OMG, that makes my blood boil. I don't think I would be being as civil as you are if that jerk had kicked my dog.

Where I live, that area doesn't technically belong to the homeowner, it belongs to the city or county. So I don't think this guy has any real say so about what happens to it, Erin. I mean, he can complain, but that doesn't mean a thing, he probably has no rights to it.

That said- he has to come out of his house sooner or later. And I'm sure you and Jamie will make your displeasure known to him, again, in BIG PERSON. And I would also notify the police that this man seems violent around children and pets. He CHOSE to move to a neighborhood where he will be forced to interact with *GASP* neighbors, of all things. Oh, the horror! What a jerk. To KICK a dog over this? I think there is NO excuse for that behaviour, none at all, not even if he "dislikes" it. I dislike a lot of things, but that doesn't give me the right to inflict pain and cause anxiety, period. There's no way I could find any way to condone this, none.

Poor Sami, I bet this ruined her whole day. I hope Radar isn't hurt, Erin. Maybe a trip to the vet and the bill to the neighbor would be in order?

What a glassbowl. They're everywhere!

We had a problem like this in FL- a neighbor used to let his Old English Sheepdog roam and it would crap ALL OVER our yard, it had chronic diahrrea and walked as it pooped. We ended up in court over it, he was forced to put up a fence. But we never HURT the dog, or the owner. We just scraped up what we could and delivered it back to his driveway, SPLAT. Daily. (Our dog didn't wander, we fenced our back yard so she couldn't. His did, and we didn't think we should have to fence our front yard, too, to keep his dog out, it would have been very unsightly and hard to get a permit for.)

Funny story- one day his mother came out as Woody was "making a delivery". She warbled "but I'm just here on vacation!" And SPLAT, Woody says "Have a great day!" and starts to leave. She got nasty and said "My son is a black-belt, you know!" (veiled threat to his karate prowess.) Woody turns back and smiles sweetly and says "I know" and sauntered home with his stinky shovel. lolol I think Woody was wishing the guy would take a swing at him or something, he'd have had him down on the ground in a heartbeat. (Also a black-belt, judo.) We were so happy to move away, I bet the minute we left he let dog run the neighborhood again.

I'm concerned that his anger could escalate.
What a horrid experience. This gives me chills.

Oh Erin, I'm so sorry for Radar and little Samantha.

I don't think I would let it end before I gave that guy a piece of my mind and maybe even a court summons.
I sure hate that you have a person like that in your new neighborhood.

Charlee

Jerk is too nice of a word IMO! My gosh a little girl and her dog???? I believe it is city property too. Also I think a disorderly conduct charge would fit this situation! Anytime you feel threatened, harrassed etc is grounds for disorderly conduct. (I also like the assult charge!)
Connie who loves animals and little people (always!)

I have to say, I did not call the authorities. I believe that everyone has bad days and while, I don't think he should have taken it out on my dog or my child, I think that he deserves a second chance. Radar seems fine and I made sure to check really well. I also told Samantha that she is not allowed to walk that way anymore...However, I will walk my dog whereever I want as long as I am on the public sidewalk.(Smile)

Sami seems okay with it and I did see that guy out there later and went to talk with him in a civil tone and ask him not to ever touch my animal again, but he went into his garage when I started walking down there and put his garage door down. As for any mess being left on his grass, there was none- Radar poops little turds that are easily picked up leaving no mess...but then again, that was just a retaliation remark anyway, so I will continue to ignore that poster (Smile, smile, smile)

If he mows the grass and it stinks and his shoes stink and he objects...just stay away from him. Like I said, he way overreacted..he should have called you with his objections, but he didn't. Now..if the grass isn't his and he doesn't take care of it he has nothing to say about who and what gets on it. I would still stay away from him. If you live in close proximity to someone, it is always best to get along or stay away from them if you can't.

It would not end there for me either...I would still report him. He needs to know that you will not put up with this...next time it could be one of the kids in the neighborhood. When I was younger we had a guy like this across the street from us and he hated us roller skating on his sidewalk, so to stop us he would put sand all over the sidewalk so we couldn't skate around the block and past his house...he was mean and nasty. you need to at least let the police know about him in case he does it again......what a creep!

Vikki~~

I never make retaliatory posts...I have no time for such nonsense....I was just stating my opinion on getting along with neighbors...and I get along with all of mine (smile, smile, smile)

And...it sounds to me as if you more or less did what I suggested anyway....(smile, smile, smile)

OK. Couple suggestions.

Report him. Don't give him the chance to do it again.

If you really want to make life hell for him, call the police, tell them he was attempting to kick your child, and missed and got the dog. Hey, maybe that IS what it looked like out the window to you.

That small strip of grass, by the way, likely is NOT his property. It's a utility easement, but strict ownership would depend on a property plat.

If someone kicked one of my dogs, I very likely would shoot the individual, and I am not in the least joking about that. The law gives me the right to use deadly force to protect my property from harm, and my dogs are my property.

Erin, you always manage to crack me up. Will the real post host please stand up? lololol

Your neighbor sounds like a real chicken to me. He's gonna be inside a LOT this summer, hiding from you, I can tell! How many times have you walked Radar so far, today?

I'm a firm believer in standing my ground, as you are, and I know you'll end up fine, here. HE is the one who did something wrong, and he knows it. I can hardly wait until Jamie comes home tonight. I wouldn't want to be the person that ever messes with his little Sami! Is this guy STUPID? Has he never seen Jamie in his work uniform? roflmao

I was thinking the same thing as Flamey said.

He can't be much of a MAN to kick a dog and scare a little girl!

Keep an eye on him, Erin. Write down any suspicious activity you see on him. (like running in the garage and closing the door) lol

Boy does this steam me up!!! He can be as angry as he wants but he cannot yell at children OR kick a dog!!!

There simply is no excuse for such behavior. Erin I know you will do what you think is best for your family, I'm not questioing you at all. He's just dam&&d lucky he isn't one of my neighbors!

As far as pooping and urinating on grass... hey if he doesn't want it on his property, that is fine. Even if it's the grassy strip in front of his house. If he would have asked you politely, I'm sure you would have said okay no problem. But to act like he did is just plain wrong.

Personally, I would send him a certified letter stating that should he ever behave in such a manner again, that you would prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.

If he won't answer the door (coward), then he should have to read about it.

I would also check with other neighbors to see if anything like this has happened to them. Maybe he just "lost it".... who knows? Still no excuses.

Roo Hugs!
MaryRose

I should restate... I would call the police, but since you have decieded not to do that, the letter would be the next step for me.

The more I think about it the more it ticks me off..... he should not get away with this. I agree that bullys tend to think nothing will happen to them so they continue.

Go get him Erin!

Roo Hugs!
MaryRose

Okay couple thoughts here...
1]..do the poop in a bag trick at the front porch...
2].. send him a cake fill with exlax.....
3]..Post pictures of him on the net with his face attached to the North end of a donkey walking south..
4]..Do the poop in a bag trick again....[I love that joke!]..

Call and report it to someone...That was way too much of a reaction to not report..there are too many crazy people out there...even if he had just yelled that might not have been as bad as exploding with kicking the animal...That is a scary behavior...especially since Samantha was picking it up...An oh well too bad if someone gets a little doggie do on the bottom of one's shoe once in a great while....if he ever takes a bath he is washing his face in the same water his butt is sitting in!...everything has to go sometime!...Oh and did I mention do the poop in a bag trick at his front door??? ;->

Didn't Knot's Landing take place in a cul-de-sac? I don't remember there being any episode about THIS...

LOL

d5

Hey..... I live in a cul-de-sac!! lololol

We did have a "Poop off" here at one time.... but a few well placed bags of eau-de-turd stopped the problem. There was no dog kicking or child yelling involved! That simply is pushing it waaaay too far.

Roo Hugs!
MaryRose

I am going on my 8th month in newly purchased condo.

Am planning on taping a REMINDER TO DOG OWNERS, at our community mail station, to be considerate of non-dog owners.

GS has a bicycle, here, and I keep it in my storage room, off of the living area.

LOTS of times, he's run over poop, and I have to clean it, before bringing it inside.

That person had NO RIGHT to kick your dog.

I agree-That person had NO RIGHT to kick your dog!!!! Or scare you're child like that. BTW how old is she?? In my development there is no open or common space to walk your dog. I stay on the sidewalk and clean up after her. Nobody has ever said anything to me, like others said-that grass is actually an easement, and nevertheless your DD wasn't going to just leave it there.

I've thought about this for a couple of hours. If you do nothing more, that is letting him get away with that. It is funny that he's hiding! If you don't want to call the authorities (I don't think they would do anything other than have a 'chat' to scare him which would be what I would want I think) then at least send DH over there. He may not answer the door, but it will un-nerve him if DH comes over every now and then. Your DD needs to see that this guy was wrong and you are taking some type of action. I hope she isn't now afraid in her own front yard.

Print this post out and give it to him, Erin! LOL

Have to tell this story. We went to Current River in Van Buren, MO this weekend. We took the dogs. We were going to canoe but decided not to. Anyway, Bear (the little 5lb peek-a-poo-poo barks at kids. I am trying to break him of it but it is hard. Anyway, this kid on a bicycle rides by and of course Bear runs after him and the kid stops. I told the kid he wouldn't bite the kid said "If he had bitten me I would have run over him" I just picked my dog up and walked off. I thought, if you had run over my dog your a$$ wouldn't be able to sit on that bicycle seat and I would see your folks at the Carter County Courthouse!

Charlee

Erin, Usually, I would agree with you, but this time I don't I would definetly file a report. Send in a letter or whatever. But I wouldn't let it go. I did.. and my son saw my non action... I would report it if I had it to do over. I think you should.

of course, I know you were here just venting, not wanting my opinion on reporting...

After reading ALL of this...I have to say....We were not created to be anyone's doormats....You don't have to let anyone...neighbor or not....wipe their feet on you. I wouldn't cause a big scene...but I would calmly let him know in no uncertain terms that how he handled it was wrong.

Keep a close eye on your dog...If he has any bloody stools or anything...take him to the vet and send the bill to your neighbor. Also let him know that you were watching out the window..and saw what happened. Not that it is just the word of a child.

Erin...sorry you have to live next to someone like that.

patti

If he wants to kick someone's pet, send him here--I'd like to see him kick my pet black bear! What a jerk.

Since he's too cowardly to come to the door, I too think you should call in. Somebody needs to call him on this. If he keeps running from you, he might say YOU are harrassing him. Wouldn't hurt to have a record of how it really happened.

I think I would have gone insane had somebody kicked my dog. I hope they never do so I won't find out.

What a rotten *** ** * *****. I would file charges against him, if I could. I wouldn't let anyone get by with kicking my dog...or screaming at my child.

I don't think you're going to have any more problems with this jerk....you're doing the right thing by keeping Radar away from his property, and you did try to "reason" with him. He had no right to kick your dog or to terrorize your child, though. Thank GOD I now live out in the country...I can't deal with neighbors such as these...
Janice

I certainly wouldn't stay away from him.
He would learn to stay AWAY from ME.
Nobody and I mean NOBODY would yell at my kid.
Ever.
Period.
I don't care if my big @ss dog squeezed something off big as my leg on his front porch. LEAVE MY KID ALONE!
That jerk would spend the rest of his life hiding in the house OR the garage. There is nothing better I like than to take jerks like him off at the knees. Anybody can make a little girl cry. If they want a real challenge they can try to make ME cry!

As for staying away from him?!?!?!
What makes him so goledarn special anyway?
I'd bet every square inch of the public easment in your neighborhood has dog poop on it, if you would care to get down on your hands and knees and do the sniff test.
Your kid was doing nothing wrong and if she was it would be up to you and your husband to deal with her...NOT HIM!

smile*smile*smile*smile*

Lori

what is this? the week for nutty neighbors and dog crap prolems?

mine happened this past saturday. bear is a st bernard by the way...had to copy and paste this...

Ok back to story~~Kam and I went to town,left DS and DH at home. They ride the 4 wheeler up the street and then behind our house. Anyway, DH noticed Bear out, stops put him up, shuts the gate, continues riding, Bear gets out again~~Dh shuts backgate this time. A little later, Neighbor #1 comes over and tells DH that Neighbor #2 stopped him on the way down the street, at this point I figure she is going to tell #1 that DH had the 4 wheeler in their yard to get to the fieldBut NO!!!!!~~

The stupid witch(#2) had to tell #1 that Bear got out and she watched him leave a pile of doggie doo in thier yard. Now how is that for living a boring life?? if the highlight of your day is watching a dog take a crap and then reporting it to the owners of the yard??? Give me a break. Of course #1 thought she had lost her mind and agreeed with DH and I that she was just trying to stir something up. She can't stand us and we can't stand her.

littlebit

Wow....sounds like maybe the KT get-together should be changed to meet in his front yard! Wouldn't that be a hoot?? Can you imagine the look on his face when he sees the KT @ss kickers on his front lawn to confront him?? LOL....

Vikki~~

No one has a right to scare your child or kick your dog. I would document and report him. The easy solution is to walk your dog in your own yard....even if you pick up the poop, when a dog pees it often kills the grass and that would make me angry. When I lived (briefly) in an apt...I specifically requested a downstairs unit so I could have a little patio and I swear to you that every dog in the whole complex came to the area right in front of my patio to pee and there were yellow spots everywhere and needless to say that although specifically required to...rarely were the poops actually removed by the pet owner.....I'm a dog lover but I didn't like it...I didn't kick any dogs or scare any kids but I didn't like it. If the dog needs the exercise you can poop and pee him in your own yard and then walk him on the sidewalk.

Okay...so I seem to be out numbered here about just leaving him alone and not going around him (that is still what I would do...to each his own)

But...you "can't"

1. Punch him out (he could charge you for assault)
2. Can't shoot him (they would charge you with murder or
attempted murder if you missed a vital organ)
3. Can't stand in front of his house and scream at him
(they could charge you with disturbing the peace)
4. Can't drive by his house and moon him (they could charge
you with indecent exposure)
5. Can't call him repeatedly and hang up (they could charge
you with telephone harrassment)

And...all of these things would certainly send that little girl the wrong kind of message.

You can however...

1. Avoid him and hope you never cross paths with him again.
2. Send him a registered letter and hope he reads it...and
takes heed with what it says
3. Call the authorities and hope they have a talk with him
(that's about all they could or would do)
4. Hire a lawyer to send him a letter and pay a bundle to
have it done
5. Give him dirty looks every time you encounter him
6. Have your husband go and have a talk with him...he
"might" open the door at some point in time if you
try often enough...and if your husband will get
involved

It's an unfortunate situation and he overreacted. And..yes, he was a jerk...now the little girl realizes there "are" jerks in the world they have to learn that sooner or later. It's how you handle it that will probably remain in her memory...so I think you should act with dignity and calmness and she will surely get over being upset.

Tell Sami to poop on his lawn.

I do believe that Erin has already decided HOW to handle this as she stated above. She didn't call the authorities, she's trying to talk calmly to the jerk, her kid is OK, as is the dog and she won't be intimitated by this man in her own neighborhood.

The rest of us are having fun thinking about what we COULD do if we really felt like it. That doesn't mean that Erin has to or wants to do any of them. She's smart, rational, kinder than most people and not impulsive. I don't think she needs to have every little thing spelled out to her like she is 6 years old. Her husband is in the field of law-enforcement, she knows what's legal/right/moral etc.

roflmao @ Fiver....

My..some people are just sooooo angry...this is just computerland folks...cool your jets...

The only anger I've seen in this thread was directed towards the man who kicked Radar. The continuous beating of dead horses is a bit tiresome, though.

Ooh, animal cruelty, see how I stay on topic? lolol

THE BOSS has spoken!!!!!!!! lolol

Some people are missing the simple fact that the dog did NOT crap in this guy's yard -- it crapped in the utility easment, which, along with the sidewalk, is most likely public property.

As for striking/shooting/otherwise accosting the individual, that also depends on state law and whether or not you're allowed to use force to protect personal property from harm. In Virginia, Pennsylvania, and other states you can use force, including deadly force, to protect personal property.

The laws of your state will vary, of course.

I have to jump in on this one. I would definitely avoid that creep from now on, but, I think I would at least report it to get it on record just in case there were any further instances with this lunatic. He had no right to frighten and scream at your daughter and absolutely no right to kick the dog.

Remember that horrible story of the guy that got so mad at the woman driver at the airport that grabbed her little dog right out of the window and threw him into traffic.
ANYONE that shows cruelty to an animal is capable of hurting human beings. jmho

How is it that ONE person can take a post totally out of context, and try to start an argument?
Better still why?
Erin was venting her frustrations, and we were giving her humorous suggestions on how to deal with this "JERK!"
If you are not happy with us, Just SOB, and leave it alone!
~~P'tuny
Who agrees with Flammy and 5'er LOLOLOL

I don't think I "did" take anything out of context...I just stated that if it were me, I'd steer clear of someone like this..others have stated the same thing. Other people here have stated what "they" would do if this were to happen to them, and this is what I would do. If you go back and read what I have said, I feel you will see that that is what I have said and all that I have said...I "would" stay away from someone who acts irrationally....what's the big deal? Did I once say I wasn't happy? I felt that Flamigo was close to a personal attack and I don't know why, but my opinion is.....stay away from someone who might hurt you...JMHO

And it took SEVEN posts to say it again and again and again, when the first one said it all.

Show me where I came close to a personal attack, Maybee.

Maybee, I don't think you will get anyone here to agree with you
that Flamingo was even close to a 'personal attack"
They don't get much nicer than Flamingo. She attacks no one!
Every word she said was right on.
Amazing that something like this has seemed to get some people so riled up.
Erin knows exactly what to do and will handle this in the 'correct' manner.
You know, sometimes it is better to just scroll on by instead of trying over and over to make your point.
To each his own I guess.

Think of a dozen things you could do in retaliation and then forget them all. Don't mess with someone who has that much anger. He is definitely out of control to react that stongly toward a child and/or animal. Use this as an opportunity to teach a valuable lesson.

What an appropriate post title Erin. I think you handled the "jerk situation" quite well.

I have to add (yep, I've got an opinion too) that I saw nothing close to a personal attack by Flamey to anyone, simply a statement of fact. And..she did that very succinctly, no hammering needed.

The only true victims I see on this thread is Erin's daughter and her dog......any other attacks are perceived and manufactured.

Just my humble opinion.

Lori

"...no use carrying it any farther than it has been carried."

Hmmmm, seems some should practice what they preach.

Erin, I'm sorry for Radar and your DD, I hope your lovely neighbor gets the big picture not to approach either of them again. While none of us are fond of picking up doggie diamonds in our yards, there is certainly a more tactful way of handling the situation and someone may just need to teach him that. Sounds like the guy is out of control, I believe I would keep an eye on him period.

"My....some people seem to be sooooo angry...this is just computer land...cool your jets.."

seems to be a case of 'physician heal thy self...'

listen to what Flammy has to say...

One question. I just reread this whole thread including the original post.

"I had been watching her walk out the window"

So why didn't you run right out and take care of it then and there? Something is suddenly wrong with this story.

To not call the authorities is enabling a criminal act but the rest........?

You posted 40 minutes after Erin yesterday Wildchild. Are you now saying that you've changed your mind on "how" you proposed she react to an inappropropriate action? Actually, what does it matter? She handled it. It's not up to any of us to second guess how she chose to handle the incident or challenge her on how she wrote the story.

"She came in crying and I had been watching her walk out the window..."

This statement doesn't say Erin saw him hurting/yelling. Just that she had been watching her walk.
Although maybe she did see the whole thing and was heading to the door when her dd came in crying?
It sounded to me like the whole thing happened very fast.
AND it sounds as if the guy scooted in his house pretty fast after the incident.
I don't see anything "suddenly wrong with this story"
Another factor to consider is when we write what happened to us we figure we are among friends, we are very upset, and sometimes we don't put things in the best order/wording (due to being upset). Not that I think Erin's was worded poorly. I am just saying when you are pouring your heart out to friends you sometimes don't make sense and don't expect them to question you because you don't make sense.
Kris