Golden Retriever puppy still belongs to uncaring man
My mom's neighbor lives alone. He's in poor health and works a lot of hours. The problem is, this man has a Golden Retriever puppy that he keeps caged, alone, in a utility room in a darkened basement, 23 hours a day. He doesn't train or walk the puppy, and he even feeds it in the cage. It is given a minimal amount of water so it doesn't "mess" the cage. The puppy has no blankets or toys, and no other stimulation. My retired parents have convinced him that they'd like to have a dog, but their cat is of an age so that they can't. So, they "borrow" the dog-and walk him, feed him, play with him, teach him obedience, etc.-but the dog still belongs to this uncaring man. The last dog he did this to went nuts and chewed off six inches of his tail before my parents bought the dog from him and turned it over to a rescue group. This is actually his third puppy; dog No. 2 was given away because he fought with dog No. 1. Here is what I'm trying to ask: What can we do about this situation? The local police say as long as the dog has food, water and shelter, he can do anything he wants to his dogs. I know his vet has taken him to task previously, but that doesn't seem to help. What can I do, short of kidnapping the dog? I suspect that he'll just replace him with another puppy.
What an unfortunate, horrible situation for the puppy! And how upsetting for your family, living next door and knowing what is and is not going on with it. I don't suggest dognapping; it is illegal, and as you have suggested, he probably would replace the dog anyway. I think the best approach is to have your parents ask their neighbor if they can continue to borrow his dog, without revealing their disapproval. Instead it might help for them to emphasize their own inability to have another dog at this time, and how much enjoyment they gain from tending to his puppy. If the man believes they are doing it to one-up him, he may close the door on all of their attention to the dog; but if he thinks they are simply frustrated dog lovers, and that he might even benefit from their request, he is more likely to agree.
Ideally, they would have access to the dog during the day, or even bring him to their home. Perhaps the cat could be allowed a certain part of the house, and the dog's area could be limited by using gates, in order to keep them separate. If the neighbor won't agree, perhaps he'd allow a midday walk, during which the dog also could be allowed to have water, freedom, fresh air and a chance to eliminate.
You could make subtle suggestions about training, or offer to provide written materials, but I doubt he'd read them if he is as set in his closed-minded ways as you describe. In fact, any suggestions that imply any failings on his part may cause him to shut your family out. Part-time care and attention is better than none, provided the dog's physical needs are being met. I realize assuming his responsibilities facilitates his carelessness, but is the objective to educate the seemingly obstinate owner, or to help the dog in any way possible? I guess I'd look at the situation, realize its limitations, and then try to do as much as I could.
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