This morning as I was taking Boomer out, our neighbor downstairs (who is Italian) stopped me and told me that I shouldn't be taking Boomer out to "use" the common area. His reasoning was because his child and our other neighbors child (who are both under the age of 2) use that area to play.
I told him I understood that reasoning, BUT we don't have a yard as we live on the second floor. He told me I could take him out on the street.
Here are my issues with this whole thing.
1. This neighbor and the other neighbor who have children, both have yards. Front and back yards to be exact. Is that not enough room for their children to play in?
2. Their children don't EVER play in the common area. Not once. So that excuse is non-valid in my mind. Besides the common area they are referring to is two 10X10 areas of dead, dry grass on either side of the entrance to the complex. It's not like I'm letting Boomer use their sandbox or a place where they have toys set-up.
3. How is Boomer going in the street any better? There are actually children who play in that street, so I'm not sure how that option is any better. Plus Boomer won't even go in the street. And I find it ridiculous that I should have to take my dog into the street everytime he has to go out.
4. I pick up after Boomer every, single time he goes out.
I admit it, I cried when I got back upstairs. Mainly because I was so frustrated. I already feel bad enough that Boomer doesn't have his own yard and now our neighbors are saying we can't let him use the common area?
Sean says I should go to housing on Tuesday and explain to them the situation and see what they have to say. I do plan on doing this. Housing has told us before that if we are picking up after him there is nothing they can say to us, but I'd prefer if they could call the landlord and have him put up a sign saying we can or something to that effect. I just don't want our neighbors hating us for the next three years, but I don't think I should have to give up using the common area either.
What do you ladies think? Am I being unreasonable? Or do I have a reason to be upset?
17 comments:
It sounds like your neighbors are just being nit picky. I do think that the landlord or housing telling your neighbors that it is fine for your dog to do its business in this common area may come across a lot better than you saying it.
However, it is ridiculous that they have yards but yet they are ticked that you dog has to do his business. Hang in there, and I'm sure it will all get straightened out. And until then keep doing what you are doing, your neighbors will eventually get over it.
Thats really stupid in my opinion. I could see where they were coming from if you didn't pick up after your dog and that is where those kids played, but gosh, what do they want, your dog to hold it in?!? I say ignore them because those demands are just ridiculous...Going to the landlord isn't a bad idea either and having them give those neighbors a note. They way it'll shut them up and they won't be upsetting you anymore...Sorry girl:(
I agree with young and hip mom/wife. I don't think your neighbor's complaint is justified because they have yards and you don't. Their children don't have to play in the common area, but your dog HAS to be able to go somewhere... and if Boomer doesn't go in the street, that really limits your options. Hang in there and keep us updated!
I could see their point if you were just leaving his poop all over the place, but if you aren't then I don't see what the big deal is!
Hopefully housing can contact your landlord and get it taken care of!!
I think it is quite silly. In Germany at least the dogs pee everywhere including in the street. you're doing the right thing in cleaning up after him. And quite honestly what inch of dirt in the world hasn't been peed on by one animal or another? Go to housing just so they have record of the problem and I hope that the neighbors calm themselves.
As long as you are picking up after him, I don't see the problem. My neighbor let his dog take a huge poo on my front porch the other day. Now THAT is where I draw the line!
I really think that the neighbor is out of line, esp since you pick up after Boomer. Hopefully housing will back you up and this person will have to back off. But I understand you being upset, I would be upset too if I thought my neighbors were upset with me. That sucks, I'm sorry you have to deal with that. Poor Boomer, he has rights too!
I think that neighbor has a big ol'stick up his butt. It's a common area. You can do whatever you want to do back there and take him back!
Go to the housing place
That's nuts...we have dogs and a 16 month old, and we don't pick up after them everytime they go in our backyard. That's just silly for them to be worried about that, especially if their kids don't use the area. I would definately have it documented though...
Just tell them that all sorts of wild animals poop there and no one even picks up after them - birds, mice, cats, etc.
How sad that people can be such jerks to one another. If they have their own yard area, why do their children need to play in the common area. And isn't it called a "common" area for a REASON? Take it up with housing, maybe they can send everyone letters. Good luck hun! And hang in there, you're in the right!
I think you are completely being reasonable. A dog going in a street, at least in the US, is actually illegal because it's public/government property technically. That's ridiculous. I don't see how if you pick up after him they could say anything about it anyway. I would have told him that, so more power to you for not!
you have every right to be upset.. Its your area too.. Kids or not.
I think you are being perfectly reasonable. It is the common area, you are cleaning up after your dog. That neighbor is being a pain in the butt.
next time your dog poops, put it in a bag, light it on fire and put it on their front porch. ;-)
Umm...so parents never let their kids play in yards where dogs go to the bathroom?
Sounds like someone's neighbors have a stick up their collective arse.
I left you an award on my blog:)
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