The German Neighbor
Click to enlarge
Before I moved to the place I’m currently living I looked an apartment right on the building of the picture, it was rather nice, well illuminated and with good ventilation. However, the owner was a little crazy, he was asking for a bazillion euros and also wanted the tenant to pay for property taxes and condo fees. Well, the apartment is located in a really nice area, but the German Shepherd on the balcony would back non-stop. Back then didn’t I didn’t even dream of having a dog but I knew I would be annoyed to have a dog barking all day long right next to me. I ended up moving just up the street to where the German Shepherd lives and up to this day keeps barking, which is normal, he is confined to a little balcony all day long and also at night, he doesn’t sleep there but I’ve never seen him walking around, no wonder he’s like that, if he were a human he would be at a psychiatric hospital. Then I found out that the dog is owned by a senior couple who are clearly unable to walk the dog and like it or not that a constant in here. There’s also a Pitbull next door, an old dog, really long nails, so long that they are curved up. Sometimes you feel like knocking at the door and asking if you could walk the dog, but that can backfire to you, people that age are extremely wary of young people and if they notice an accent forget it, they think you wanna kill them and also you never know if the dog is going to be aggressive and foremost if you gonna be able to control it. So what is left for you to do?
Saint James Way it’s on its way, accommodation won’t be a big problem, have yet to figure out how to go there and come back.
This is the route we hope to take: Sarria-Portomarin
wow, that’s a long way to “tipperary”, but I think, Doggy is a strong and athlethic guy, he will make it. I hope you are in same condition as Doggy, it looks very hilly
)))
Ohh yes we are, Doggy’s way to earn his everyday meal is to run with me, that’s his work, we run 6 miles everyday and then I do my own workout, the he has his swimming and puppy chasing after work, he’ll be ok and if not I’ll carry him lol
For some reason I thought you lived in California or something like that. Hahha That is really sad about the dogs who don’t get the proper exercise they need. My friend volunteer dog walks two pitties who are owned by a blind lady. She obviously can’t walk them (they’re not seeing eye dogs) and is the one who arranged the dog walkers through a volunteer service. Too bad not everyone is that proactive.
Nah, I moved to Spain from NYC a little over 2 years ago, I usually make remarks to the US, hence the confusion. I’ll look into the volunteering thing. The pitbull looks really old the German shepherd looks much younger, I honestly wouldn’t mine taking either of them for a stroll down the river, first gotta figure out how to approach the owners without looking like I’m nosing in their business.
Lave an unmarked box infront of their door. Just kidding. Maybe leave them a little note?
Good idea, don’t forget to order another backpack for carrying Doggy…
Yes, with a special compartment for Doggy, and pockets for his treats, his backpack and drink!
It’s never easy Leo. I feel sad for both those dogs.
Those poor Dogs!
But on the plus side, glad you’re closer to organising your trip.
Perhaps you could ask whether there is an animal rescue organisation which could do something – the question is, of course, whether these dogs had a better life in a shelter and there were real chance for an adoption and a better life in their cases.
Shelters are not an option, they ark ready packed with abandoned/abused dogs, these dogs don’t live under perfect conditions, they have food and a roof and probably a treat every now and then, I think it would be rather traumatic for them l leave their place and go to a shelter. All the need is a good walk a day, they are clearly well fed, I should try to find a way to talk to the owners and see if they want me to try to walk their dogs, but as I said I’m not sure how the dogs will react and I’m far from being an expert handling dogs. A huge dilemma.
What about asking people in the neighbourhood first about the circumstances and personality of the old people and information about the dog? It is possible that they walked a dog for many years and they are unable to do this only because their age or illnesses. But it may also be the case that the dog is totally unsocialised and dangerous for being taken for a walk. And the situation can be even worse, if the dog is neglected physically, too – this happens relatively often if the owner is mentally no more in a good condition. There is a wide spectrum of possibilities.
PS: I’ve meant not an “official” shelter of the city but a shelter run by a foundation, with volunteers, fostering people etc. A German shephard is a big and strong dog – and you aren’t his/her owner, it is not sure that you could control him/her in every situation. I think you should find someone professional or semi-professional in order to help the dog and the old couple without any harm and risk. It would be wonderful if you succeeded in this! It may be a case that only a little help is needed but it may happen that more has to be done.
My Humdad’s parents live in Italy, you see it all the time. Doggies tied up on small leashes and left out all day. Doggies left in tiny flat’s, that don’t have gardens, and they never go for walks. Why’s these people get a dog, I just don’t know!!
Big huggies Mollie x
This is a tough one. We often wish doggies that are couped up could join us for walks or play.
Bella and DiDi
I feel bad for those doggies if they never get out and about.
Don’t they have dog-walkers to hire?
That concept is starting to work in bigger cities like Madrid or Barcelona, down here in hell, I’m not aware of anyone who does that.
Do you feel like maybe starting the trend? If you’re the only one doing it, you might just become very wealthy;)
Honest to Zeus, I thought about working part time and the rest of the time do that, however, the demographic targeted would have to understand first that a dog ought be exercised, not just walked 5 minutes till they do their business and back home.
You could come up with some flyer to distribute that would educate people. Research and put some statistics into it – how bad it is for a dog not to exercise, and then your phone number with promise to rescue their dog-friends from dying prematurely.
That’s a great idea, that’d work even with the regulars at the park, socially seniors with big dogs.
Here’s just one source of info, you can find more on on line: http://olddogcareguide.com/overweight-dogs-die-two-years-earlier-than-fit-dogs/ Good luck! Let me know how it goes:)
Thanks!
I sure will.
You are very welcome!