All is not well in the land of cheap apartments.
First, there's the rats. They have moved into the walls. I was here for over two years with no rats. Why have the rats moved in?
Second, there is the Unruly Dog. The Unruly Dog's owners do not seem fond of the leash concept, so often when I leave the apartment the Unruly Dog comes flying across the courtyard, barking and lunging at Layla. Truthfully, this is the same behavior that The Dog would exhibit if I opened the door and she saw another dog outside, which is why I keep her on a leash. Which is, incidentally, the law in the City of Austin.
Today the Unruly Dog decided to block our entrance back into the apartment's courtyard, and I could see no humans about. So I did what I usually do when confronted with an uncontrolled dog that is moving towards mine. I yelled.
Two humans appeared. One said "She just wants to play." The other said "Go on, yell at her one more time. Fucking bitch! She's not doing anything to you."
I avoided eye contact and dragged The Dog back to the apartment. I have heard people describe the experience of adrenaline: shaking, heart pounding. I had never felt that until today.
Now I don't know what to do. I am not a bitch for trying to face down a potentially threatening dog with my voice. But now I am in a hostile situation with a neighbor that could recur any time I step outside my front door. I can't seem to remember what the threatening person looks like, so I may not even be able to avoid going into the laundry room if she's in there.
Do I complain to the management and possibly get them evicted or forced to give up their dog if they're living there without paying a pet deposit? Is that ethical?
Comments (3)
That sucks! We've got an Unruly Dog on our street, but fortunately he hangs out on the other side of the street. I have no idea what to tell you -- I'm quite a bit more confrontational, but then again I'm a) male, b) bigger, and c) more scary looking now that I've got the Van Dyke and close-cropped hair. You could call animal control -- since as you note, leashlessness is against the law of the land. That way they'll have a chance to get their dog back and correct their ways. Of course, they'll probably guess it was you who called... You'll just have to decide what you're willing to put up with. Good luck figuring it out -- I don't envy you. Bad neighbors suck!
Posted by JPed | December 4, 2005 2:02 PM
That's a really hard situation. Have you tried talking to them directly? I would suggest going to their apartment and just saying, "Hey, I'm really sorry about the misunderstanding today. I didn't see anyone around, so I did what I felt I had to do. I've actually had issues with your dog before, because when she's not on her leash, she tends to run after and lunge at my dog. I may be misinterpreting the situation, but I have to watch out for my dog first and foremost. Would you mind keeping her on a leash if she's going to be in a common area? I'll do the same." If they remain belligerent (SP?), then go to management. What do you think?
Posted by Januari | December 4, 2005 4:27 PM
I will echo "that sucks!" I wish I had sage advice, but all I can come up with is "gah!"
Posted by Eric Tilton | December 7, 2005 4:11 PM