There’s a saying that goes, “People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, ” and another that simply states, “Mind your own business.” A woman from Utah wishes she’d done both after finding herself in a very tricky situation. The lady, henceforth known as ‘Karen‘ by her husband, took things a bit too far when she called Animal Control to report her neighbor for letting their dog sleep outside.
In a wild turn of events, the neighbor retaliated by pulling out some incriminating evidence of their own. The woman is in a flat panic as she awaits a call from Child Protection Services. Her husband is livid and says she should have just let sleeping dogs lie. ‘Karen’ has begged netizens for help.
When one woman noticed her neighbor’s dog outside 24/7, she went straight to Animal Control and the SPCA
Image credits: Beyzaa Yurtkuran / pexels (not the actual photo)
What she didn’t know was that the neighbor was about to fight fire with fire
Image credits: Kohanova / envato (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Prestigious-Deal8854
Should you let your dog sleep outdoors? Here’s what the experts say
Image credits: Jana Shnipelson / unsplash (not the actual photo)
The RSPCA says that some owners want their dogs to stay outdoors because of behavioural problems that may prevent them from staying indoors. For example, they destroy things in the house or they ‘refuse’ to potty outside. But the experts say before banishing your pooch outside, you should first talk to a vet to rule out any potential health issues, and also to an animal behavioural expert.
If you still decide to let Fido live his life outdoors, there are a few important things to consider regarding the safety, health, and well-being of your pet.
You’ll have to invest in a suitable outdoor dog kennel for your dog. It needs to be big enough to allow separate sleeping and activity areas. “It’s very important that your dog can comfortably walk, run, and wag their tail within the walls of their kennel, and can play, stand on their hind legs, stretch, and lie down without touching another animal or kennel,” notes the RSPCA.
Besides a kennel, the dog will need adequate shelter and protection from rain, wind, and sunlight. The animal should always be able to move where they feel more comfortable, away from direct sunlight and into the shade, says the welfare organization. They warn that dog crates are not a suitable option.
The neighbor did the right thing by providing their dog with a heated doghouse. The RSPCA says that while heating and/or automatic cooling and ventilation are not a strict requirement, a pet owner should do everything possible to maintain their dog’s health and welfare while outside. Heating or cooling systems need to be safe, they caution, and the temperature should be monitored daily.
Some people keep their dogs on leashes or chains 24/7. This is a big no-no. “Dogs should not be tethered or chained, except for very short periods, as restraining a dog in this way can lead to injuries and also restrict normal behaviour, which can be very damaging to the dog’s wellbeing,” reads the RSPCA’s site.
It goes without saying that your dog should always have constant access to clean drinking water and a well-balanced diet. You should check your pet daily for any signs of injury or illness.
Dogs are social animals, so many might struggle to survive alone outside. Those that live outdoors have to be exercised every day, and you must make time to play and interact with them.
“Don’t let your dog become lonely or bored, and never leave them alone long enough to become distressed,” warns the RSPCA. “Signs of a distressed dog include barking, howling or whining excessively, as well as panting, hiding, and/or showing aggression.”
People had lots to say about the spanking, and not everyone was sympathetic
