An Open Letter to My New Neighbors

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

03 Jul 2008 06:55 AM

Dear Neighbors: welcome to the complex. From the looks of your license plates, you've made a huge cross-country journey. I know the feeling.

Welcome to your cute dog, too. I only caught a glimpse of him or her as I was walking my dogs, but hey, I like all dogs and lots of cats, too.

I did, however, notice that you tethered your dog outside without supervision. Aside from it being against the pet agreement in the lease you signed, I think this is a bad idea. Here's why:

1. Your back patio faces the community playground. There are lots of little kids who spend lots of time there. Running around. Screaming. This unpredictable behavior can startle or upset an animal! This can be harmful for your dog -- and if your dog lashes out in fear, a child could get hurt. Even the most even-tempered dog can be unpredictable when frightened or upset.
2. A pet on a tether should be supervised in case he or she gets stuck or tangled. What happens if your dog's leg gets tangled in the leash and he can't get out? What happens if the leash gets caught in the landscaping and your dog ends up choking? You really should be outside to keep an eye on things.
3. If the leash breaks or your dog pulls free somehow, he could run off. In an unfamiliar place (seeing how you just moved) a dog may not be able to find his way back home again. Not to mention the possibility of getting hit by a car, fighting other animals, and other accidents.
4. If you aren't out with your dog, how will you know where he's taking his potty breaks? Leaving poop in the grass is just plain gross -- and with all the kids running around playing, it's a health risk.
5. Other dog owners will have a hard time walking their dogs through the area if your dog is lunging and barking at the end of his tether. There are lots of dogs of all sizes who live here.

Thanks for your consideration. A cross-country move is a big adjustment, and I hope it goes smoothly for you!

Your Neighbors, Aimee, Moose, and Lally

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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