I hope I did the right thing...

[one_voice]

I just called the SPCA on my neighbors. They have a little basset hound (not a year old) that they leave tied up all day outside, regardless of the weather. He doesn't have a dog house, food or water. There's no shade in their backyard and with the warm weather coming that's worrisome.

They had a tea cup chihuahua that the husband flung against the wall and killed. I know he's hit his wife before, because she's come here to use the phone after.

I try and let people be, live and let live. But I hate seeing that poor dog left outside all day long. It's wrong.

Was I wrong to call? Should I have minded my own business?

[ohiosmith]

1. Did the right thing. You may want to consider reporting the domestic violence.

[Kali]

3. agree

a human in danger needs protection too

[RT Atlanta]

2. agree with the first comment

you did the right thing for the dog...

please do something for the spouse too as those situations can be life threatening and she may not know any way out - please consider reporting the domestic abuse too (like today).

[one_voice]

5. I will talk to my brother...

a recently retired cop, to find out the best way to get attention on the situation. You're right of course, her safety is important too. She told me her husband has "anger issues"(her words) after he killed the dog.

The time she came to my house to use the phone (I think he takes her car keys and phone when they fight, so she's stuck) she was crying and had a bruise on her chin. I heard her talk to her daughter and she said "he went crazy on my this morning". I asked if she needed/wanted to stay at my house until her daughter came, she declined. I told her to stay with her daughter for a while. She was back home that evening.

[AngryOldDem]

4. You did the right thing.

You have to be that little dog's voice, especially with the apparent violent history of that family.

[ceile]

6. You so did the right thing.

Do not even think twice about it. Although, I probably would have called as soon as I saw another dog on the property after knowing what happened to the first...I hope the pup gets rescued and the woman has the courage to leave.

[driver8]

7. I would have done the same thing...

But I probably would have "stolen" the Basset Hound, first!

We have had a similar experience with a neighbor. They left their dog outside with no water and shelter. I gave them a crate that I wasn't using for their pup and I tried to make sure the poor little guy always had water. One day I came home and the dog was gone. I hate to think of what happened to him.

[RedCloud]

8. According to my neighbor's cat, you did the wrong thing.

[nolabear]

9. You SO did the right thing. And I hope the wife finds a way to be helped as well as her dog.

[hamsterjill]

10. The only thing you could have done!

It's a hard thing, isn't it? But you have to be the advocate for the dog.

And I'm not trying to guilt you or anything here - just wondering if the SPCA is no kill??? In my own neck of the woods (Texas) we don't really have an SPCA that is active. We have only the city animal countrol, and we don't dare call them.

I do understand that in most parts of the country, the SPCA actually does a good job, so your situation is most likely much better than our area.

I will hope for a loving home for the dog, and some peace and comfort for you!

[one_voice]

12. No they're not a no kill...

BUT there are animals that have been there 2+ years. If they take him I think he'll have a good shot at adoption, he's so cute and still a puppy. He's the nicest dog. I'd take him, but I already have 2 beasts and I took in a cat a couple months ago. I don't think I could afford another dog. I've had some pretty big vet bills the last couple months because of surgery and an ongoing problem with one of my dogs. Don't think it's going to get better any time soon.

I could always look into calling rescues and see if they could get him from the SPCA, a lot of rescues will do that.

[hamsterjill]

15. I hear you. I believe you did the right thing.

We all have our limits, and we are smart to understand those limits. From what you describe, it does indeed sound like he has a good chance of adoption.

[RebelOne]

11. You did the right thing. I have done the same.

I have a next-door neighbor who tied her dog out 24/7. Didn't matter whether the weather was 100 degrees or freezing. One day, it was storming and the thunder and lighting had the poor little dog terrified. I banged on her door and told her to take the dog in, which she did. Then on another day, the weather was freezing and I was cold outside in a parka, so I know that poor dog was cold. I again banged on her door and she took him in. Once, she went out of town and asked me to watch out for him. Well, it was cold, so I bought him a sweater and I never again saw her put it on him. Finally, I just could not take it any longer. She was not home and it was 30 degrees and the doggy was tied outside, and I knew he was freezing. So, I called animal control and the animal control officer came out and cited her. After that, the dog was always inside, but in a cage. At least he was not out in the searing heat, thunderstorms or freezing cold. Our county has a law that dogs cannot be tied out for more than 1 hour at a time, but she ignored it.

[Brickbat]

13. While you're at it call the cops on the abuser, too.

[LaurenG]

14. I'm glad you called, they shouldn't own pets.

Poor dog. I hope they come and get it soon.

[meegbear]

16. You would have been wrong if you didn't

[davsand]

17. I saw the guy next door beating his dog and I called in a complaint.

They came and took the dog and then the guy came to my door and told me he was gonna beat the shit outta me for calling in an animal abuse complaint. I asked him if he was planning to use a chain on me like he did the dog...

I then explained to him that UNLIKE that poor little dog, I tend to bite back, and he maybe should think again before he came back to my door.

He moved shortly after that.

You did do the right thing, one_voice. We are gifted with the love of animals, and we simply cannot allow the brutes of this world to abuse that.


:hug:



Laura