There's a lot between the lines in what follows. If you peruse this year's posts you'll see I took several "breaks." And although I need to be here through the grieving, now that Susan has walked on I can look forward to returning to the nomadic lifestyle...where barking dogs aren't usually an issue; and if they are it's a simple matter to move.
Thursday, December 3, 2015 (emailed at 6:29 p.m.)
Dear Councilors:
On January 17, annoyed by the barking of a neighbor's dog, I emailed each of you regarding the history of the city noise ordnance. I had been the target of vindictive behavior for previous complaints and anticipating having to file another was interested in learning the history of why the law provided for the disclosure of the complainer's name and address to the person complained about.
I am retired and travel much of the time. I did my best to ignore the dog when I was in town. However, in January my mother-in-law's health began seriously deteriorating and I needed to stay in Albuquerque to supervise her care.
After hearing the dog all summer, I finally filed a complaint on November 2nd. As per procedure, the City sent a letter alerting the dog's owners. It was quiet for a few days but soon the dog was again barking all day.
My mother-in-law died on November 12. Since then her 59 year-old daughter, 60 year old son and I (age 63) have been dealing with tremendous grief and the myriad responsibilities associated with settling her estate. Through it all the dog has barked nearly all day long each and every day.
THEN
I filed a second complaint on November 25. This evening I called and spoke with Carlotta at Animal Control about what was happening with the case. She is doing all she can to help but the spectre of retribution, along with everything else we are dealing with, looms large.
I'm writing to let you know how this is evolving. It's my experience that people who allow their dogs to bark incessantly do not care about their neighbors. Animal Control's protocol requires complainers to agree to mediation. It seems disingenuous to suggest that someone like my neighbor is going to be interested in discussing the problem with me. And quite frankly, given their demonstration of disregard, I have little optimism for a positive outcome via mediation.
All the above is simply FYI. I hope that as you give thought to improving the ambiance of Albuquerque you'll continue to look for solutions to this problem that many of us face.
Sincerely,
MFH
NOW
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
ReplyDeleteBeing a canine grandmother of 7 dogs - as a rule occasional barking dogs don't bother me much. 6 of my grandpuppies are generally quiet unless you hit the doorbell then total pandemonium will occur. The 7th grandpuppy ended up with a vibrating collar. He barks and the collar will vibrate - it was effective in quieting him. Responsible pet owners will will take steps to safely and humanely correct the barking. If not - duct tape - joking seriously I am joking.
I hope this problem was resolved.
Thank you, Pepper. To you too.
ReplyDeleteOccasional barking doesn't bother me either. But I kid you not, this one went from morning to night. A congenial and gracious fellow from Animal Control talked with the owners; it has quieted. I don't like to be "the complainer" in the neighborhood, but it was more than I could take. Let's hear it for duct tape...YES!! LOL!