to a wheel chair. Knowing how capricious and unpredictable these dogs can sometimes be, I was wondering what they would do if this dog ever attacked their helpless son.

Well she grew and grew and one day....as the original poster described, she starting eating fence slats to get at my yorkie. She was through the fence and after us before I could scoop ROcky up and barely made it inside the back door. There she stood snarling and trying to break through the glass.


I called my neighbor at work and she came to get her and they had a new fence built. That is where I made my mistake, because animal control said that had they found her in my back yard they would have taken her in.

This animal finally killed the SHepard, after my witnessing many a terrible fight between the two from my second floor which over looks their back yard.

They finally got rid of her when they decided that she needed to be indoors to be watched, and she started to systematically dismantle the walls of the house.

Now I know all of them do not turn out this way, but you didn't have to live in fear next door to this particular one, I did.

I'm so sorry about your friend - what a tragedy....

I had that problem when I was in my house with my husband for a few months when my neighbors were keeping their daughters pittbull - he/she kept chewing up my (6' WOOD fence) and I was constantly boarding it up - we're talking multiple holes and pushing boards loose - when they get it into their heads to get out & it's wood - they WILL

in your case - talk to the family - not only for the loss of the mom but also mention their dog is an 'attack waiting to happen' - if they can get a hole big enough to see thru - they can make one to escape through - I'm surprised the dog didn't already get out.......I'd have been scared too -

we were charged by one a few months ago in my new apartment - lucky for us - the dog wasn't in attack mode - but it was a close call -

Oh, I\'m so sorry. My sister lives in the Dallas area and I remember hearing about that happening. So sad to know it\'s a YTer\'s friend. I do feel for that family.

As for the dog, I do hope you are able to talk to the husband and get somewhere with him before taking it to the authorities. He needs to think of his children\'s safety also. Good luck.

Oh, I\'m so sorry. I remember reading about that in news paper. It is really sad to know it\'s a YTer\'s friend. How awful for the family and for you.

I agree with everyone else, talk to the husband frist. Maybe he just might really appreciate you warning him about what is going on with the pit. Hugs