Advice needed as soon as possible
By MsTickle
@MsTickle (25180)
Australia
November 22, 2007 8:31pm CST
I recently rescued a mother dog and two puppies. One of my neighbours wants a puppy. In the two years I've been here they have had at least 8 dogs. They have abused them, neglected them sent them to the pound, one was taken out and shot another was given back to the people they got it from. They receive no medical aid when required, are not registered or microchipped. They often go away over night leaving their dog/s without food or water and without asking anyone to look after them. My friend who lives next door to them goes in and feeds and cares for their animals. The dog they have now remains tied up amongst it's own poo. They have been reported and nothing has happened.
I must say no to this girl, who has a 14 month old and is pregnant with another baby. Puppies need lots of time, attention and training and they simply won't do it.
These people are a bit rough round the edges and intimidate me a bit .....and I have to live here.
What am I going to say to her when she comes to ask me for a puppy? I have to say no but I have to do it in a way not to offend her.
Please help me with suggestions as to what to say to her...I will lie if necessary to protect my own animals, my self and these poor little mites I'm caring for.
10 people like this
30 responses
@kareng (59055)
• United States
24 Nov 07
I would do just that, tell her they have already been spoken for and you will let her know if the deal falls through. That should give you plenty of time for find good homes for them. I agree with you, she has no business having animals. Good luck!
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
23 Nov 07
I'm sorry hun, I can't be of much help here. I have a soft spot in my heart for little puppies and I would be tempted to just say, "I'm sorry but given your lifestyle I just don't think it would be a wise move for either you or the puppy because you have your hands full now and this puppy requires a lot of tender lovin' care. If she never spoke to you again that would likely be a bonus because otherwise she's probably ask you to babysit. Good luck my friend!!!
3 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
23 Nov 07
While I could say that to someone rational, sensible and balanced, this person would react violently to being slapped in the face with the truth. She's caused me lots of grief once before and I don't like that sort of thing. I prefer a peaceful existence. She knows better than to ask me to babysit. I would happily have nothing to do with her but in a small village, I think it best if people at least try to get along, even if it's only on the surface.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
23 Nov 07
Oh I'm sorry I didn't realize you were dealing with a nut case. I never think a lie is the best approach but to save your own skin I'd agree you're best to just say what you have to say.
@lizabeth (666)
• United States
23 Nov 07
Well if they don't take care of the animals they have I definitely would not give them a puppy. If you don't want to tell her the truth that you don't think she takes care of her animals just tell her the puppies are already promised out to others. Just tell her you are holding on to them until the owners get all the supplies they will need for them. But please don't give them another animal to mistreat.
3 people like this
@Stephanie5 (2946)
• United States
23 Nov 07
I know exactly how you feel. Feel like your damned if you do, damned if you don't. And there isn't any easy way out of this either.
You could tell her you already have homes for them, but then if you don't and she sees them, she's going to wonder.
You could ask someone else to keep the dogs at their place until you can find homes. But, that might not be an option for you.
The easiest thing I can think of is to tell her that the dogs are sick with a desease that requires a lot of attention and big medical bills. Maybe that would deter her enough that she won't get mad.
Good Luck,
~Stephanie
2 people like this
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@Stephanie5 (2946)
• United States
23 Nov 07
You are so welcome! That is a GREAT idea! Glad I could be of some assistance! Have a great day! :-)
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
23 Nov 07
I just had a thought. You put the idea in my head. I'll tell her they have worms, and I'm treating them and if she comes back I'll tell her it will cost her for the vet's bill. I know they won't pay for a vet so I think the pups be safe.
Thanks for the idea mate.
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@dobyladysaturn (151)
• United States
23 Nov 07
Just tell her that the dogs are already promised to someone else and you couldn't go back on your word to them.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Nov 07
Yes you're going to have to lie a bit, since the only thing I can think of is to tell the woman, that the puppies have already been promised to other people--just something very short and sweet without going into any big detail
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
23 Nov 07
You've got me pegged Pye...I'm a rotten liar, I tend to babble. The thing is, she knows how much and how well I take care of my animals. She knows I don't like her. But she still expects to come over here and get one of the pups.
I don't understand people like this...why do they continue to do this? Part of me wants to put her in her place but in a way she won't be offended because she just can't keep taking in dogs and neglecting and abusing them.
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
23 Nov 07
well if ya will lie just say they are all spoken for.but it will be awhile before the people can come pick them up.
Hows that!?
lol
bu then I am sort of blunt on things like this I would pop out that they didnt need another animal that they cant and wont take care of and point to the one chained out there in its own poo.
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@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
23 Nov 07
These people could get nasty if I said that to them, much as I'd like to. They don't like to have the facts pointed out to them when they're in the wrong. My friend, their next door neighbour, is always telling them off about their animals but they take no notice.
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@kitchenwitchoftupper (2290)
• United States
23 Nov 07
A + for having the guts to bring this discussion to the formu Ms Tickle.
After what you described yesterday; and because even though I don't lie (technically); what I can't make an excuse, explanation, or reason for, I can always justify! LOL!I think all you would have to do is tell her that you have heard through the rumor mill that because you have so many animals, that someone has perhaps filed a complaint and there may be an investigation. You are certain if they investigate you, that it would extend to the people around you and you would in no way want to be responsible for her being investigated, especially since she has already been reported before (you can only say that to her if she knows that you know that of course), and due to her small child and the one on the way. You could also go a tiny step farther and say that after the investigation is completed (which it never will be because it is not going to happen), you would be more than happy to give her one; but you would also like to wait until she has had her baby because you really understand that the infant and her other child will take her full attention for awhile and you will be most delighted to keep the doggie for her until the appropriate time.~Donna
(that was way too easy for me to come up with)
1 person likes this
@vikceo (1301)
• India
23 Nov 07
hey you should not give these speechless animals to them. As per experience you know how do they cater the needs of their own animals. i have a dog in my home and i know how well mother take cares of it. it is jst like raising a boy or girls as of their own son and daughter. if they dont know how to take care they dont deserve to have a pet animal. so i say totally avoid them. i should appreciate if you tell the truth why are you not giving them so that they can learn and if you cant say no so tell any things or story.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
23 Nov 07
If I told them why I don't want them to have a pup there would be consequences. We have to remain a peaceful neighbourhood. My friend and I set a good example in the way we look after our own pets and they don't appreciate the care, love and attention required for the furry family members.
@ElicBxn (63394)
• United States
23 Nov 07
Tell her that you think that with her expecting a baby and the dog they already have not getting the attention it needs, that you think they really don't need the responsiblity of another puppy that will need a lot of attention for a while.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Nov 07
That is a sticky situation, Ms Tickle. I would go with telling her the truth: You have a baby and are expecting another, so I don't feel you would be able to give the puppy the time and attention it deserves right now. The only other option would be to lie and tell her that you are giving it to some nice people with a little child who desperately want a puppy. By no means should you subject the puppy to potential ill-treatment that it is likely to receive from these people.
1 person likes this
@diane52 (33)
• Jamaica
23 Nov 07
Telling her u already have homes for them would be a lie. On the other hand u can just tell her that u don't think at this time she can handle a puppy, because she is pregnant and she will need to spend alot of time with her new baby when it comes, do u pray? if u do just ask the Lord to give u the right words to say to this woman, He will give u the courage to face her DON'T B AFRAID I have just prayed for u Trust me the Lord will give u the courage if u just ask Him. I am praying for u. Just leave it to God
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@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
25 Nov 07
We live in a small closed community where there is not much togetherness. A lot of people here neglect their animals. The situation has taken a turn for the worst and the dogs are no longer here.
Thank you for your prayers but things have gone horribly wrong.
@teteimathews (265)
• Singapore
23 Nov 07
Dear Ms Tickle,
I feel sad to hear what you mentioned about the way your neighbor keeps their pets. I love love animals so much and I can see them suffer. If I were in your situation, I would never give the dogs to her. I would just lie to her somehow like "I will keep one of them, and the rest I already found someone to adopt them." You must be a kind hearted person that you really care for your little pets!! Cheers and all the best
1 person likes this
@dollcarole (142)
• China
23 Nov 07
OMG! I cant believe there are people like that. How can they do those things to their dogs and get away with it? Your definetly not gonna give them another puppy to abuse! Just tell them that your keeping all of them!
1 person likes this
@serndipty2 (56)
• United States
23 Nov 07
Just say you are holding it for someone else ,then take it to the pound , it will be much better off , and just maybe the pound will find it a home .. I would rather have a dog put down that to give it to someone to get treated bad ...
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@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
23 Nov 07
Yep, I would rather do that too.
I heard from the people I asked to contact the previous owners today that they are not interested in having their dog back. They were supposed to ring me...they haven't. So, I guess they are mine now. I hope I can do right by them.
You should see how all the animals are gettingon...it's just great...except for the mother dog and Banjo. Banjo stood at arms reach from her this afternoon and Jedi went berserk. Banjo was all raised fur and arched back and taking swipes at Jedi who, luckily, is on a chain.
@serndipty2 (56)
• United States
23 Nov 07
ha ha ha looks like we are all thinking the same thing ..do what ever you have to do ....
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@wisedragon (2325)
• Philippines
23 Nov 07
Yeah go ahead and lie if you have to. You know very well they're not gonna take good care of those dogs. Tell them they're for sale for $10,000! She's not rich, is she?
Seriously, I suggest you tell them that the puppies are already reserved for someone (better find one quick) or simply that you want to keep them 'cos they're so cute.
1 person likes this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
23 Nov 07
You could just say they are not ready and that you have many interested so you must be fair!
I think if it was me I would say I Wanted an inside home only with no small children..I might even mention the things that bother you about her animal care.
She doesn't have a chance of cghanging if she doesn't realize ...People learn animal care from their families when they grow up...Maybe you could enlighten her abit!
Good Luck Sweets
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@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
23 Nov 07
The parents are active good natured dogs. And it was this person who told me two weeks ago that the pups were over 2 months old when in fact they are just six weeks old this week.
They don't even seem to care that they mistreat their animals. They keep getting more.
I'm going to tell her that I'm holding them for a while, might keep them myself, and that I'm getting them vaccinated and will want an assurance that they will be registered and desexed.
My friend who lives next door to these people has a dog and I have Lucy. The dogs are always visiting and playing and neither my friend and I are too happy when another dog who is not looked after comes to play. They exchange germs and are more likely to get ticks and fleas. Our dogs are clean and mite free. They are bathed and fed proper nutritious healthy food, not road kill or left unfed for days.
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
23 Nov 07
Hi Ms Tickle! That is terrible for them to do with the dogs. I think you should just tell her that you have promised two friends already that you will give the puppies to them and they will be getting them soon. Or you can tell her that being pregnant and have a 14 month old child will not give her much time to care for a puppy. just my thoughts and good luck with this neighbor. Take care and have a nice day. :)
@roberten (3128)
• United States
23 Nov 07
Contact your local SPCA for help, they have lots of contacts that may be able to help you with your particular situation. If things get ugly, PETA; I am not a fan or agree with what they do but desperate situations require desperate measures. Your safety is most important; you are a good person, future rescuees will need your loving help and care. I wish you the best of luck and safety.
1 person likes this
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
23 Nov 07
I have to agree with many of the other answers you've gotten. Just tell the neighbors that the puppies have already been promised to other people. That is non-confrontational. Even though it does require some lying at least you know that the puppy will not be going to a home that is not good for it.
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