Need Advice: Tenant Negligent Dog Owner and Dog Is Pregnant

Mrcamel79 on 07/01/2023 - 09:35
Last edited 08/01/2023 - 23:32 by 1 other user

I have a complicated situation where wife's friend is renting our granny flat. She is a single mum with 2 young kids.

She has recently gone through some trauma and hence why we offered our granny flat to stay until she sorted things out to move into a bigger place of her own.

They have a small dog and I'm already not so happy as she works fulltime and dog is left out all day and yaps often but more concerning is it's alone for upto 12 hours with a kennel and a bowl of food and couple of bows of water and a small concrete path that's fenced off to roam around. I feel quite sorry for it especially given the tenant is gone for so long every day and also the dog never gets walks for exercise or social interaction and is only taken once a week for play outside the house from what I've observed. It's a small daschund.

More concerning is now the dog is pregnant and my tenant seems to not be responsible at all to manage the upcoming litter as still intends to work fulltime and have the dog and litter home alone from morning to night weekdays. She hasn't even taken the dog to a vet and admitted it's been a long time since she did. All she seems to be organising is make the outside area more fence proof and possibly pay someone to come look at them a few times a week. She actually thinks the litter will make her dog quieter and bark less, which I'm not so sure about and I'm more worried about their health and wellbeing.

Note I'm not in a position to help with looking after the dog and litter nor do I want that responsibility.

I'm feeling incredibly uncomfortable with the situation because she seems so oblivious on what a responsible pet owner and especially a soon to be litter owner should be doing.

As she is a friend however and has gone through some serious family trauma , I can't just ask her to move out or give the dog and litter away. If I complain to RSPCA it will be obvious it's from me….

So far I've voiced my concern about not wanting more than 1 dog and suggested foster care for the dog and litter for the 8 weeks till she gives the puppies away. She didn't respond enthusiastically as talked about cost (which I can understand as her finances are tight) but she hasn't even looked into what help is there. Also she seems keen to keep at least 1 puppy for companionship for the mother.

Keen for some helpful suggestions on what is the best approach here.

Thanks.

Pets

Comments

  • jrvb42 on 08/01/2023 - 08:40
    -4

    Sounds like 'the tenant' is not that good of a friend. Looking at how the dog is treated, can't imagine why she's single. That aside, do you have a lease in place? If so, follow standard procedure. Regardless, you're likely to have an 'innocent victim' to deal with. Lesson to learn: don't lend or lease to friends or family.

  • gromit on 08/01/2023 - 09:05
    +3

    no good deed goes unpunished. can't be said enough. don't mix business with friends and family.

    • kiitos on 08/01/2023 - 14:57
      +1

      So true, and can be so hard to stick to when in that situation.

      • gromit on 08/01/2023 - 15:19
        +2

        I learnt my lesson 20 odd years ago. cost me $10k (which was huge for me back then). Once bitten it is very easy to stick to it regardless of situation.

  • Domingo on 08/01/2023 - 10:36
    +1

    Sorry to hear it OP, sounds like you are in a horrible position.

    Perhaps you could consider going to a local vet and explain what is going on. While most vets are flat out these days and probably won't be able to do anything, they may be able to provide you with information/resources/pamphlets etc that you can pass onto the tenant to explain what it is actually like for a dog to have puppies and the support that the mum and litter will require.

    Being aggressive isn't likely to achieve anything, but helping her understand the situation she is in may help her understand what her responsibilities are and take steps to fulfil them, or look to rehome the dog. Not guaranteed, but potentially worth a try.

  • SydStrand on 08/01/2023 - 11:41
    +2

    If they're full blooded mini dachshunds, each puppy would go for at least $2k even with no papers on Gumtree with today's cold market, so she'll have a nice pay day. But she'll still have them for at least 8 weeks and already sounds like a somewhat neglectful pet owner (newborn pups are a lot of work).

  • Sensiekatie on 08/01/2023 - 13:39
    +3

    A lot of rescues here have last litter programs. They desex the dog for you on the condition that they keep the litter.

    I would be telling her that if she doesn't agree to that, then you will be taking it further….

  • RolandWaites on 08/01/2023 - 13:47
    +1

    Are the puppies going to affect your life? I know it's not your problem but if you really feel bad for the dog being isolated and not getting enough exercise, you could always offer to take it for a quick walk each day. A small dog like that probably only needs 20 minutes at a minimum. It might also open up an easier dialogue with you and your tenant.

  • derrida derider on 08/01/2023 - 14:46
    +1

    I wouldn't evict. For one thing, that's not going to improve the poor bloody dog's situation. Plus there's the welfare of the human kids to think about. Plus there's your wife's views.

    But I WOULD have a long and difficult talk with her, though depending on relationships this may be better done by your wife. Personally when I've had to do stuff like this I find it best to methodically prepare - make some enquiries of the RSPCA or others what possible options are (eg whelping services, dog rescue services, etc), set down a note to yourself to organise your thoughts on the outcomes you want and your strategy for achieving them, discuss it with your wife, etc. Maybe even make a formal appointment with her to signal how serious you are.

    From what you and others have said here a solution should be possible - eg professional care for the dog (eg a dogwalker, vets fees) funded by future sale of the puppies. Be frank - trauma or no, friendship or no, your wife's friend has created serious problems and those problems must be fixed - but as always in discussions/negotiations/arguments stay specific and solutions-oriented (eg "you didn't walk the dog so she barks all day", NOT "you were lazy and neglectful").

  • mrdevil on 08/01/2023 - 15:52
    +1

    Dog that yaps - and is allowed to yap = kick her out. I cannot stand piss-poor dog owners that allow their mongrels to bark and piss off people in the neighbourhood all day. I'm a dog lover and have had dogs all my life - and have never had one that had the need to bark uncontrollably (and if mine ever barked for any reason, I'd quickly act upon it or teach them not to).

    The fact the dog wasn't desexed says a lot - and that it was able to get pregnant too. Sounds like a lose-lose situation where you've tried to do the right thing and help your wife's friend… but they've taken advantage ,(or their true colours have started shining through), which'll either do your head in or make you look like the bad guy regardless of what you choose.

  • cazulu3 on 08/01/2023 - 16:56
    +2

    She's a widow and you're feeling uncomfortable with a dog. Have a bit of perspective.

    Just discuss the situation in a civilised manner without the attitude. Dogs welfare is fare. Barking could possibly be fixed with a couple of behavioural training sessions.

  • hawkshead on 08/01/2023 - 19:30

    I dont understand why it's your issue?
    report to rspca move on. is she damaging the house? not paying rent?
    Has there been a breach of the lease agreement?

    Be less nosy?

  • Dack Smith on 08/01/2023 - 19:57

    It's your wife's friend

    Your wife has to resolve this as it's her friend

    She will need to pay for her friend to stay and her dog too.

    Conclusion: Your wife needs to do something

  • Davo1111 on 08/01/2023 - 20:34
    +1

    Tell your wife to sort it.

  • Seraphin7 on 08/01/2023 - 20:46
    +1

    Time to evict.

  • omcb on 08/01/2023 - 22:03

    She's single and homeless for a reason. Why let it become your issue?

  • IWoNdEr on 08/01/2023 - 22:59
    +1

    Hey OP, seems like the issue is more the dog right now.

    Maybe see if there's a local FB group that you can join and put a post up to see if someone in the neighborhood is able to accompany or walk the dog during the day.

    There might be a vet in the FB group who may be willing to offer free service, you never know in those FB group.

    You've already taken up enough to help this friend so let the community give a hand too.

    All the best.

    • IWoNdEr on 08/01/2023 - 23:06
      +2

      You can also post about the fact the dog is pregnant too so there may be someone our in the neighbourhood that is willing to take on the little one when they come out.

      Will still need to have a good chat with your friend first though to really get what her thoughts are about the little ones.

  • leiiv on 08/01/2023 - 23:00

    OP, can you please clarify here, do you want to act in the best interest of you, or of the dog? Because they may not align at all.

    And what does your wife said about this issue? Surely you have talked to her about it right? Would it affect your relationship with wife if you are hostile to her friend?

    • Mrcamel79 on 08/01/2023 - 23:19

      Both ideally, be good to ensure the birth and critical first 8 weeks of the puppies go well (and il use the suggestions people have mentioned), as well as their ongoing care, and at the same time hope that they dont just constantly make even greater noise moving forward. Damage to my home im ok with because id expect her to fix that eventually. But she thinks the puppies will quieten the mother down and has no plan if opposite happens , neither has mentioned she will give/sell them away. Well aside from asking if we wanted one to which i said no as not in a position to look after a dog at this time.

      My wife thinks im worrying needlessly, however the friend isnt so close. Im not sure if your implying eviction as what would be considered hostile, but if things got unbearable in the future then my wife wouldnt hesistate to ask the friend to move. The arrangement was never intended to be long term.

      • morse on 10/01/2023 - 04:41
        +2

        Damage to my home im ok with because id expect her to fix that eventually.

        I very much doubt this will happen. It sounds like this ‘friend’ is exploiting your good will. The fact she’s stayed longer than expected and is even considering birthing and raising puppies there whilst not being home most of the day is concerning. It really sounds like a “give an inch, take a mile” situation. Some people will just take and take and feel justified in doing so (maybe because id whatever trauma they experienced in the past, maybe jealousy of your better financial position etc, they’ll justify it to themselves and feel entitled). I would simply say you’re not comfortable and ask her to start looking for other accommodation or next thing she’ll be asking you to modify the granny flat for her needs, asking you to look after the puppies and staying for years.

        Also consider that most councils require you to pay an annual fee to register pets living at your premises. If the dog isn’t registered especially if it has noisy pups that people might complain about you’ll wear the cost of the fine.

  • nimrod on 08/01/2023 - 23:17
    +3

    This situation is nothing new in this country. So many people buy dogs and lock them up in their backyard and forget about them. Some of the replies in this thread are evidence of how this situation is accepted as the norm. Sure it doesn't affect you, but you're showing some empathy for an animal in distress and there's nothing wrong with that.

    Just by reading your story, I feel sorry for the dog as well. Dachshunds are loyal dogs that love companionship. The owner planning to have a litter of puppies, obviously for the potential to make a quick buck. She's just a backyard dog breeder that couldn't care about the dog's health. Says a lot about her character.

    What's the plan when the dog starts giving birth and she's at work? Sometimes there are complications and the mum needs help or she can die along with the puppies. The puppies need vet appointments to look for issues and provide initial vaccinations for parvo. Sometimes the puppies are underweight because they keep missing their mothers milk (or the mum isn't producing) and need to be manually fed. This is usually required every few hours…

    'Some Humans' reply is probably the best way to handle this/hopefully the owner see's the need to provide some extra care during the birth of the puppies. If it comes to it and you decide to evict, be careful as not sure if new laws prevent using pets as a reason.

  • Punda on 08/01/2023 - 23:42
    +1

    Tell her you’ve had a complaint about the barking. Or dob yourself into the rangers. Tell her if she’s going to be living there then the dog like the kids needs to be a priority. I wouldn’t want to be living next to a yapping dog. And you should have known the yard wasn’t suitable before you agreed to letting her move in.

  • GrimCheaper on 08/01/2023 - 23:47
    +3

    Sounds like your wife's friend has gone through a lot and now juggling all her duties, these dogs included. It was nice of you to have taken her in, but you should also have expected that she will also bring some extra "baggage" as her life is probably not so stable. I think you are being a bit willfully naieve here and finding excuses so as to get her out asap. Don't throw her on the street over such a trivial issue. Try to work with her on it.

    I think it's fair to tell her to get rid of all the puppies after a few weeks, since 1 dog only was initially agreed upon. Until then you might just have to chip in and help her look for some sort of small dog kennel/box to keep the dog better protected from the sun and its water cool.

    Most of the concerns you have mentioned can be easily fixed by assisting her a little bit more. After all, you knew she wasn't going to be a self sufficient and independent tennant, and would most likely need a hand or two.

  • THICKnSLOW on 09/01/2023 - 01:30

    Is this a thread on how to start a puppy farm?

  • Joh M on 09/01/2023 - 01:37
    +1

    I like to commend your act for helping out your friend. In this situation, it seems that no one is at fault. You are being a good samaritan, you just didn't know the commitment and it's pushing your limit. Your friend is going through a difficult time, it's normal that having a stable full-time job to support her family and survive is a higher priority than other things. She may also feel responsible for not losing another family member for her kids after losing their father. She may also feel guilty about giving away her puppies. The dog, having no time to exercise, will make noises. It's normal. The dog may become restless as she can feel her owner's emotional needs. So it's not the dog's fault, either.

    You have the right not to rent the granny flat to her. But you'd become a 'mean' person in her eye. If not handled carefully, you may lose a friend or you may later regret not helping her more.

    If noise is all you care about and you worry about the dog, I suggest you formally voice your concern to your friend (not casually talking about it) and what outcome you like to achieve. At the same time, you offer to walk her dog for a fixed period of time to help out to buy her some time, and by the end of the period, if the situation didn't get improved, then you may have to ask her to make a hard decision about the dog. This will be an emotional decision, so she'd need time to come to that decision.

    You may also help her find a trusted friend to look after the dog for a short time until she finds a place. That way, she didn't lose her dog forever.

    If necessary, I would also suggest that you set an end date for this rental arrangement. You feel overwhelmed because you don't know how long this may drag on, but if there is an end date it'd be easier for you to put up with and easier for her to make a decision about her life. Good luck.

  • Oz em on 09/01/2023 - 09:00

    Can you offer to take the dog on as your own pet? Improve its quality of life and deal with the puppies.

  • whitepuma on 09/01/2023 - 10:35
    +1

    i hate to be captain hindsight.

    But when i extend a hand to a friend in such a way, i'm usually very transparent and clear with them about the boundaries.
    i.e. a friend asked if he could stay at mine whilst he's getting something done to his house. i said sure but with the following guidelines:
    - So long as it's just him (no other visitors)
    - He cleans up after himself and a bit more for anything communal
    - No noise after a certain time, i need to get my sleep for work
    - He pays for his own or chips in for food
    - This is all just for a week (he needed a place for 4 days), if it's any longer than a week we need to re-discuss

    Overall he was excellent and we didn't have any issues like the OP is describing.
    I guess the only help i can give for your CURRENT situation is; Talk to them (the friend, not the dogs), tell them how you feel and what the problem is, and let them know that if it's not fixed you need to workout how to get her out of your place and not bothering you, and ofcourse, address your concern for these dogs. clear communication is essential, if this friend doesn't fix thing after clear communication, that's when you start taking action (such as booting them out).

  • vchar on 09/01/2023 - 10:39
    +2

    sorry to hear that and I have a story to share with you folks.

    I bought my current house (a big block in the middle of the city) from the previous owner who allowed his so called friends to live for free for many years in exchange the owner wanted the tenants (his friends) to look after the property.

    As years gone by, as the tenants haven't done much (or NONE could be a better word) when it comes to taking care of the property, they turned it into a jungle like block. Grass grew taller than me, dead trees/palms were everyone, palm leaves were left untouched for ages, spider webs covered the whole dwelling, swimming pool was full of dirt/leaves, auto-gate system was broken, the list goes on. I spent 18 months to fix all the problems including clear the whole block, renovate the house, and sheds.

    The previous owner started to realize that his property had never been taken care of a few years before he sold it to me but he couldn't do anything. He then noticed his beloved friends to vacate the property but they didn't seem to care for a few years. Eventually, the owner decided to sell the property at quite a huge loss due to the negligence in keeping the property in a livable condition, and it was haunting when I inspected it. Hence his dear friend has three months to move out no matter what. But you know what? His friends moved out a month before the final date but didn't vacate the property until the last day (that was a great way to return a favour?). As a result, the owner couldn't get paid even I was ready to pay him right away.

    There were over a hundred of potential buyers (I could witness as I inspected the property three times to decide whether I should buy it) came to inspect the property but only a few joint the auction. I thought it could be that the house looked very haunting, the amount of effort to restored the property to a livable condition, the significant cost to fix all the issues above, etc. The previous owner bought and owned the house for over ten years but still sold at a 30% loss. Buyers were advised that the landlord sold the land only because the house was included at no cost as it was in a very poor condition so the previous owner didn't take it into account when he priced his sale. That's unbelievable.

    I was surprise that a tenant could do that much to a landlord in Australia.

    Personally, I have my own principle when it comes to friends. I avoid, at all cost, offer or get helps when it comes to finance, property, car, etc from those I consider friends to keep the relationship last forever. Like a recent instance, my car got stuck inside my property due to the rain, a friend of mine offers me his car to use as long as I need. I rejected him and his girlfriend straight. At first, he wasn't very happy being rejected but he then realized what I meant and we are still friends.

    Good luck OP to get rid of your beloved friends, anyone with a functional, unselfish brain won't give you that much headache.

    • derrida derider on 09/01/2023 - 13:40
      +2

      Yep, its a hard life lesson that most humans put no value on something they get for free. They just don't see the obligation.
      So do not lend money to a friend unless you are prepared to lose both the money and the friend.

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 09/01/2023 - 11:15
    -3

    tell her she needs to move out make up a reason ie you need to rent/renovate/move someone else into the granny flat etc give her a bit of notice but her getting her life together is not your problem

    otherwise i dont see what the problem is she is not paying rent so you can say you want the dog gone or at least de-sexed and if she refuses tell her she needs to go…

    ill never understand how people can afford a proper place to live but have pets….

  • lonewolf on 09/01/2023 - 11:33
    +1

    Reading all this, While i understand in this circumstance, things have gone a bit awry. I am still a bit surprised at how some people reckon you should never help your friends. If friends cant rely on each other for help, then arent they just acquaintances / strangers and not actually friends. Sure it depends how close the friend is but i also wonder if its easier to say dont help a friend on a forum than when its your own friend in need.

    In terms of dogs, I think perhaps have a conversation about it with her first. I dont know if the dog is being mistreated that badly from the sounds of things, there are definitely some issues / things that should be done differently especially desexing and Vet visits. But in terms of leaving a dog in the backyard with food, water and shelter while no-one is at home would be quite the norm (with people who dont have anyone at home all day) i would have thought, As long as the dog is back inside when she is home and not kept overnight outside every day (dachshunds are more inside pets in our climates). Its not a ideal situation but surely this isnt neglect as opposed to giving up the dog to a shelter that will have it locked up in a small area most of the time except for the daily time out and waiting for someone to adopt her and if that doesnt happen then…..

  • ogdenvilleoutlet on 09/01/2023 - 13:25

    There are lots of awesome rescues that help with pregnant doggos, desexing, vaccinations etc. Should reach out to some orgs and see what they can do, although from what I understand the pregnant dog / litters are usually surrendered by the owner

  • Dack Smith on 09/01/2023 - 18:32

    So has your wife done anything about the situation?

    Not playing dumbass is she?

    • BartholemewH on 09/01/2023 - 20:39

      She thinks OP is over-reacting (it's in the comments somewhere).

  • neosin on 09/01/2023 - 18:52
    -4

    Take the dog and give to a good family, tell the negligent owner the dog ran away!

    I doubt she would even care given how you described her situation!

  • mboez on 09/01/2023 - 20:17
    +2

    Friendship is a two way street. If she's really a friend she'll listen seriously to your concerns. Otherwise, you're just jumping through hoops to appease someone who doesn't even care about you.

  • CauseNEffect on 09/01/2023 - 22:31

    What about helping by interacting and walking the dog, can you or your wife do this? Or help by getting a dog walker to help out.

    Any local kids want to earn $5 a walk etc?

    Dog should be neutered after the litter is born, giving it some love shouldn't be considered such a drain. Its win win anyway, a tired happy dog wont be barking or whining.

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