Ok ladies, I am going to really try and condense. Several months back we got new neighbors that live directly behind us. They moved in with a german shepherd puppy that was about 3 months old and just beyond adorable. The fence between our two houses is in bad repair and on our to do list but not a priority as we don't have an animal and needed to redo our floors etc. Plus any animal at our house would be an inside animal anyway. They are renters and got the owners to fix a few boards but the fence is worn out and the dog managed to break a couple boards and my children starting petting him daily. And this boy is the sweetest dog really. At first I didn't allow it bc it isn't our dog and I didn't want them to get attached but the people don't interact with him. They put him in their back yard, don't repair the fence and from what we can tell just feed him and scoop his poop every few days. I have never seen them walk him or play with him. We homeschool so we are here most days and my boys are in the back a lot especially because they love the dog. I was pleased that one of them that was afraid of dogs no longer is as well. And I was hesitant but my he is so good with them. Yesterday we were out there and my 3 yr old raised his tennis shoed foot up over the dog's head and I went to grab him but the puppy just looked up and licked his little shoe. I have seen my 3 yr old be too, rough, which of course I put a stop too right away, but the dog just gives him a lick and doesn't react. The thing is that the boy is growing he is 6 months now and BIG! Yesterday he went to take his head out of the fence and cried out bc it was hard to get his huge head out! so I blocked the fence in the two places there are broken boards and I am going to get new boards today bc I don't want him to get hurt! BUT my boys are so sad. And the dog just whined and cried. My boys still played with him thru the fence having him run the length of the fence with them over and over and telling him to sit etc, but they can't touch him. SO, I was thinking of asking them if they might consider selling him. I figure all they can say is no. Maybe they got a dog and didn't know what it would really be like and they are overwhelmed? They have a young toddler and are young themselves. But, maybe they just want a guard dog in their backyard, although I think he might just lick and assailant to death...... What would you do? I love Germans and I will train him and deal with the mess, bc he is just that great of a pooch but I feel kind of funny asking my neighbors for their dog..... :/
Do you ever see them? Maybe start by saying how much your kids love the dog, and they are asking for him constantly. Get a feel for how they feel about the dog. If they seem like they aren't that into him - then you could say something like 'if you ever decide to change your mind about owning him - we would love to take him.' See how that goes over. If they seem open to it, then you could push a little harder
It can't hurt to ask, just don't mention that you feel they don't have time for him. If you sound judgmental at all of how they are caring for him they might get defensive.
I would ask them - nothing to lose, right?!
And if they won't give him or sell him to you, maybe they'll let him play in your yard during the day.
He sounds like a true shepherd with a sweet spirit.
Another approach might be to suggest that you put a gate in between the two yards (assuming both yards are otherwise contained). If the dog is in their back yard, and your boys want to play with it, they can open the gate and access the dog. When they are "done" you just put the dog back onto their side.
Best,
F. B.
I would try to get to know them, be friendly etc. Then I'd ask after you get an idea for their situation. Maybe say, "Just wanted to meet you. My kids really enjoy petting your dog through the fence". See what they say. Are they gushing about how adorable he is or do they act like he's a burden? Then take your cue from the response. Let us know what happens! Good luck, I'm an animal lover and it sounds like you guys would be a great home for him.
Thoughtful responses so far. One more idea that occurs to me if the dog remains with the current owners:
How about creating a bigger opening in the fence (with neighbors' agreement) so the dog can have the run of your yard, too? I've seen a number of stories about neighbors who put gates in their back fences so kids have a safe, off-road way to visit/play.
Well, they either will be offended or they will go for the idea. It's all how you word it.
I would go over and just say how much your kids love the dog, enjoying playing with him, maybe talk about the fence (definitely have to board that up), and see what their position is regarding the dog.
If they hint that it's more work than the expected, then that would be an opportunity to make the suggestion. But if they say how much they love the dog, etc. I wouldn't.
My mother inherited my sister's dog. My mom took wonderful care of the pup, but it was more active a breed than she would have looked for at her age. A lady saw my mom walk the dog every day and absolutely loved it. Came out every day just to pet it. So my mom asked if she would be interested in having her - worked out very well.
So it's all how you word it. You just don't want to put them off (by insinuating they aren't caring for it enough).
Might as well ask :) Good luck!
aw, how sweet that your boys are so in love with this nice young dog, and that you're considering asking for him to be yours!
they'll probably say no. make noises about how much they 'love' their neglected puppy bwak bwak bwak. so many people who get dogs should not ever, ever be pet owners.
but i think you should ask. on the off chance they're savvy enough to realize that a) their dog is neglected and b) that they're irresponsible pet owners because they both neglect AND fail to keep their dog contained and c) recognize what a marvelous life-changing opportunity it would be for this poor pup to get a forever family, it will be a hallmark-movie worthy event.
if they refuse, then you should nicely and courteously remind them that the fence is in poor repair, and if they don't want your kids to play with the dog full-time, they need to fix it.
if they don't, i'd let the landlord know. not in retaliation, but because it's just too cruel for this dog to keep wanting desperately to come over where he's loved, and for your kids to long for him daily.
i sure hope you SWH that you have a new family member!
khairete
S.
It can't hurt to ask. The worst they can say is no.
I think the gate in the fence or bigger opening is an easy solution. Over time maybe the dog will be with you guys so much it becomes natural to take over. Or maybe you we find daily care is too much. really seems in this day and age of such busy people that kind of sharing a dog ensures he gets the most attention. So you could just go to their house and introduce yourselves and say how much the kids adore the dog. Could you make a doggie door in the fence so the dog can come play easily. Our dog gets a lot of attention already but I'm thrilled when a neighbor asks if they can walk him sometimes bc they don't have their own dog. You could later offer to walk the dog too if you want. Rare for someone to turn that down!
I say go for it! they might actually think its a relief to get rid of the dog since it doesn't sound like they are too attached to the poor thing. definitely don't sound judgemental about how they care for the dog but mention how your boys have gotten so fond of the dog and you were wondering if they would be willing to sell it. if they say no, then ask if they would mind letting the dog come over to play in your yard (bigger gate between your two yards as others suggested) and you can help take care of the dog (walking, etc.). Good luck! I feel so bad for the kids and the dog! I really hope it works out~
