Really upset

[kathleen]

Apparently people round here are talking about me and word's getting around that I'm not looking after my dog properly. I'm so upset, I don't know what to do

[daffysmum]

Kathleen

Try not to pay any attention to him.

You know that you provide everything that buster needs and more.

It sounds to me that your neighbour is not a dog lover and therefore thinks that he has the right to speak to you off hand.

I have had the same problem with one of my neighbours. I eventually caught him winding the dogs up by putting his fingers through the fence and throwing things into our garden. He was somewhat embarrassed when I caught him and tackled him about his behaviour.

I spoke with environmental health and our local PC who both reassured me that our family were responsible dog owners and that our neighbour was a little on the intolerant side. I also spoke with my other neighbours who assured me that they have no problem with us.

You know in your heart that you are a good mum to buster and that he is loved and has everything he needs...... and more.

[kathleen]

Thank you. I'd be mortified to have the RSPCA come round though - he said people are thinking of reporting me. I know he just wants us out but I hate feeling intimidated in my own home, especially being accused of neglecting Buster.

[shell17]

What is the matter with people?? Why do they think it is okay to intimidate and bully folk ....just because the other person has different likes, interests or lifestyle...or ......has a fabulous dog like Buster!

Don't let him get to you...the more he sees that he is upsetting you the more he will bully you! Smoother him with kindness, be upbeat around him and smile at him always!! Easier said than done but believe you me.....it works!!!

I know it must be really hard but so what if the RSPCA come round...welcome them with open arms! You have nothing to hide or fear!! In fact go to them......go to your other neighbours, invite them round for an Xmas sherry and mince pie to meet the lovely Buster.

You have done a tremendous thing in adopting Buster and from what I've seen and heard you are clearly a great mum to him and you have a fabulous life together. Remember CDH wouldn't have let you adopt him if they didn't think you were a responsible owner!! Focus and rejoice in that!

[Becky]

Oh Kathleen, how awful for you Anybody who knows Buster can see that he is one happy pooch! Please try not to worry about it too much, it wont do you or Buster any good to be upset xx

[Biscuits_mam]

Kathleen, I've met you and Buster at the lakes and he is in great condition. You love him and offered him his very own sofa. Those who are often so quick to judge are often the ones who have no idea about animal care. Keep your chin up and ignore all threats made. They probably think a dog shouldn't be kept in a flat but we had Biscuit whilst living in a flat and many other people have pets in a flat,(I'm sure I read your in a flat) people just have no idea what you are doing and have accomplished with Buster, he's a lovely dog and an asset to you.

[kathleen]

Thanks everyone! I've calmed down a bit now - Buster had me in stitches goofing around when we came back from our walk.

I do live in a flat but it is a big one and he gets walked at least twice a day every day. I think the guy was hoping he barked during the day but I've asked people and they say they never hear him when I'm out, so he must just be looking for something to complain about (Buster barks when the guy's outside my door because we have a communal entrance but that's a good thing when I live alone!). I've actually been off work the last two days and all Buster has done between his walks is sleep anyway

[elemoy]

Keep your head held high!
I totally agree with the smother with kindness approach with these sorts as it throws them totally off guard.
Much love xx

[seonlasil]

I have a dog hating neighbour too. Take no notice, some
People are to quick to judge and have no life!
I go by the rule if you don't like our fur baby's we don't like you!!
Buster is so happy since he's been at home, his face says it all

[jakesmum]

I was really upset reading your post Kathleen. I think one of the reasons it's so hard to cope with is because an accusation like that is the absolute opposite of what you are all about, and Buster is clearly utterly loved by you. You have a whole army of people who know what you have done and how you have transformed Buster's life. Sarah sleeps for Britain when she is in the house. It's a Staffie thing, and she gets quite peeved if she is asked to shake a leg!

[lucyB]

Hi Kathleen.

I'm glad your beautiful boy Buster has cheered you up. I've been lucky enough to meet him a few times over the last few weeks. He's stunning and such a sweetheart, a massive credit to you!

Some people are just so rude, extremely ignorant and cannot see past their own point of views. Unfortunately you live next to someone like that.

Please don't feel intimidated by this person. My sister went through a similar thing with her dogs. She lives in a flat too and the cleaner would purposefully try and aggravate her dogs by bashing the door loudly to get some sort of a reaction from them while she thought the dogs were on their own. We only knew of this as my sisters's partner had a day off in the week on one occasion (the cleaner didn't realise this) and continually bashed the front door with the Hoover when she was vacuuming the communal areas. Molly and George were frightened not aggravated. My sister sort some legal advice and spoke to her neighbours. Some had pets, others didn't. Nobody had a problem with the dogs being in the building (it would be very hard to have a problem with Molly or George, I know I'm their biased aunty but they are fabulous! And so is your boy Buster).

In the wise words of Mr T, 'pity the fool'. These people don't know what they are missing out on. You couldn't ask for a better friend than Buster, Molly, George or any of the other wonderful woofers currently waiting for their forever sofas.

Instead of aggravating the dogs, they should put their energy into something worth while. They should sign up as wakey wakey walkers!

Big cwtch to you and Buster. Xxx

[heavymetalkid]

Hello Kath, Lucy's dad Andy here....what are the latest developments, have you talked to this person?

[kathleen]

Hi Andy, I haven't seen him again since but I've spoken to a man I know with a dog who has lived in this area a long time and he's confirmed the house has always been damp and that's the smell not the dog. He's had a word with the neighbours for me as well and told them not to listen to the man upstairs because he often sees me out with Buster!

[emmanewt]

Hiya Kathleen, I've just read this thread and Crikey some people just have nothing better to do with their time than to moan and whinge and upset other people. Maybe if ur lovely
Neighbour got himself a nice faithful friend from CDH he would cheer up a bit! :-) anyways YOU know you look after Buster (who was one of my all time favs and I'm so pleased he got a nice home) and you know the truth, so even if anything does come of this silly persons accusations the truth is what counts so don't lose any sleep over him. Good job it's not my neighbour complaining to me, my manners would go completely out of the window and if I lived above him I would take up tap dancing at 2 in the morning!! :-) x

[prestyl]

Oh dear another sad creton! I guess you have to feel so sorry for him not having a dog. In these sort of circumstances I try to explain that a dog, is a loving and trusted companion, is a hot water bottle, is a foot warmer, is a living creature which makes you feel happy when you smooth them, is a front door alarm, is a fire alarm, is a burglary preventive, is an exercise machine, is a device that enables you not to feel sorry for yourself and makes you disciplined because you have to look after it.

I then try to encourage them to approach and have a bit of a cwtch. If that is no help I tend to wander off having obvious great fun playing with the dogs.

If this guy keeps on upsetting you invite me and my two around for a shinindig. A German Shepherd and an American Bull Dog in full play mode can make anyone have second thoughts about most things.