My neighbor neglects her dog

[Sherri]

I need advice. My neighbor doesn't take care of her dog. She is rarely home & the only attention Bear gets is from me and my other neighbor. She does put out food/water when she is home (I check every a.m. & p.m.), but his yard is a filthy mess. No grass, poop everywhere, and I spotted a dead bird in the yard yesterday. I can't clean the yard by myself beause Bear is a large dog - Rottweiller I think - and he would knock me down wanting to play. I can help her clean the yard if she will make time. How should I handle this? I think the yard and the lack of attention is making him miserable.

[Theresa]

Does she let the dog inside the house ever? If not then keeping him in that yard is neglect, dogs should have a clean place and some sort of shelter. But if you think the dog is miserable, please call the police or contact tour local shelter. It shouldn't be your responsibility to care for him, but thank you for that, you should definately call someone. Keep me updated please. Hope all goes well.
-Theresa

[Sherri]

Hi Theresa,
She doesn't let Bear in the house. She has (or did have) a chihuahua & Bear would probably kill it, just playing too rough. His yard is so small, he really doesn't have room to play. He just more or less runs in a circle following the fence around the yard. It's sad. He is lonely. He loves to play "fetch" so I do that as often as I can and I've bought him toys hoping it might help him a little. I've been trying to find him a good home, I just wish I could clean that yard!

[Theresa]

Would she be willing to give the dog to a new home? And I know I said this, but even a shelter would be better than where he is, you really should call someone, or tell your neighbor you will and then ask if you can clean her yard or else you will call the authorities. But i'm glad he has you, you seem like a great person.
-Theresa

[Dawn...G]

I agree with Theresa. If the dog is unhappy, he needs help. I'm sure he knows you care and probably looks forward to your attention. Given it's the most he probably ever gets. Maybe you should ask your neighbor if they really still want the dog. If they don't. Find out what "No Kill" animal shelters are in your area and see if there are any that would be willing to take the dog in. If they cannot help. Would You be interested in taking the dog? If not, then I would contact your local Humane society and see what they could do to help the dog. If your neighbor is not interested in allowing any of those suggestions. Then I would definitely find out what the animal cruelty laws are in your area and report it.