Need suggestions Neighbors threaten to call animal control
 

First I want to say I'm a good pet owner. I just moved into a new neighborhood.
The people here are nosey bodies with nothing more to do than gossip. I live in a gated community the gate guy tonight told me he had a note for me. Note said if I don't take care of my dog she will be forced to call animal control. Same note was on my door.
I rescued my current dog cooper 4 years ago. He was two years old at the time. He is my third yorkie. Cooper was a stud dog that didnt perform lived in a cage for two years, had 14 baby teeth not fixed and chronic eye infections when I got him. Not to mention never was touched by people and two pounds underweight. With much care and time cooper has honestly turned into the best dog. He has had three stokes, I have gotten him the best care possible.
His eye issue stem from an autoimmune disease. He is on drops that have just seemed to stop working. I have been to the eye specialist 3x in the last few weeks. His eye is closed almost all the time but I'm doing everything the drs told me. He is a little wobbly from the stokes has a slight head tilt. Dr said its normal for what he has been thru. I know if animal control did show up at my house they would see he is more than taken care of. I just don't know what to do with the nosey neighbors that don't seem to know any better.
I could never imagine going up to a total strangers home leave a note with zero info. Any suggestions would be helpful

I think my first reaction would be irritation too, but after thinking about it, the neighbor that wrote that note is just concerned about your little ones welfare. They just don't have all the information to come to the correct conclussion (that you are doing all that is possible to take care of Cooper) This is probably a good time to meet your neighbor who obviously cares about animals enough to get involved and explain the situation as you have here. Bless you for doing all you can for this little one.

The note was anonymous. If she was really concerned she could have knocked on my door and gotten her facts correct first, not leave a threatening note with no contact info on my door and at the gate. If I had concern for a pet I would try to see what was being done before I left that kind of message.

how many neighbors are we talking about in this community?

Maybe the gate guy can deliver a note back to the neighbor on your behalf.

139 homes in my community could be anyone. I called the gate they guy that is in now is not sure who left it will leave a note for the day guy.
I'm not sure what I would say to her anyway.

People don't always handle things the way would like them to. You can either be defensive and mad at your neighbor or maybe make a friend in your new neighborhood. You asked for suggestions and I gave you mine. Sorry but that's the way I would handle it. Reguardless, hope things turn out well for you and little Cooper.

OMG I would be so mad. I would put a big sign in my yard that say's If you want to know about my dog's medical problems, please come talk with me.

I just don't understand why they think he is being mistreated??

This is so very sad.

:thumbup:

I was going to say, what do you think the cause of the note was? Clearly your guy presents himself to be in relatively poor condition (which you are managing but whoever wrote that note doesn't know that) but was that the cause of her note? Cause if she saw your dog (who can't barely open his eyes) outside it was probably under your supervision such as an outdoor play session or a walk (which clearly displays care). Is your dog barky? Perhaps was that the cause of the note? Are your curtains drawn? Are you gone for extended periods of time (ya know employed or something crazy like that ;) ) searching through your mind of anything that might appear innapropriate to an outsider what do you think could be the cause of this negative note?

I like the sign idea. ;) Cooper is honestly a very happy dog, he never met a stranger. As sick as he is and uncomfortable he is still a happy dog. I was telling my vet last week he is the first pet I ever had that walked into the vet with his tail going a mile a minute. Cooper gets cold pretty easy, he has a wardrobe more extensive than my own. Cooper is small but very long all his clothes are custom made. He also needs to wear sunglasses outside often. Do these people think I dress him up put glasses on him and don't take him to the vet when he needs it. I guess I'm really in shock that someone would do such a thing.

why do they think he is being mistreated? I would make a flyer with your pups picture on it....

Hi my name is Cooper, I'm a very special dog, I lived .....explain his circumstances.....and then one day my "Mom" rescued me from all of that...But I have many problems because of the life I lived...I am blank years old....I live in apt#2 if you would like to be my friend please come visit we would love to meet you.

I know some of you are concerned (my mom got your note) but I am well cared for by my MOM and my Dr. Name at ABC Animal Hospital.

Thank you for taking time to read about me, I hope we meet one day soon!

I got the coffee you bring the treats!!!

Signed Cooper and Coopers Mom

Hang it on the gatehouse, common house etc....bulletin board. Notify your landlord of the note at once and also keep a copy of a letter from your vet about your pup being well cared for....

People can sometimes stink...

Cooper hardly barks, blinds are open but I live at the end of a cul de sac so not sure anyone looking in my windows. I am a Neuro radiologist I work from home so I'm home with him most of the time. I take cooper on about 6 walks a day not long walks but often. His one eye has been mostly closed for a few weeks now. He does wobble and sometimes falls over when I take him for a walk but he always gets up looks around and moves on, nothing horrible to watch. I keep to myself and don't really bother anyone. I spend the weekends at my beach house cooper goes with me, the neighbors I do know are friendly. The people we meet on our walks all know cooper. A few had asked where we were when cooper was in the hospital for a few days each time he had another stroke. Nobody has asked about his eye on our walks. I would happily explain but I feel leaving a threatening note was wrong.

Harper Valley PTA comes to my mind. Remember that song and the story behind it? You dont have all the issues to tick off a list like she did in that song with nosey neighbors/people, but you got a note, from a nosey neighbor, who has NO idea of what is going on with Cooper, followed by a threat to contact Animal Control.

You are in a gated community. We have a club house where all the people that live in this community can gather....there are different activities every night, this is where this area votes, this is where our HOA has meeting, etc. There is a bulletin board where announcements are displayed.

Because this particular person has gotten so involved in your business, I have no doubt she is discussing it with other busy bodies. I do not like responding to people that I owe no explanation to. However, since this involved a threat, in this case, I would compose a pointed letter, openly and PROMINENTLY addressed to this particular person. I would attach her note to you, and point out that "since this was left on your door as well as with the gateman, you are certain it is a topic of discussion for some, and you want to respond as succinctly and directly as possibly". I would point out that while this "concerned" person never bothered to engage you in a conversation about your little rescue dog, you wanted to "allay her fears and assumptions about your pups treatment". I would not go into explicit detail because you do not owe her that. I would say "he was a terribly abused rescue pup, who has multiple complicated health issues which require continual vet treatments, including extensive treatments from specialists for some of his health problems. His medical bills are staggering, and this care is my primary concern and is met without hesitation. Considering YOUR concern, Mrs. *&^%$#@@, for my pups welfare, feel free to contribute to any of his vet bills, but I must warn you, they are frequent, they are quite large, and there are several different vets involved. Because of your concern, I am sure I can count on YOUR financial support if it reaches a point in time that I can not make payments for his care."

If they wont allow you to address the note you received in this manner, I would do it in front of the next HOA meeting....I would give the same pointed information, in front of the HOA meeting, calling that lady out by name.

I guess the lady I assume she is a lady, may genuinely be concerned for cooper. He walks around like he is drunk but not all the time and his one eye is closed. If it is open it looks bad. He is almost 7 years old, he is not in the best health but my regular vet his eye specialist,(one of the best in the country) his neurologist and the two second opinions I've gotten at top universities all feel he is not in pain and do not feel its time to put cooper down at this time.
Cooper is my third yorkie, while it pains me to think our pets don't last forever I know when its time to make that horrible choice. Cooper is not just a pet to me.

My first yorkie was amazing, but a medical nightmare. Had a liver shunt, Born cryptorchid, hernia, had two bad hips that I had replaced, two knee surgeries. All of these things I had fixed. His trachea collapsed I did all I could for him. My second yorkie shaffer had seizures, and a bad trachea. They both had the best care. I guess I just feel insulted because I honestly go above and beyond for my pets and some neighbor thinks its ok to leave a note like that.

I'm working on a letter for the gate guy to hand out. Thanks for the suggestion

I think it's weird that they would threaten to call ANIMAL CONTROL of all people. I thought animal control only assisted with stray or extremely aggressive dogs? I would be frustrated and annoyed with the person who left that note. The least that they could do was knock on your door and ask you politely, rather than just leaving an ANONYMOUS note at your door. If they didn't write their name, how are they supposed to get an answer or reply back to their question? ODD

How frustrating and hurtful, I am so sorry- it feels so icky and bad from all the way over here that you are having to feel this way. I think the public letters, both lynzy's and Judy's sounded great either style- or a blend of them depending on how you feel comfortable approaching it. Totally rude and innapropriate, cringing for you (I'm not sure their is an emoticon for grimace)

I didnt get the anaimal control either. My town doesn't have animal control. I wrote my letter put a photo of cooper on it sent it to kinkos to have 200 copies made they will be ready in an hour. I think I will put them in everyone's door tonight.

You can call animal control for a welfare check etc., when animal control/warden/humane society/spca, depending on what your local uses, they will check to make sure dog is licensed, ask for vaccination records and can even ask to see something from your vet that your pet is vetted and well cared for.

:thumbup::thumbup:

I do hope you can find out who the person is that left the note and introduce yourself and Cooper to her. She needs to know Cooper's story and what he went through before you got him and what he has gone through since then. You have taken good care of him and are trying your best to give him a good and safe life. She just needs to understand that all dogs don't get a furever home when they are born but have to wait until someone rescues them from the horrible life they had. Bless you for caring for Cooper and I hope the person will understand.

does your community have a face book page, if so post an open letter there. "To the concerned neighbor that assumes my dog is not being properly cared for let me introduce you to my pup and his story...................yada yada". If not then a sign in some type of general location and perhaps a copy of the open letter to the guard gate attendant. But quite honesty you don't have to do anything, if they should call animal control then you can explain and they will let the person know, you owe this mystery neighbor nothing, but I can understand how upsetting this can be

I am sorry this happened to you. Do you have a homeowners association that sends out email or printed notices? You could write a little explanation of your baby's medical challenges and include his photo. Assure people (who obviously jump to conclusions) that he has great medical care.

I'm sure the neighbor meant well for your pup, but he/she obviously jumped to conclusions. She should have tried talking to you to learn more.

I am mad and hurt like if this happened to me. I like Lynzy's idea of an open intro letter from Cooper to the community. It sucks that you have to explain yourself to anyone at all. What I feel is more hurtful is the fact that this person made such big threats while hiding behind a sheet of paper. If they were so concerned, why couldn't they walk up to you, say hi, and offer words of wisdom or inquire about Cooper's well being for themselves?

Did the note specify your dogs illness or maybe they are barking a lot when you leave. Just wondering. I have a sinle girl nexxt door whos dog barks all day and night. She leaves the dog all night to go take care of her boydriends dog. Dumb. But i was wondering
W

LOL this is awesome! You will need to update after your flyer gets out to all your neighbors. Can't wait to hear their response. :rolleyes:

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.

Nicely don., I do hope everything settles down to normal with the neighbor(s) soon.

Thank you for loving and caring for Cooper. You are truly an angel and I know he appreciates it.

Best wishes for you and Cooper!

Okay, several things come to mind as I read through this post:
1. Anonymous could have had his/her heart in the right place about your dog being cared for--but afraid to approach you directly. I agree this is a chicken way to handle the concern, but let's give this person the benefit of the doubt about the concern for Cooper.
2. Your note is very good, and I think gives everyone the information they need---you may find your neighbors reaching out to you and Cooper now that they know his heartbreaking story.
3. The treatment Cooper received before you rescued him makes me furious, and I keep thinking THIS is the kind of treatment dogs in puppy mills get....and these are the kinds of dogs that are parenting those "bargain" puppies people get. Poor guy, if he could have gotten it up he'd still be in that cage.
My 2 cents.

Great idea on the note :)! My best to you and your little Cooper man.