Big problem (LONG)

[HotDogMama]

This is 1/2 vent, and 1/2 need advice/what would you do sort of thing:

Neighbors just got a Pug, we had our 1st encounter with her the other night while out for potty break. She came running up to us, and Molly went nuts! I picked Molly up because I do almost everytime she barks at another dog and I wasn't sure about this dog's shots, health etc., so I think that was the right thing to do, plus the Pug wasn't on a leash! :mad: Then I start talking to the neighbor/owner and she says that she got her from somebody she works with that doesn't want to breed her anymore, and she is 7 years old and has really bad breath, then I told her about yip-yaps, and the stuff you can add to water. These people are not the sharpest crayons in the box, so who only knows what is in for this dog, BTW they let her run around outside without a leash because "she keeps pooping everywhere and she stinks" straight outta her mouth! :shocked: Anyway, this just happened again while trying to potty (un-eventful) we were out there and they opened the door and she came flying out and straight over to us and Molly started that really high pitched barking. Is that defending, or is it scared? The Pug is friendly, but I don't want them to have contact because I'm sure she is not in good health and up to date on shots,etc. she also has something on her eye: cataract maybe? I can only imagine what the poor thing has been through! They sniffed each other for a few seconds last night (we had Molly tied out while we were outside washing cars) I can tell this is really stressing Molly out, she can't potty in peace and my ears are about to explode! I guess I will talk to the landlord if something doesn't change! What would you all do?

[quavec]

So, you can't let Molly out to do her thing in peace because this Pug is always outside? Have you been able to let this pug's owners know that you are concerned about this? I mean, not only for Molly's sake, but for the pug's? That poor little baby. I can't imagine what all she has gone through and without the proper care, it seems her second chance may not be any better. If talking to them doesn't help or seems fruitless, I'd contact your landlord (townhouse?).

[HotDogMama]

Well, shes not out when we first go out, but seems like as soon as we get out, here she comes. I don't know if talking to these people would work or not. The wife said the other night, "Dennis said to just get rid of her" :shocked: :shocked:

(townhouse?).--Duplex (samething, just flat) : Really small yard and the back is too muddy with this crazy weather we've been having.

[Courtney]

I would tell her to take the dog to a vet ASAP! research low-cost places in your area if you think they won't want to pay for it. She will probably need a dental. Then try to explain how important leashes are as you don't want them to run around in traffic. Maybe mention crate training too, and a regular feeding/potty schedule, to help the housebreaking issue. Good luck!

[Jen]

You might want to see if there's a pug rescue group in your area as it doesn't sound like this family is all that committed to taking care of a dog. ITA with Courtney, giving them info on a low cost vet would help too, sounds like the pug needs a dental, as well as so many other things.

You could also look up leash laws in your area, so if they're breaking the law, you can warn them first, and turn them in if need be.

:scratch: I'm just not sure why they took the pug, sounds like they don't care for it much.

[isobelsmom]

JMHO, when they let the pug out, be armed with a squirt gun or shake can with pennies. As she comes barreling over to you, you can toss the can in her direction. Don't hit her (only if you use the squirt gun) as you don't want to hurt her...only get her to stop chagring at you and leave Miss Molly to pee in peace. You may want to have Molly in your arms at this point so she doesn't think she's being corrected.

Sounds like you can use some of that yourself, too! Peace, I mean. Not corrected. :bighug:

All the suggestions were great from talking to them (bad feeling about that one), low-cost spay/neuter/dental vets and pug rescues (just in case). If you do the leash law thing, do not bother to talk to them re: her being off-leash as they may not be dumb enough to put 2+2 together if the dog warden shows up. Know what I mean?

I hate living in the same universe as people like that---both her "families".

Keep us posted. We'll try to help with whatever you need!

[Helen]

I would definitely talk to them about using a leash. Explain that you're worried about her safety and Molly's stress. If they don't listen, definitely talk to your landlord.

If you don't want to get into it with them about the poor baby's health, maybe you could report them. They wouldn't have to know the complaint came from you, and maybe it's the wake up call they need. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

[JanUet]

It is very difficult to have a friendly chat with someone that does not seem to think that she is doing wrong.

I see it this way............She sees you out there with Molly and says to her Pug (with no name) "Oh Look Molly is outside lets go see our new friend!"
The poor little critter is probably so happy to see Molly and has probably never been socialized.

I would take that extra step and try to speak to your neighbours without Molly present. Go to their home with a gift, perhaps buy or give them a leash as a welcome gift to the Pug. Talk to them about your concerns and your willingness to help them understand their New Toy better.
I would give them tips on sites on the internet and go from there.

I would not want you to report them right away without at least trying to make them understand how you feel and your concerns about their Pug.
Warm up to them and try to get a little background on the little guy.

I would hate for you to have nasty neighbours.

I will get off my :soapbox: now! Good Luck and keep us Posted!

[isobelsmom]

Ok, I was definately off-base in my reply, Jennifer. <sigh> Everyone is right...I've done the gift thing with me new neighbors and it worked well. Now we can joke about our dogs instead of wanting to punch one another out. Maybe add a small book or DVD about training and some soft snacks for the poor pug. I'm sure her teeth are hurting her.

Please, accept my apologies for a funky reply. I have lots on my mind and stuff got in the way of my thinking clearly. Try the nice route first and without Molly present and see what happens. Again, my apologies.


Thanks, Janet, for the great soap box!

[JanUet]

Your quite Welcome Mary.....I must say that I kinda enjoyed being YOU there for a while. :D YOur expertise has rubbed off on me.....just a little :hearts:

[isobelsmom]

Bless your :hearts: , Janet. You are a sweetie. And it was a nice way of kicking me in the butt, to get my head back on straight.....:banana:

[Patt]

Excellent suggestions given. I hope you can get through to them or this Pug will end up a the shelter, poor thing just wants to be friendly. I'll bet Janet is right they see you and Molly and think it's a good time to let the Pug out. See if you can line up a Pug rescue before your welcome wagon visit. Good luck and keep us posted. :crossfin: :crossfin:

[HotDogMama]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!! I must admit, at first I wanted to take the route Mary suggested, but I know I would not be giving them a fair chance, so I will maybe tolerate it a little more, and if they don't change anything I will bring on the :wagon: I usually don't have any encounters until the afternoons. I already looked up a rescue, and sure enough there is one! If they mention not wanting her again I will definetly suggest that. I know she just wants to be friendly, and Molly really needs some friends, I'm just worried like any good hoo-mama would be, right?! So, Thanks so much for your help you guys, I really do love it here so much!

Mary, no apology necessary, I mean it!! :hearts:

[Jacqueline]

I think the most telling thing in this is "says get rid of her". I would call pug rescues and ask them to have someone get in touch with her.

Think about it this way, ....what would you do if this was a doxy? Would you let her just have the dog running around loose without saying something? I can't imagine ANY apartment complex that doesn't have written policy on that sort of thing. If you start telling her how much work the pug needs, I am betting the husband is going to thing about putting her down in no time.

Just my opinion, but I would be checking out the rescues, NOW.

[Laurie' s Dachshunds]

I would get a water gun. Dogs don' t like to have water in the face!
I broke my dog fome chasing us when we would leave home. We lived on a large farm & I didn' t want her to chase carsor anything. II got in the back of our pickup with a bucket of water. Everytime my dog chases us I threw a cupful of water in her face. She learned very fast that no!no! go home! means don' t chase cars!Also it does no harm to the dog.

[Bella's Mom]

You've gotten some good advice. I hope everything works out for everyone's sake. The poor little pug deserves better care and poor Molly deserves some poop peace! Bella doesn't like distractions either. :shocked: