Puppy mama drama
The day after I started at school, we received a letter from the city notifying us that someone had complained about Zeppelin's barking. None of our neighbours approached us to let us know there was a problem, they went directly to the by-law officer. We were understandably upset. We've ben trying to curb Zeppelin's barking for almost 1 year now, and had thought we were making some progress. However, my recent return to school has thrown a bit of a wrench in the works. I know he's barking to get attention. He's ticked off that I am not longer at his beck and call, and wants to have a human to play with.
Yesterday, Capt Mike called the city to tell them what measures we had already taken, and what measures we were planning on taking. It was a pretty fruitful conversation. Apparently, in our neighbours' eyes, we are neglectful dog owners who never take the dogs anywhere. We are also seen as completely unapproachable. Translation: we're being watched and talked about.
And so here I am drafting a letter to our neighbours to let them know that we have been made aware of the situation, and that we are working on a solution, and would be more than happy to work with them on finding that solution. Let me know what you think:
Dear neighbour,
My name is Zeppelin. I am a Weimaraner, and I live with Mike and Sarah at XXXXXXXXX. Recently the city contacted my owners to tell them that my barking was bugging some of the other residents of the neighbourhood.
I am a young hound, and my barking and howling has been a problem for a while. When I was a puppy, I used to bark just to hear the sound of my own voice (which I think is pretty great), so Mike and Sarah took me to puppy classes and did a lot of research to figure out how to get me to stop barking so much. They did a lot of training with me, and bought me a citronella collar that sprayed a lemony scent when it heard my bark. Unfortunately, I really like lemon, so I thought that was a reward. They also bought a sonic device that emits a high-pitched sound when I bark, but it bothers my friend Dexter a lot more than it bothers me, and they thought that was unfair to him. He hardly ever barks. They have tried to keep training me to only bark in certain situations, and they thought it was starting to pay off.
Now, when they are home, I only bark if I see something I don’t like. I really don’t like squirrels, or the bat that lives in my tree. A few weeks ago someone threw a golf ball into our yard. I really didn’t like that. It could have really hurt. Sometimes I will bark at you to get your attention because I would like to say “hi” and get a pat on the head. I really like pats on the head, unless they’re from a squirrel.
The city also told Mike and Sarah that some of you were concerned that Dexter and I were not getting enough attention or exercise. Sarah recently started going back to school in Kingston, and Mike works during the day, too. Dexter and I do spend a lot more time alone during the day than we used to, when Sarah would be at home to play with us all of the time. But we do have our own dog door, a big yard, and lots of toys to play with and water to drink. Every night when he gets home, Mike takes us to the dog park for at least 45 minutes. I get to run around in the forest, and Dexter gets to play soccer...those are our two most favourite things to do. We also get early morning walks before Sarah and Mike have to leave. The weekends are the best though. Sarah and Mike get to spend lots of time playing with us then.
Mike, Sarah, Dexter, and I are very sorry that my barking has disturbed you, and also that you felt you could not approach us directly to help work towards a solution. Mike and Sarah are both quite friendly, although they are a little more shy than I am. If you have any suggestions about ways you could stop my barking, please do let them know. A phone call or a note in our mailbox is all it takes. We would like to be good neighbours, and I think the bylaw officer would appreciate us working together, too.
Sincerely,
Zeppelin
Sarah
and Mike
xxx-yyy-zzzz
Comments
That's great - Send it to the presses!
Posted by: Tim at September 25, 2008 11:35 AM
It rocks. I assume that everyone in your whole neighbourhood is going to get one in their mailboxes? :-)
You should also send a copy to the bylaw office so they see what you sent out and can cut any more compainers off at the knees.
Unapproachable? How is it possible for someone to label you unapproachable if they've never tried approaching you? I know... it's the bagpipe. It can be very intimidating. :-)
Posted by: heather at September 25, 2008 01:56 PM
We were most upset to hear about your spineless neighbours, especially the one who likes lobbing golfballs at dogs.
We hope your pamphlet works.
It reminds us of the time a neighbour called our house to complain about our cat, Dickens. the calls stopped after Bob told the caller he'd make sure to speak to the cat when he got home.
It's a good idea to send a copy of your brochure to the by-law officer if you haven't already done so.
Posted by: Dee at October 7, 2008 02:29 PM