Feel guilty about dog( thought I had helped)

17 years ago

Our neightbors grandson moved in with a dog. (1 yr old husky)They can't let the dog in because of an elderly parent living there. They keep it outside 24x7 tied to a tree with a doghouse. Anyways it was so wet and muddy this past month the dog was always covered and sinking in mud.I thought I was helping them by giving them an outdoor pen for it(I think 24x24) They put hay in tne pen, a tarp on it and hay all around it. The dog is dry now- but seems really miserable. He just seems so sad. I know his life wasn't great before and probably never will be- but I had hoped to make it a little better- but it seems I made it worse. He had a little more running room without the pen. they won't get rid of it and I can't bring it in to my house because she fights with other dogs. I just feel so bad- I realy meant to help

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Comments (15)

quirkyquercus
17 years ago
Yeah giving them a basic shelter for the dog so it's not covered and shivering in mud and ice and feces.

You're horrible.

Shame on you!
oddity
17 years ago
Is it 24 feet x 24 feet? That's not a bad size. It sounds to me like you did help. I'm sure the dog would rather be inside on the couch, but since that isn't possible, you gave him the next best thing...a warm and dry place to be. Good for you!
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quirkyquercus
17 years ago
Being the wiseguy that I am, I would give them the kennel and a tarp and say "Here ya go, the elderly parent will love this new space!"
acorn
17 years ago
LOL qq
sportsmom12
Original Author
17 years ago
So qq- it seems like you feel like I did the wrong thing- I don't know what else to do? Humane Society or SPCA said the dog has the basics and there is nothing they can do. They won't get rid of the dog- are you thinking I should have let it stay tied up with more room? For some reason the dog was happier that way- she hates being in a pen. I just know we have had wild dogs in our neighborhood and a cougar or other wild animal once in awile and I was afraid she would get attacked and be helpless. Trust me _ I worry about that dog constantly and feel bad- and I have asked them over and over why the grandson wants the dog- he doesn't do anything with it. I mentioned the husky rescue thing that would help place it with a good home.
Vickey__MN
17 years ago
I think qq was being sarcastic, and was really saying you tried, and that's all you can do.

Vickey-Mn
micke
17 years ago
qq WAS being on your side, reread qq's first post.
you did a good thing.
cynthia_gw
17 years ago
I hear you. The dog has a lousy quality of life. I'd be thinking about it constantly if I lived nearby too. I'm so sorry, and you really did do a good thing so don't beat yourself up about it. If you hadn't provided the shelter and animal control had intervened, your neighbors might have done something similar but not as spacious. Does the grandson at least walk the dog and interact with him? If not, can you continue to lead by example?
debd18
17 years ago
With cougars and wild dogs around, you may have saved her life. Also, she is drier and warmer and you eliminated the choking risk of being tied. If you want to do more and have the time, maybe they would let you take her out for a walk each day. Otherwise, you still greatly improved her condition.
mazer415
17 years ago
If you feel you need to do more, offer to take the dog for a walk. I walk my friends dogs because she has her own business, is a single mom and busts her butt everyday working for a living. I have the time to take her dogs out for an hour run everyday....everyone is a bit happier. Maybe you can suggest they try and find a foster family for their pet...
sportsmom12
Original Author
17 years ago
I would love to walk the dog- but I am kind of small and have arthritis and the dog jumps on me and knocks me over when I do pet her- I am sure she would get away. And nobody walks her. I think she gets the minimum- petted when fed. The put the pen in a place it is "intruding"for me to visit her- but i do send treats and bones over as much as I can.
I don't know them very well-but I will continue to make offers of finding a good foster home. My husband told me I am obsessed with feeling bad which I am- he said I did the best I can.
quirkyquercus
17 years ago
I was being sarcastic... joking. Even here in the land of milk and rednecks it's illegal to not provide shelter for a dog. You did good.

Just as a side note, dogs are social animals and probably the reason the dog doesn't appear as happy now is because it probably feels like it's more separated from it's people. But what the dog doesn't understand is it's more important to have shelter than to be a little closer to the house.
oakleif
17 years ago
LOL!!! qq what are we going to do with you? We must be birds of a feather. I knew you were kidding and thought it was funny.
sports mom The dog is much better off you did good.
joepyeweed
17 years ago
Are they walking their dog? And spending time with it?

I don't think being an outside dog is necessarily a bad thing, as long as the owner is walking the dog and spending time with it, especially for a breed that has the coat to withstand outdoor temperatures.

What are their plans for summer? Summer outdoors might be worse for a dog like a husky?
luvdogs
17 years ago
Well, one good thing - if it's a grandson that's moving in - he'll probably be moving out pretty soon too.

vicky

Feel guilty about dog( thought I had helped)

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