More neighbours from hell :x

radddogg · Post by **radddogg** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:40 pm

AS you may remember, we were getting a dog. Our next door neighbour is an old lady who can only be described as a busybody. She was against us having a dog from the moment we mentioned it, despite her having a spaniel that barks incessantly and uncontrollably. She thinks he is an angel, even when he bites people it is somehow their fault.

I picked Benson up on monday. Since picking him up he has been good as gold and has never barked, I don't even know what his bark would sound like!

I wanted to take him straight into the garden so he could have a wee and know where his toilet was. Being a rescue dog I didn't want him to be too traumatised so I was hoping she wouldn't make a fuss over him on the first day.

Straight away she comes into her garden letting her devil-dog out at the same time so as well as totally new surroundings Benson has to deal with a barking dog the other side of the fence. He got excited and jumped up at the fence, not trying to get over, just trying to see what is causing the fuss. Anyway she says that he will easily jump over the fence and if he does, her dog (a spaniel the same size as Benson - a collie/staffie cross) will kill him. Or Benson will kill her dog. Either way she will sue us for every penny we've got. Those were her exact words. Coming from someone whose dog isn't allowed around any humans for fear of biting them.

As if that wasn't enough.

Sarah let him out for a wee this afternoon and surprise surprise the Blanche-alike lets satan's spawn out. He starts yapping which gets Benson excited who then tries to jump over the fence (which the RSPCA said is high enough). Sarah caught him before he got over but the old cow went mad at her. She said we should keep our vicious dog under control. Hang on, if she could control her dog ours wouldn't be bothered about it. Sarah apologises and tries to reason with her, basically explaining that as he's been here only three days that we are training him not to do that, hence why he is always supervised. Sarah suggested that Benson and rat-features meet each other to get to know one another but Rita dismissed it saying devil-rat-dog wouldn't be interested (as if he is too good for Benson). Rita just talks over Sarah, saying really hateful things about us and Benson to the point that Sarah is in tears. She said that if Benson ever got in her garden she would let him out into the main road. She had previously said she would buy a new fence but has now rescinded this offer out of spite, as she thinks by causing problems for us we will get rid of Benson.

To top it off when Sarah got back from walking him, Rita was stood at her front door with another street busybody gossiping about it and they were both scowling and staring at Sarah and muttering things about Benson.

I've skimmed over a lot of this but however it comes across her actions were wholly inexcusable. I'm livid about it and can't decided what to do next. I don't want to have a bad relationship with any neighbours but I can't just ignore it. I'm going to erect a fence tomorrow but I don't know whether to erect a new 6' garden fence so I can't see her or to borrow some 9' heras fencing from work just to p1ss her off as she is very houseproud and such an eyesore might annoy her into buying the fence that she promised.

What do you think we should do? Is it worth trying to speak to her about it?

Something which makes it awkward is that her daughter and family are our other next door neighbours and we get on fine with them.

Sorry for the ramble.

216si · Post by **216si** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:48 pm

just keep the piece mate and stick up a 6ft pannel fence....

sometimes it aint worth the hastle of lowering yourself to there standards

peteT16 · Post by **peteT16** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:52 pm

Well, neighbourhood disputes can turn unbeleivably ugly, so I would try at all costs to maintain communication with her, you say she is elderly, is she compos mentis shall we say.

I would put up a new fence if reqd, but if your present fence is in good nick and high enough to prevent your dog jumping over I would leave as is.

I'm puzzled why she objects to you having a dog when she herself is a dog owner, it would be slightly more understandable if she didn't have a dog and was worried about barking etc.

hoody · Post by **hoody** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:58 pm

just stick up a fence and keep comms with her to a polite hello and leave it at that,it sounds like she has nothing better to do with her time and tell you're good lady not to worry about her as these type of people will keep trying to upset her if they know what buttons to press with her.

calibrax · Post by **calibrax** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:16 am

If you're friendly with her daughter, then perhaps explaining the situation to her would be productive, if you can explain it to her in such a way as not to put their backs up... maybe the old woman will listen to her daughter?

mach1rob · Post by **mach1rob** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:16 am

I would however talk to RSPCA and explain the situation, they may have some suggestions, me I'd tell the old cow to keep her nose out of my business and if she doesn't like the fact we have a pet then take it up with the council who'll just tell her to go away

daz500 · Post by **daz500** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:18 am

This woman seems to be going out of her way to cause annoyance so I don't think you can do anything other than ignore her. Just make sure that your dog can't get into her garden and then you won't have a problem. I believe that she would let your dog out onto the road as I've come across a nasty neighbour like that before.

Try to have a word with the daughter and get her onside about the new dog. Also, check with the local planning what height the fence can be otherwise you'll be had over that. I'm sure that the rules/regulations changed recently, or perhaps that was just fences.

How do you feel about her dog staying with her?

bjrespect · Post by **bjrespect** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:32 am

you on live in preston dont you one quick pm and it could all be sorted

richard moss · Post by **richard moss** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:37 am

Shoot her dog - and then take the old bat to the vet to have her put down.

peteT16 · Post by **peteT16** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:54 am

richard moss wrote:Shoot her dog - and then take the old bat to the vet to have her put down.

Helpful comment

5teve L · Post by **5teve L** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:54 am

Tell the old bill she's harrassing you, your missus & the dog, the dog is viscous, & get the old pi55 stinker on an ASBO

Craig · Post by **Craig** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:59 am

Oh dear ... Richard's post did make me laugh ...

The problem may well be that you are being too nice about it.

Tell her, politely, but firmly, that your dog is staying, so she should either get used to the fact or consider moving elsewhere.

Make it clear (politely) that this is one occasion on which she absolutely will not get her own way, no matter how nasty or unpleasant she decides to be.

If she goes into a rant, tell her you're sorry she feels that way, have no intention of arguing with her and that the temper tantrums are a waste of whatever energy she has left.

Then walk away, ignoring her. Add a sympathetic shake of the head for effect.

teethgrinder · Post by **teethgrinder** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:06 am

Keep leaving chocolate in her garden - that should finish the little absolute gem off. Or bread with effervescent paracetamol in it. Works well with seaguls too!

5teve L · Post by **5teve L** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:12 am

Send Mike Strutter round

618ireland · Post by **618ireland** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:16 am

Have a word with her daughter, no doubt the daughter knows only too well what a pain her mother is. Obviously don't bad mouth the woman, ask her daughter for advice emphasing how you most definitly want to keep the piece. Lovely looking dog by the way, nice seeing people rescue dogs like that.

radddogg · Post by **radddogg** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:23 am

PMSL, you certainly cheered me up with your helpful and witty replies. I don't think I'll kill her dog just yet as it is really her fault he doesn't have any manners. I think I'll put up the new fence, ignore her and maybe environmental health will get an anonymous call about her dog barking.

When her dog barks at me I'll shout at it to shut up and if she tells me not to shout at her dog I'll ask her to stop her dog shouting at me first

Oh and next time she forgets to take her keys out of the front door (twice i've given them to her) it will be a shame if a magpie carries them away to his nest.....

E_T_V · Post by **E_T_V** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:44 am

Next time she leaves her keys in the door lock the door and remove the keys for safe keeping. Then bang on the door and shout FIRE FIRE FIRE then run away.

Very childish but very funny!

Don't take out her problems on her dog, there is probably a reason it is bad tempered, i.e. her!.
If it bites you on the other hand kill it in self defence and then persue her for loss of earnings!

My advice is just ignore her as much as possible. As said above when challanged be firm and direct but polite and don't be drawn into a slanging match. Take your dog out as much as possible and meet and greet the neighbours to show that it is a well behaved dog (should she ever try to claim otherwise you then have impartial character witnesses).By all means put up some barrier fencing as a "temporary" measure until she improves her fence.

Her dog probably isn't going to be viscious to another smaller dog so long as it us submissive (which it probably will be if it is a newtered pup), so I'd not worry too much about them meeting accidentally.

Just relax and enjoy your new pooch. Get him well adjusted to the surroundings and all the neigbours and I'm sure the problem will simply go away. (Either that or she'll peg it from a heart attack when you do the fire fire trick!

)

radddogg · Post by **radddogg** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:54 am

E_T_V wrote:Next time she leaves her keys in the door lock the door and remove the keys for safe keeping. Then bang on the door and shout FIRE FIRE FIRE then run away.

Very childish but very funny!

Don't take out her problems on her dog, there is probably a reason it is bad tempered, i.e. her!.
If it bites you on the other hand kill it in self defence and then persue her for loss of earnings!

My advice is just ignore her as much as possible. As said above when challanged be firm and direct but polite and don't be drawn into a slanging match. Take your dog out as much as possible and meet and greet the neighbours to show that it is a well behaved dog (should she ever try to claim otherwise you then have impartial character witnesses).By all means put up some barrier fencing as a "temporary" measure until she improves her fence.

Her dog probably isn't going to be viscious to another smaller dog so long as it us submissive (which it probably will be if it is a newtered pup), so I'd not worry too much about them meeting accidentally.

Just relax and enjoy your new pooch. Get him well adjusted to the surroundings and all the neigbours and I'm sure the problem will simply go away. (Either that or she'll peg it from a heart attack when you do the fire fire trick! )

Ha ha ha that FIRE joke is very tempting!!!

I think I'll let Benson meet Seamus when she isn't looking. Benson is roughly the same as her dog and being a staffie cross I'd say he's probably harder than her spaniel anyway. Its just that Benson is so well behaved that he comes across as being submissive. The jumping up at the fence thing is the only thing he has done that has been anything other than perfect behavior.

He's such a cutey he melts my heart with his big puppydog eyes and I just have to cuddle him all up.

Post by **Marty** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:57 am

As her dog is only an ankle biter put some shin pads on under your jeans and strap some irresistible food to them and when its bites you make plenty of noise and run inside and have ketchup ready a little smear on the bitten leg with shin pad removed should look the part then you can say look what your dog has done im sure she will the be VERY nice to you

Mr_James · Post by **Mr_James** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:00 am

Stand at the fence with a baseball bat until she asks you why you're standing there with it and just reply 'Just waiting for your dog to jump up at the fence' lol

Post by **Marty** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:01 am

Mr_James wrote:Stand at the fence with a baseball bat until she asks you why you're standing there with it and just reply 'Just waiting for your dog to jump up at the fence' lol

Home run

Anthonyti · Post by **Anthonyti** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:13 am

I will say from my experiences with hell neighbours it can easily escalate out of control. As said polite but firm! if she rants just walk away, if she continues just film her on your mobile.. funny how they soon stop

then you have some bulletproof evidence of her abusing you....Get three of four seperate events and build up a good record of her behaviour, it will work

then something can be done about her. If it continues and you have evidence showing her behaviour, show the Police and they will have a quiet word with her, this can work wonders

HTH Regards Anthony

teethgrinder · Post by **teethgrinder** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:33 am

If she leaves her keys in the door, snap 'em...

Or sell them to some hoodies, a la Eastenders.

LondonMX · Post by **LondonMX** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:58 pm

Take your dog out in the garden on a lead and hold your head up high and dont get involved with her at all (dont even make eye contact). She will soon realise she is lowlife and will crawl under the rock she came from.

If you own the fence whack up a strong/high fence and put trellis on the top and grow things up it. dunno what to do if she owns the fence. someone legally aware can show up and tel you more about that.

OR stab her 155 times with an ice pick and drop her fluffy woo-woo into a garden shredder

*touches nipples over the grinding noise*

Just chuck a big fecking value pack of custard creams over the fence thatll shut her up for a while

radddogg · Post by **radddogg** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:02 pm

Just ordered the new fence panels, they'll be here in an hour. I went round to tell her and she answered the door just saying, "yes?" not hello Rob or any other civilised greeting. I didn't make a meal of it, I just said that the new fence will be in today and went.

Thank fook I don't have to see her anymore.

LondonMX · Post by **LondonMX** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:04 pm

how did she react to that

radddogg · Post by **radddogg** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:10 pm

LondonMX wrote:how did she react to that

She said right, ok, thanks and went in. Its best if we just keep our distance, to be honest we keep ourselves to ourselves anyway.

I should add that I don't think this is the last we'll hear about it.

When the fence is in and we leave Benson out for longer her dog will be going mad, which is more ammo for us.

C2K · Post by **C2K** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 5:12 pm

I'll be round later mate, brick through the window.

I'll get her dog to bite me and then get her put down. Or should that be the dog?

radddogg · Post by **radddogg** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 6:21 pm

Fence is in. When we went out earlier the old bag was outside with her nosey mate both muttering and giving us dirty looks.

C2K · Post by **C2K** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 6:54 pm

Throw some poison dog treats over the fence.

The above is a JOKE.

C-J · Post by **C-J** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:13 pm

Wouldn't surprise if she came round saying the fence panels are to big and are blocking out the light.

radddogg · Post by **radddogg** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:49 pm

C-J wrote:Wouldn't surprise if she came round saying the fence panels are to big and are blocking out the light.

She won't, creatures of the night like her have an aversion to sunlight

brad · Post by **brad** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:20 pm

stupid old bint tell her to mind her own dog

also buy the pic u got a collie yea they will easily jump a 6ft fence mate trust me

Post by **Punx0r** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:24 pm

radddogg wrote:Just ordered the new fence panels, they'll be here in an hour. I went round to tell her and she answered the door just saying, "yes?" not hello Rob or any other civilised greeting.

I personally wouldn't have done that. To me it sounds like you're acknowledging her as being right and almost apologising by acting so submissively.

I'd have just completely ignored the old bag

Stealth213S · Post by **Stealth213S** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:27 pm

If she tries to wind you or your wife up by letting her dog out when yours is out then try taking your dog in and out of the garden all day. If she has to keep getting her dog in and out she will soon get bored of it and gives you evidence that she is delibrately trying to harass you.
The anon complaint about the barking to environmental health is a good idea.

How old is she and what state is she in? Is it likely she'll be there for a good few years yet or might she be on the way to being sectioned or imprisoned in a residential home before too long.