Hickory Woods Civic Assn.

I am amazed at some people who are irresponsible dog owners.  I have a dog of my own and never let my dog out without me being there and always clean up behind him (even in my own yard).  I leash my dog when we walk and care for my surroundings.

I am having an issue with my neighbor who constantly allows her dog off the leash.  She is allowed to run the streets and every ones yard.  For some reason she has taken to using my yard to relieve herself.  Her owner comes out with her in the mornings because I let my dog out at the same time and my dog has chased hers out of the yard before (but did not hurt her).  She allows the dog to defecate in my yard and then walks away....REALLY!

I have observed the way she communicates with others in/out of her household.  I do not feel that me approaching her about the situation is going to be beneficial, and would rather avoid conflict with my neighbors but I am growing tired of cleaning up after her dog in my own yard.

I was going to write a letter and request she either leash her dog, let him out in her own backyard, or just pick up after him.  But after much consideration, I again, do not feel it will beneficial. At this point, I am ready to file a complaint with the county, but am not sure if that is this the right avenue (I am a new homeowner).

Any suggestions are welcome!

Start throwing the waste back on her property.

Why do people make situations more difficult then they have to be - just TALK to your neighbor.  Ok, so she is being careless  - but does she have to read your mind too?  How does someone know to fix a problem when no one has said there WAS a problem?  Being a coward and not having the conversation is useless; it may be a bit awkward, but there are ways to respectfully approach the situation and have it resolved, especially by asking!  Then if there are still issues, yes, take it to the next step/authority - but good lord stop being afraid and SAY SOMETHING and see how it goes.  And grabbing pieces of people's interactions with thier family, being nosey really, doesn't give you an accurate picture of the whole situation.  She could be prefectly nice when you talk to her.  REALLY.

Well, I will attempt to be a little more polite than how you have come across...and since you are A LITTLE LATE, I'll fill you in.

I did approach her (months ago) and it went exactly as I expected.   I explained I had no issue with her dog being in my yard, but was hopeful that she would be mindful about her using it and possibly picking up after her.

She stated her dog can go where ever she pleases and my yard is no exception.  She also stated that my now home had been vacant for more than a year and her dog was used to using MY yard and closed the door in my face.

And I was not making a situation more difficult than it had to be, I was simply being mindful and attempting to figure out my best course of action without causing discord against/with my neighbor.  It's a shame that you couldn't see that, but after the way you responded, I GET IT.  It is not about her reading my mind, it is about her being conscience of the fact that her dog is using the bathroom in others yards.  Also, she knows it's a problem and is just choosing to ignore it.  It is also not about being afraid, but attempting to maintain a positive environment.  AGAIN, I wouldn't expect you to understand or appreciate that.  It is also not about nosey when the only interactions that are heard because of the incessant yelling and screaming that goes on in the home and outside the home.  I do not need an accurate picture of WHOLE situation, because if this is how she chooses to communicate with children, I can only assume it would not get any better with adults.

SO AGAIN, I've spoken with her, and it went exactly as I thought.  Thanks though for your ATTEMPT!