Research rescues ASAP

mrsconn23

Dear Prudence,

Six months ago, my neighbors got evicted from their rental property and begged me to take in their two dogs. The dogs are hyperactive and unsocialized. I can’t walk both of them at the same time without getting my arm yanked around, and they have to be muzzled around other dogs. My backyard looks like a bomb went off. My neighbors have failed to take them back twice and getting money out of them is like pulling teeth. Last time, I told them they had a month to figure out what to do or I would surrender the dogs. I screamed and my neighbors whipped up their kids into hysterics.

I hung up the phone. I am just ready to give the dogs to a rescue. My generosity has got me nothing but ingratitude and destruction of my property. My partner has nearly been knocked off her feet because the dogs continue to jump on her. Legally, I am in the clear. The dogs are abandoned property at this point. I really hate to do this but I don’t see any other way out. Help.

—Dog Gone

short+sassy

Newsflash.  The neighbors aren't in a position to get their dogs back, that's why they won't take them back.  They had to move in a hurry and probably took whatever place they could find, even if it didn't allow dogs.

The LW did the right thing giving these people notice.  Great.  They are on notice and know what to expect.  They still probably aren't going to do anything.  But the LW shouldn't feel guilty if they have to give these dogs to the pound after the month is up.  The LW has already been way too nice.

charlotte989875

I think you have two options: find a rescue who will rehome them or tell your neighbors you’re keeping them and get them into a training program. But just keeping untrained unruly dogs and begging them to take them isn’t sustainable. 

MyNameIsNot

I have no patience for negligent dog owners. Maybe the financial issues that led to the eviction snuck up on them, but they weren't training the dogs before that and they aren't concerned with what's in the best interests of the dogs now. They do no need pets.

Start calling rescues now. The sooner they can get with an agency, the better shot they have of getting some training and being happy, well cared-for pets in someone else's home.