My neighbors poor dog....

17 years ago

She runs loose every day, all day until her owner gets home. He aquired her when his mother died, she is a poodle mix of some sort. When she came to me today while I was working outside, both of her eyes were completely glued shut. She is a very happy dog, but neglected. I would take her to get groomed as she is horrbly matted, but since I am jobless, I don't have the money. I have always given her heart worm medication since his mothers death 8 years ago, as I am sure he would never do it. Here in Texas you have to have them treated. I hope I haven't caused any trouble but I left this note on his door today:

Hi Larry,

I noticed that Buffy has been having trouble with an infection

in her eyes. I hope you don't mind but I cleaned them up and

am using an antibiotic drop in them once a day. I have also

used Frontline drops on her for fleas.

If you could just get her groomed, I would really appreciate it

We are looking to have a hot summer, and I know she matts very

easily.

Hugs,

Judy

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Comments (28)

gingertn
17 years ago
Good for you, Judy. So nice of you to help the poor pup. I hope he sees you as a kind neighbor and takes her in for grooming, but if not, do you think he'd mind if you trimmed her yourself? - not that it's your job, but it'd be better than nothing.
trinitytx
Original Author
17 years ago
Yup Ginger, I think unless he takes her in, I will be trimming her myself. I do have the tools here to take care of it. I just worry so about hurting her, as the matts are bad. If given no choice, I will. I have already cut her face and around her eyes to relieve some of the infection that is grouped around the hair in her eyes. He had her groomed last year, and she looked great. So I am hoping he will feel guilty enough to do it again...She really is a sweet and loving dog. I keep water out for her to keep her from drinking out of our pond (yuk)
I do have to say, because the dog catcher has picked her up so many times, she is legally licensed and has her shots. He must like her well enough as he always bails her out of jail when she goes.

Trin
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Marilyn Sue
17 years ago
Oh, poor puppy. Hope all goes well for her.

Sue
lindaohnowga
17 years ago
Thanks so much for caring for the welfare of that poor dog. I hope the owner does his part.
sue_va
17 years ago
Trin, you are pretty much taking care of Buffy as it is.

Would you consider asking Larry to change ownership over to you? Of course, if that were to happen, you would have to do whatever it takes to keep her from getting "arrested" so often. Larry might be happy with that arrangement and be willing to keep her shots up to date.

Sue
lynn_d
17 years ago
I'm glad you spoke up and I hope he heeds your advice to have her groomed. You are obviously a very caring person!
trinitytx
Original Author
17 years ago
Sue,
You have an idea that I have really never thought of.
I already have two dogs, but I know they get along because I have let her in our house. I have a fenced yard, so keeping her from being arrested would be easy. I just dont try to detain her at this point as she is.....well....not my dog.
I will just sit by and see if he takes my punch to get her groomed.
If nothing else, I could have her by day, and he takes her by night. Maybe he would agree to split some costs.
Really something to think about.
I honestly hate to see any animal suffer, and she is right now. Breaks my heart.

Trin
marilyn_c
17 years ago
That is so kind of you, and I hope he does give her to you. I would be very surprised if he did anything other than that to help her. I am sure he knows she is in deplorable condition, and it sounds like he just doesn't care.
shellm
17 years ago
Trin...that is so very kind of you to look after this animal,especially seeing to her eyes and making sure she gets the heartworm tx.God bless for taking care of her.There is a special place in heaven for people like you.

Shelley
trishaw
17 years ago
Trin you are an angel for sure. I bet if you just talked with him he would be willing to let you have Buffy. Or at least share custody.

You are my hero.

Trish
jennmonkey
17 years ago
Poor doggy. Thank you for helping her. Please keep us updated!
sjerin
17 years ago
Thank you so much for looking after this poor little doggy, and I sincerely hope your neighbor appreciates all you have done. Maybe he'll take a little more interest in her now?
User
17 years ago
Poor dog, I can't stand it when animals suffer. Thank goodness you live next to her and are willing to help her. She is lucky to have you, I hope you get to keep her.
nanny98
17 years ago
I still have tears from the last post.....Bless you for helping your neighbors' dog. She really sounds like she loves you because you feel her alone-ness. She is lucky that you do care about her. Nanny
jannie
17 years ago
Poor dog, thank you for all the kindness you've shown her.
gingertn
17 years ago
I bet he just feels obligated since the dog belonged to his late mother. I bet he'd be relieved if you'd take her - he could still see her and know she's in a good home, but not have to mess w/ her...
perdita
17 years ago
Please let us know how it turns out.
breenthumb
17 years ago
I would never have given her heartworm medication unless I spoke to the owner first to be sure it wasn't an extra dose.
But she (they) is/are lucky to have such a caring neighbor.

We have a yellow lab next door that the couple got as a puppy maybe 3 years ago. They had a baby last fall and now the dog sits alone outside for hours on end. It's heartbreaking. She can't come over here because of her Invisible Fence but does come to this side of her yard when she sees me and I go play with her for a while--she loves to chase and bring back anything. And I do see them walking her and the stroller after he comes home from work but labs need more than that. I'm hoping they give her attention inside or early in the morning when I don't see them.

My daughter was home over the weekend and suggested I ask to bring her here during the day just for company. But the girl is home all day with the baby, so I don't feel right about that.
trinitytx
Original Author
17 years ago
Well....I haven't seen Buffy all day. This is highly unusal. I really hope I haven't offended Larry. If I don't see her this weekend, I will make a point to go to his house and check on her. I can't put the eye drops in her eyes if I can't find her. Hopefully she is at the groomers.
I wanted to take a picture of her to post, so maybe I can do that tomorrow.
I also wanted to say, that one of our KT angels emailed me
with this note:

I just read your post on the Kitchen Table about the neglected neighbor's dog. I am so sorry for her & so glad & relieved you are concerned & willing to take care of her. I would like to help you with the cost of her shots & grooming. If you don't mind giving me your address I will send you some money.

I just cannot say enough about how sweet this offer was to me. Thank you Kathleenca. You are truly a KT angel.

Trin
kathleenca
17 years ago
Hi Trin,

You are the angel to want to take care of an animal that cannot help itself. I do want to help - just let me know.

Kathleen
nodakgal
17 years ago
Trin and Kathleen my hat is off to you two! Bless your sweet hearts!
I hope Buffy shows up all trimmed and purty!
trishaw
17 years ago
You two ladies are just the best! Please let us know what happens.

Trish
lisa_fla
17 years ago
The owner should be made to realize that his mother would be happier with the dog in a loving safe home instead of him keeping her out of guilt or obligation. You taking over is an ideal solution.
trinitytx
Original Author
17 years ago
The history of Buffy is really different. I have lived in this house over 20 years and I remember well Larry's dad coming over in his truck with a lhasa apso dog every day. He never left without his dog in the truck. At the time, I had 4 lhasa apso dogs, and 3 kids, a houseful to say the least. Larry's dad always stopped at my fence to greet my dogs and give them treats. He was such a nice man. His Lhasa dog passed away, and he was so lonely without his dog in his truck. Someone along the way gave him a pup.
He named her Buffy.
Dad died very, very suddenly from cancer, and Larry was overcome with grief.
Larry has always been as a single father with a young teenager to raise.
That in itself is a big job.
After his fathers death,Larry's mom came to live with him with Buffy. It was not long after she moved here, she was also was diagnosed with cancer. We visited often, but she was not always mobile.
I will never forget the time she asked me to drive her to Shreveport Louisiana to gamble at the boats. And I did.
No sooner than we got there, she wanted to come home, so we did. It was an 8 hour round trip in the car, but that is what she wanted. I knew she was sick, and was hoping to give her a wish. She was placed in hospice and died shortly after.
She loved her dog Buffy. Buffy always came with her to visit, and stayed right by her side. This is how I came to know Buff.
Not long after his mom died, he was left with Buffy.
This sweet pup really has a lot of history in the neighborhood. Larry, I am sure has no idea how much we all care and look after her.
So this is the history of Buffy the dog.
I just want to thank everyone for your concern and love.
When it comes to animals, my heart is just a puddle.

Trin
shellm
17 years ago
God bless you Trin and Kathleen.I have tears in my eyes as I type this.I hope you get to see Buffy today.Please keep us posted.

Shelley
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
17 years ago
Out here in the country my Mom and Neighbors have had many "share" dogs. That was before we all had fences. Now, I live in Mom's house and we still take care of each other's animals.

There was a little adorable Chihuahua that use to escape from his yard and come down to play with my dogs while his family was at work. We kept him all day and let him go home when his family got home. One day he came up missing. He loved everyone and we suppose someone stole him.

I was afraid they would think I stole him.
trinitytx
Original Author
17 years ago
Buffy came over this morning and I was able to get a snap shot of her in my grass.
shellm
17 years ago
What a sweetheart.So glad she came over.She knows how much you love her and that you are trying to help her.

Shelley

My neighbors poor dog....

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