A neighbour went away on holiday yesterday, leaving their large and lovely dog in the garden. Well, technically not entirely in the garden as it was in my garden this morning but we've put it back in its own garden again.

So - we're not sure if anyone has been to feed and/or walk this poor dog! I'm keeping an eye out and I think I'll put a note on the gate as I can't really see it from my house. Neighbour the other side is keeping an eye out too.

Anyway - I expressed my horror that they would go away and leave it in the garden when Other Neighbour told me that it has a sort of hut in the garden and it lives there, it's not allowed in the house! Do people really do this? Dogs to me are members of the family, and something you warm your feet on - I couldn't ever do that. But is it okay to others?? I'm worried about the poor thing in the rain! WHat about winter???

So what do I do? Nothing? Keep an eye on it and see if anyone is feeding and walking it? Report them for going away and leaving it in the garden alone? Report them for keeping the poor thing in the garden anyway? I know people have outdoor dogs but it's so sad. It's not even a very big garden!

What does everyone else think?

If they have gone away and just left it with no food or water, you need to ring the RSPCA.

We considered this as an option while we were at work especially during the summer but the kennel would have heating on a thermostat. But I would not consider it as an option permenantly it sounds as though the dog is more of a guard dog than a family pet.

I'm trying to figure out if they have arranged for a friend to come and fee and walk it or not? Not seen anyne yet! But they could get in from the back fence.

It is certainly not a guard dog - it has never barked! I remember commenting to him when I moved in that I didnt even know they had a dog and he said it has never barked. It's completely soft!
x

Poor thing! Fancy leaing it when the weather is so irratic at the moment too :mad:
What type / breed of dog is it?

It's a boxer, and absolutely lovely in temperament, and I never knew it was kept outside!! Poor thing, it's gorgeous! And with the wweather forecast how it is I can't believe they have gone on holiday and left it!!! I'm sure they MUST have someone coming to feed it- but I haven't seen anyone. :rant:

You need to call the RSPCA, if you would prefer not to please PM me the deatils & I will.

RSPCA's 24-hour national cruelty and advice line on 0870 55 55 999.

You need to call the RSPCA, if you would prefer not to please PM me the deatils & I will.

RSPCA's 24-hour national cruelty and advice line on 0870 55 55 999.

Yes, take up this offer or ring the RSPCA yourself .. its completely wrong to abandon an animal like this.

i would ENQUIRE at the RSPCA first.
although humans might not approve of the do gbeing left, as long as it has shelter food and water, they won't do anything.
one of my neighbours left her dog in the porch to the house - a neighbour did come to exercise it, but we are talking a 4foot square.
the dog wardens didn't do anything except check that it wasn'y mistreated or malnourished.

Thanks guys. i know it has been fed today as my neighbours have fed it, and if it lives in the garden anyway it is right where is usually is! But I am going to give it the rest of today to see if anyone turns up to walk it, and then I'm ringing the RSPCA for advice, I don't mind doing it myself at all!
Thanks x

If a dog is used to being kept outside then there ism't a problem as long as they have food, water, a warm dry shelter and aren't chained up. There would seem to be two issues, one the garden isn't as secure as it should be and two Boxers are very intelligent and so he's probably bored out of his mind. I'd go into the garden and put a prominent note asking for whoever is looking after the dog to come and introduce themselves to put your mind at ease. Also this will give you the chance to have a look at his surroundings checking for dog poo which would suggest he's not being walked and just to check that his food and water bowls are okay. My friends Boxer is very clumsy and often tips his water bowl over so I'd be checking this out every now and then. When the owners get back I'd also mention that you were concerned and that you'd apprreciate contact details for whoever is looking after the dog [if there is some-one] just in case there are any problems in the future.

Thank you. I have been round and left a note - so I'll see if someone replies! There's no poo in the garden, the dog has shelter and there's water in the bowl, so I guess it's okay. I feel so sorry for it though, it must be bored out of it's mind :-(

After I've spoken to whoever is taking care (ha ha) of it, I might walk it myself! Lead is there, and it seems to like me. It's not got a tag - I'm going to have to invent him a name for the week!

crikey -cant believe they would leave a lovely dog in an unsecured garden where anyone could help themselves to him.

Hope he is getting walked/ exercised regularly, poor lad. I am quiet suprised that a short-haired dog such as this is kept outdoors , though - not much protection against the elements, by the sounds of it.

I know some people keep dogs outdoors but they tend to live in pakcs, at leat more than one so they do have company all day.

Seems not right to buy a dog and then keep it outdoors all the time, but that's just my opinion - to me, a dog is a part of the family and our daft dobe goes practically everywhere with us - we even plan holidays around places we can take Ailsa. Hope you get a response from the carer. just for reassurance. xK