I'm Barking Mad

The people who live adjacent to our house have two dogs. One is a small, yippy breed that we only see once in a while. The other is a big, black lab. He appears to live outside.

He barks. Constantly. It's making us crazy.

I feel sorry for him because dogs are social creatures and that poor thing is outside all day long by himself. He's out at night, too, because we hear him. Barking.

It wouldn't be bad if he picked more opportune times to howl like a banshee but he seems to start at about 4:00pm and doesn't quit until after bedtime. Their backyard borders our kitchen, family room and unfortunately, our bedroom so a majority of the time, it feels like we have a barking dog in the house. It's awful.

We haven't made a visit over to the neighbour's house for a couple of reasons. First, we are new here and frankly, we didn't want to start off on the wrong foot with anyone. Second, we saw a "For Sale" sign in their yard, which made our hearts leap with hope. They would move and the problem would be solved, right? Unfortunately, no. We heard that the house has been for sale for a very long time with no bites.

I don't understand it, though. Why have a dog, especially one who has big exercise and social needs, if you don't love him enough to bring him inside and make him a part of the family? He's clearly an afterthought to them. It's sad.

So now, we are out of options. We are going to have to knock on their door and politely ask them to do something about the dog. I think I might take a plate of brownies with me. You know, "Hi. We're your new neighbours. Can you silence that infernal barking, please? Here, have some chocolate."