Weddingbee boards

This may seem like an odd post to put on the Bee, but I thought it fit well under the newly wed category. Our new neighbors moved in about 2 months ago and are very nice people. Husband, pregnant wife, two boys and one very, very neglegected dog. We share a fence and I peeked through one afternoon to see the little guy who kept barking at me. I wasn't annoyed by it, I know he's new. I was shocked when I saw the medium sized dog in a kennel that was about 5 foot tall, by 3 feet wide a 4 feet long. Okay...I thought, they're probably still getting things unpacked inside, no big deal. I have two dogs of my own and completely understand the need to get them out of the house sometimes. 

Fast-forward two months. The poor little guy stays in that kennel day in and day out. I'm pretty sure they take him inside at night...only to be put into another kennel I'm guessing. I have yet to see the dog walked or played with. I'm home enough during the day to notice, as is the other neighbor that shares the opposite fence. (Yes...there is housewife gossip on our street.) Their kids are well old enough to play with and walk the dog.  I live in Florida where it's very hot and humid, that dog sits under the hot sun all day!

There's my grip and here's my question. Do I say anything? Or at least, would it be offensive if I asked to walk their dog with mine on their daily walks? I just feel so bad for it. I'm sure they feed it and give it water because I've checked. But this is pure neglect and as an avide animal lover, I can't idly sit by and watch it happen! Any thoughts?

I know! Alright, you've all helped me build up the courage to go over and ask. As soon as this monster storm rolls over and there is a break in the rain, I'm going to take the now drenched puppy out for a walk. If the refuse, then I might be inclined to ask the animal shelter what the next course of action is. Some people don't deserve to have pets.

I do have an update. A few days ago I packed up some of cupcakes as kind gesture to ease the possible tension of the conversation and went next door. Our neighbors have a partial glass door so I was able to see through it half way up the walk and was happy to see the Mrs. walking by. I was very unhappy when after two doorbell rings no one came to greet me. There's no doubt she was home. Rude, huh? Back home I went a little unnerved and ready to call the shelter.  Unfortunately I missed the business hours of the shelter.  Yesterday I tried again...this time with no sweet gestures...I was mad. 

Yesterday we had some really bad thunderstorms. My dogs are not normally afraid of thunderstorms and these ones were bad enough to send mine under the table. I ventured outside to see if the neighbor dog was outstide and to my unfortunate speculation, he was, barking loudly and looking completely scared. I waited for the rain and lightning to subside a bit then went over. This time I saw the Mrs. and her two sons sitting on the couch watching T.V. I don't know how they could have enjoyed their show as the dog was barking so loudly right outside their backdoor.  This time she answered. I asked if "Max" could come over and play with my dogs and she said, "Sure." Closed the door and left me to go around back and take him back to my house by myself. This very brief conversation and obvious lack of concern for the animal made me even angrier. When I got to the kennel and found an empty water bowl, empty food dish, no cushion or blanket to lay on and droppings in the kennel and I nearly flipped my lid. Looking back I should have gone right back up to the door and asked her about it. The sweet little dog was so happy to get out and play. He met my dogs and they played in my backyard for hours. He drank nearly the entire bowl of water I set out for the three of them and a whole serving of food. I wanted to keep him forever, but had to take him back. When I attempted to put him in his kennel, he pulled on his leash, rolled onto his back and whined and whined.  It's not fair and not right.

I missed the shelter again today, but tomorrow first thing, they will be hearing from me. I would gladly adopt the sweet thing if I didn't have two already, one being a lab puppy...ugh. She looks like she's about to have another baby in a month or so, what are they doing with a dog? I'll be sure to let you know how the shelter visit goes.