Yesterday morning after I left for work, Gregg put the dogs outside and fed them their breakfast. Then he got in the shower. When he got out, George was barking at the back door to be let back in. Gregg let him in after what could NOT have been over 10 or 15 minutes of barking, and 5 minutes after that Crazy Neighbor showed up at the door, ranting and raving and screaming about our dogs "who have been barking for 2 hours!!!" Gregg was still in his bathrobe, not having had time to get dressed. He got right in the guy's face and told him that we've already spoken to the police, that he's not welcome on our property, and the next time he steps foot in our yard we're calling the police on him for trespassing and harassment. He finished by saying, "We're done here" and the Crazy Neighbor snarled, "Oh, we'll see about that!"
Gregg was furious. I'm pretty mad, but I'm starting to get nervous. The old man is clearly unhinged.
I spoke to another police office last night about the situation (we have Spanish class together) and he said to not answer the door next time....just call the police immediately.
I'm afraid he's going to do something to hurt our dogs. We're starting to consider buying a camera for the back yard to keep an eye on things. What do you think?
I have no idea. I just hate it that this happening. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteWe've gotten so paranoid about the dogs barking that we rush out to shush them and make them come inside the instant they start...it's really not fair to them or to us. Dogs bark. Also, there are LOTS of other dogs in this neighborhood that do more than their share.
DeleteWe've never had complaints about Ginger and George from previous neighbors. Not once, and they used to be outside dogs! Now they spend every night in the house, and most days when one or the other of us is at home, they're inside then too.
We've always tried hard to be good neighbors and responsible pet owners, and I think we're generally very nice and considerate people. For some reason this neighbor had gotten fixated on our dogs and nothing short of zero barking is going to satisfy him...which isn't possible. I'm so tired of stressing out about it!
cameras; this mofo is liable to try anything. and if you let the puppies out, stay close by them in the yard. carry a baseball bat too.
ReplyDeleteYes. Get a camera or two, then tell him you have got a camera or two. Murderers have been convicted by such cameras.
ReplyDeleteOur son installed a camera system called “Blink”. We love it, it alerts us on our cellphones. In fact I am adding another camera to give us complete view of the back garden.
ReplyDeleteDogs are pack animals and will answer other dogs barking within earshot. It makes them feel less alone and unhappy. Maybe your neighbor would be improved by standing in his yard and barking all day --sounds close to it already.
ReplyDeleteI want to upvote this a thousand times !
DeleteGeo wins the Internet for tonight!! 😁
DeleteBe proactive; invest in the camera(s), and let him know they're trained on him.
ReplyDeleteI would get 2 cameras and tell/write (?) the asshole ! that you have cameras. I Like what @Doc said.
ReplyDeletePlus tell him you have a friend who has a cane and KNOWS how to use !
parsnip
The saddest part is that you have just bought your dream home, then find you have a maniac as a neighbour. The important thing is to have PROOF of his behaviour, so cameras, CCTV, etc, are essential.
ReplyDeleteThat is very scary. I would say you should check your garden ( yard) carefully before you let the dogs out as he might throw poisoned meat or something over.....the dogs would eat it before you could stop them !! Just off to the vet with my schnauzer......he came in last night limping and this morning I discovered a trail of blood through the house! Checked his foot, and he seems to have broken one of his nails....right through the middle. No idea how as he didn't yelp or anything ! Hope that you stay safe with that awful man about.....glad it wasn't you who was alone and answered the door! Would the police come do you think it you called them? Here, they would probably turn up 3 weeks later and fill in a few forms!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible and upsetting situation. Not only would I get cameras for the back yard, I would get one of those Ring cameras to warn you that he is at your front door.
ReplyDeleteYour neighbor doesn't like dogs. No matter how long they bark, for him it's always going to be 2 hours. When someone hates animals that much you do need to be cautious because in their mind they're justified in doing what they feel is correct. The suggestion to call the police is good.
ReplyDeleteI think you need the help of a mediator - possibly a community police officer. He or she could sit both parties in a room and allow grievances to be aired as well as outlining the laws with regard to dogs, noise, trespass and harassment. It's such a shame that you have neighbours like that. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYikes! Your yard is fenced, I assume? I guess a camera wouldn't hurt, but as you said, the guy sounds like a nut job. I like YP's mediation suggestion, if things seem to be escalating. I don't know if your neighbor would be into it, though.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...I am so sorry you are dealing with this. Even though it is an expense, maybe installing the cameras is the way to go, as it will give you proof.
ReplyDeleteHow frustrating for you two in your new dream home. Is there such a thing as a police mediation officer? That could be great, plus a camera to train on your yard near your neighbor's yard. The man sounds unbalanced.
ReplyDeleteA camera could not possibly hurt!
ReplyDeleteAlso, could you file a legal injunction against him, keeping him away from you, your property and your dogs?
DeleteI just realized I already replied to this post. So much crazy neighbor I can't keep track!
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