Like feeding a crocodile

I am positive the neighbours are away, and have been for at least five days, leaving their dogs behind. I got the ladder out so I could see over the fence. Before, with the snarling and growling, and hurling themselves at the fence, I was too scared to get too close. Now, I am determined to help these poor dogs.

Yes, two dogs! At least Ada, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is still alive. I thought she might have died. Bear, the German Shepherd, is a very big dog, but thin.

I could just see a water bowl in the corner of the neighbours’ courtyard – but it looked as though it was empty. I could not see any food. Perhaps the deaf neighbour on their other side was supplying food each evening. He is very frail and would not be able to enter their back yard, so I am not sure. Maybe he throws something over the fence to them.

I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I chose a good spot, between shrubbery on both sides of the fence, and have placed a sturdy box on my side. They will not be able to see me looking over the fence when they return.

I filled a bucket with water and coupled two sturdy metal plant hangers to gently lower it over the fence to the ground. I’ll fill it up with the hose next time. I will be able to pull the bucket up later, after the neighbours return. Or I might just leave it so they can see that their dogs needed water!

The dogs couldn’t drink fast enough. They were both thirsty.

I had some treats that my dog (Sunny) found too hard to chew, so I offered them to the dogs. Ada, with very sad eyes, was too nervous to approach, so I tossed one to her. Bear was happy to “take” his treats from my hands. It was like feeding a crocodile as he snatched them hungrily from me, one by one. Seeing his teeth and hunger, and hearing the snap of his jaw, I was glad he didn’t miss.

Next, I found a relatively wide planter, not too deep, and filled it with all the remaining kibble I had for Sunny – enough to keep him going for about ten days. Sunny has fresh meat as well as kibble, also a small piece of cheese daily, and an egg whisked with milk, as well as a couple of treats.

The kibble has almost all gone, only a few bits remaining. Within minutes. These dogs were hungry as well.

I am now going to the shop, and I will buy some more kibble, and dog food suitable for these two massive dogs, which I am now counting as my foster dogs. I will make a point of standing on my box every day and talking with them. I have only ever heard the dogs being shouted at.

How many more days will the neighbours be away? It is now the Easter break and school holidays. It’s unlikely they will be back before the Easter break is over, another three days at least.

If the owners say anything, it will give me an opportunity to speak with them about responsible dog ownership. They won’t be able to complain, as I have looked after their dogs. I will mention that I recorded their barking day and night and was on the point of calling the ranger. Hopefully they will be challenged to care for these dogs as they deserve.

I can’t do anything about them not being taken for a walk, but I will do what I can to ensure they have fresh water and food, and some kind words. Every day.