Brother lets dog poo on balcony...VENT

[udsweetpea]

My brother has a 2-year-old Jack Russell, and they live in a 2 bedroom apartment on the 2nd floor. My brother and his wife are too lazy to walk the dog, so they just open up the balcony door and have him poo and pee out there. Every time I come over to their house, there are mounds of poo on the balcony as if they never clean up after him. I don't think this dog has hit pavement and grass for MONTHS. Jack Russells are supposed to be hunters, right? He should be outside for a little bit every day, right?

Granted I'm just venting here, is there something I can say or do about this? I know, I know, I'm not a pet owner, but this has got to be wrong on so many levels, right? They got this dog as a test run before having a child. First of all, I don't think a dog should ever be used as a "test". Secondly, I think the test failed.

I don't know what I want out of this post, but I feel as though I should say something to them since the dog can't speak his peace.

[boilermaker]

That poor dog! Honestly though, the poo on the balcony doesn't contitute abuse, just uncleanliness. I'm guessing they wouldn't clean up after the dog in a yard or on a walk either. There's prob not much you can do about it unless you volunteer to take the dog for a walk whenever you are over there. or suggest they get a dog walker to come in daily or a few times a week.

[udsweetpea]

boilermaker Thanks for the advice! I wouldn't ever report them for abuse or anything, but I feel like I should say something. But I guess I should keep my mouth shut. I just feel bad for the poor dog :(

[boilermaker]

Well, I personally wouldn't keep my mouth shut, but that depends on the relationship you have with your brother. I'd tell mine that it was cruel and to do something about it, then call him regularly to hound him on it...but I can do that with my brother and it would be ok :)

[diam124]

That is nasty. I feel sorry for the people who live below them - I'm sure they experience some "run-off". Do they rent the apartment? I'd be tempted to call the apt. management and report them.

[udsweetpea]

diam Actually, the apartment below them is the model. They do rent.

[diam124]

diam Actually, the apartment below them is the model. They do rent.
Even more reason for the management to be less than thrilled about this! I'm sure prospective tenants step outside to check out the patio - there has to be a stench.

[littlejules]

Wow, this is really a difficult situation. I know if it were my brother, I would really give him a piece of my mind. OR, gently sit him down ahd have "talk." I doubt he'll be too receptive, since he obviously doesn't see anything wrong with treating his dog this way (and most of us don't like to be told what to do! :p ), but you may have more of an impact than you think, especially as he processes your suggestions.

Buy them numerous dog books and take them over to this apartment - put sticky notes on the potty training pages, if need be.

Sorry about this - it would drive me crazy, too.

[Boopy]

It sounds like they don't want the dog any more. Perhaps they know someone who would like to take the dog or you could look into a Jack Russell rescue group for them to give the dog too.

[BethIrish]

That is seriously one of the most disgusting things I have ever heard. No advice, just sharing your horror. If it were my brother, I would definitely have a chat with him.

[udsweetpea]

I'm so angry! I picked my brother up today from his house on our way to work. He went to the bathroom for a little bit, so I peeked out on the balcony where the dog was walking around. He has about 1 square foot of balcony to walk in without smearing the mounds of poo on his paws. It is seriously the grossest thing I have ever seen. I felt so bad for the little dog. I contained my tears because I didn't want my brother to see me cry about this.

But when my brother came out of the bathroom, I made a comment about the porch being nasty. He said "yeah, I know, the dog needs to start picking up after himself.. haha". I asked if he's been taken for a walk recently. Response was "a couple of times last week." Should you walk a dog a few times a day? I'm not a dog owner, so correct me if I'm wrong. I told my brother I feel so sorry for the dog, but he didn't understand why. I can't even imagine how filthy the carpet is after the dog walks in his own poo and then walks inside. He also said they leave the balcony door open when they leave so the dog can go whenever he wants instead of having to crate him when they're gone.

So I said my piece (or is it peace?) with him, and I'm still angry. The poor dog is red around where his legs meet his stomach. I'm not even sure what that means, but it can't be a good sign. I don't even know what to do. I feel bad for letting it go.

[Rose]

Where does he go pee?

[udsweetpea]

Good question... I assume the pee goes out over the balcony or seeps down on the balcony below them.

[diam124]

The more you write about this the more disgusted I get. I would not hesitate to tell him that if he does not start taking proper care of this dog, you will find rescue shelter to take the dog to.

[Sabrina]

Andrea, this dog is being neglected. I would report it (anonymously) to the apartment management and the proper authorities.

[udsweetpea]

Sabrina Do you think he would ever figure out it was me since I just complained about it to him? And just posted it on a public message board?

[bellaprincess]

Andrea,
Maybe you could blame it on the apartment complex management team.
After all they could get covered in crap or pee if the wind is strong one day!

[Sabrina]

Sabrina Do you think he would ever figure out it was me since I just complained about it to him? And just posted it on a public message board?

Does he know that you post on these boards? There is always a chance that he would find out that you were the one who reported him, I guess you will have to decide if that is a chance you are willing to take. It is definately a tough position for you to be in. Unfortunately, the dog can't speak for himself :(

Do you think he would willingly give up the dog? Perhaps you could offer to adopt it, or take on the responsibility of finding it a more suitable owner. Good luck! Remember, your heart is in the right place.