A couple weeks ago, I was in the front yard with hubby and kids. The neighbors 3 dogs (Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs) came running out and ran over to the other neighbor. He immediately started kicking them and swinging his arms. There is no question that he was terrified. The dogs were jumping on him. They were wagging their tails and jumping. At no time were there teeth bared. I *think* they thought he was playing. I ran across the street and called them. They came towards me. The owner caught 1 dog and the other 2 ran down the street. I went with him to catch the other two. I asked the neighbor if he was OK. He had scratches on his arm.
When we got the two dogs, we returned home to find a sheriff and an ambulance. They took reports from us. The ambulance driver told me it was just a scratch. the sheriff shook his head and said it is a mountain out of a molehill situation.
Today animal control came and sited my neighbor for his dogs being loose and said the neighbor is insisting he was bit.
I went over to the "victims" house and asked him how he was. I do not like being in the middle but I was the eyewitness so I have to go to court. The way I see it is the guy was terrified and overreacted. The dogs did NOT attack him.
He proceeded to tell me that God will judge me. I am a terrible neighbor and it is obvious I am an animal lover not a people lover. I told him I would only say what I saw at court. I am not choosing sides with anyone. I asked to see his wounds. He showed me a faint scratch on his arm. It is healed. I HAVE been bitten by a dog. It took months to heal not a couple weeks. The sheriff, ambulance EMT, and Animal Control all say he is making a big deal out of nothing. Meanwhile the dog owner has over $1000 in fines and will need to go to court. I am sick to my stomach over it all. I thought my neighbor was a nice guy. He claims I am now a horrible person and will be judged by God. I hate the idea of fighting with neighbors. I try to get along with all of them.
Now I am terrified of what would happen if my dogs got loose. I know 100% if you kicked my lab he would jump on you (and knock you to the ground) and kiss you. Somehow that would be deemed an attack??????
On top of this, tomorrow night is my hubby's 40th birthday party. I imagine the cops will be called...

By Tarable on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 02:47 pm:

That is horrible. I have no advice but lots and lots of (((HUGS)))).

By Jewlz on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 03:11 pm:

lots of hugggs to ya ... id start journalling anything that involved that neighbor. just for sake of what could involve futre things with him. if he becomes a nuisance with out neighbors too id have that recorded ....

By Angellew on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 03:13 pm:

{{{Yvonne}}} That is a horrible situation to be put in. But, you're only telling to truth. You saw what you saw and that's that! Your neighbor obviously has issues!

By Karen~admin on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 05:17 pm:

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Yvonne}}}}}}}}}}}}

Yes, an actual dog bite takes weeks or even months to heal - I had one 18 months ago and it was 3 months before it was completely healed. Obviously this neighbor of yours is a bit coo-coo. However, if I were you, I too would be concerned about what would happen if *my* dog got out.

I have a dog that jumps and mouths - she licks too. She is NOT biting when she mouths, it's a bad habit we have not been able to break, she does it when she is happy or excited to see someone. HOWEVER, I am 99.9% positive that *if* she got out, she'd jump on the first person who went to her and she'd probably mouth them and I'd be accused of having a vicious dog.

Definitely journal and just tell the truth in court.

As for tonight, I HOPE everything goes smoothely with the neighbors, and your hubby's party is a roaring success.

By Yjja123 on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 05:31 pm:

Thanks everyone.
The party is tomorrow night.
We have lived here 11 years and this is the first "real" party we have ever had. I will be very upset if the neighbor calls the cops on us!
The more I think of our conversation, the more upset I get. He calls himself Christian but all he did was yell at me. We have done a ton of things for him (fixed his car for free, gave him food/gas during hurricane.. to name a few). For him to be angry that I am telling what I saw is just not right. I know in my heart that I am doing the right thing.
Luckily my dogs have not gotten out. It could happen though. FPL and the water co. always open the fence gate. They are not great about shutting it all the way. All it would take is a dog nudging the gate.

By Nicki on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 06:45 pm:

It seems if he was indeed bitten by one of the dogs, he would have had to receive medical attention. So, if it goes to court, wouldn't he have to have written documentation of his visit to ER or his doctor to prove he was treated for an actual "bite". If so, it seems like he won't get far with this issue.(?)
I'm so sorry you are dealing with such a neighbor. It's so stressful to feel someone living so near by could retaliate at any time. Hopefully things will calm down. And I hope your husband has a great birthday!

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 06:54 pm:

Yvonne, has your dog-owner neighbor actually been fined, or is that just the possible penalties? Certainly the neighbor's dogs shouldn't have been running loose, but that seems a steep fine before there is any hearing.

Yes, keep a diary. And think about putting up some more fencing, so that your dogs are always behind a fence even if someone leaves the gate open. With a neighbor like that, I would think that would be almost a necessary safeguard.

By Kaye on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 07:03 pm:

On your neighbors side a bit. I really am pretty terrified of dogs (i know I have two). I just have seen bad things happen and they frighten me. If 3 largish dogs ran across towards me, my instinct would be to fight also, our of fear. I guess probably what is fueling his anger is a combination of fear and the fact that no one gets it. I can't stand dogs on the loose, I don't let my roam, and I have a lock on my gate, so it doesn't make sense to me why these dogs were out. Very clearly the dog neighbor is in the wrong and the other guy is reacting to it. If I were on the jury I would be on his side based on your post.

As far as the Christian in him...ya know we all make mistakes and he shouldn't of brought the wrath of God into this. Be truthful and don't take sides and personally I would steer clear of him, unless my words were close to "I am so sorry, you must of been very frightened." Whether he is lying or not is indifferent really, the courts will figure that out. I will say that my dog mouths quite a bit, it scares me that she might might, it doesn't bother anyone else in the family though.

By Cocoabutter on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 07:24 pm:

Since you and the emergency personnel can verify that the "victim" was not attacked, there isn't much more to worry about other than the citation for the dogs being loose, and it does sound like the dogs involved may need some training. (It *is* a law that dogs may not leave their own property without being on a leash, and it doesn't matter how nice the dog is.)

However, I think that there may be a mental issue with the victim. While it is possible that he may have a phobia of dogs, it doesn't sound like he has a firm grasp on reality, either.

The best you can do is protect yourself against any possible accusations in the future.

By Sandysmom on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 07:35 pm:

Yvonne, I'm so sorry that you have to be involved in all this. What a mess. Did he know the neighbor's dogs? Had he had any interaction with them whatsoever? Did he know they weren't capable of harming him? I think those types of dogs are big aren't they? If all he knew of them was to see them behind the fence then I'd have to say that I would have been scared too. I think he reacted wrongly - kicking and swinging is not what you are supposed to do when you think you are being attacked by a dog, is it? But, I am afraid of strange dogs myself and I hope that them being out was just an accident. Thankfully they didn't bombard a toddler who could have been nearby. They could have hurt a toddler just by being friendly. I think dogs need to be kept in their own yard or on a leash. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people around here that don't think so, one of which is a "lovely" pit bull who came after me while I was walking by and so, I don't feel safe to walk on my road and I don't allow my daughter to ride her bike down there either. Although, God help them if that dog ever did attack any of my family - as long as it was off the property. Anyway, that guy does sound like a real bugger. I think he wanted to make a point to your neighbor but took it too far. Good Luck and I hope the party goes well tonight.

By Reds9298 on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 07:38 pm:

A bite is a bite and a scratch is a scratch, regardless of what the "victim" thinks was done to him. There's physical proof and that should make it cut and dried. These aren't dogs that roam the neighborhood on a regular basis (it doesn't sound like) so it's an isolated incident. Everyone's dog gets out once or twice in their lives.

I'm sorry you're in this position and that the "victim" was so crazy about it in what he said to you. Ditto everyone on journaling what has happened/when and just being honest. You're doing the right thing and that's what will matter. I don't care if a animal person or not, like I said, a bite is a bite and a scratch is a scratch. Anyone with eyes can see that. ((HUGS))

By Yjja123 on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 08:41 pm:

I agree that the dogs should not have gotten out. They are actually puppies so they are not that big. The kids opened the front door and the dogs ran out.
I DID tell the "victim" that I was very sorry that it happened to him. I told him I knew he was terrified.
Animal control stated that he went to the hospital and was sent home with a band-aid. Clearly there is a lot of documentation that he was not bitten. It is the fact that he is persuing this that irritates me.
The last thing you do in an animal attack is kick, scream and fling your arms about. He did all of these things. If it were a real dog attack and he responded as he did--he would have been hospitalized.
Some of the citations will likely be thrown out in court. The highest fine is the loose dog (times 3 dogs) and that will stand. We have to go to court and waste tax payers money (and employees time) because of the reaction from the "victim".
IF he had been attacked, I would be right there stating that to animal control. It is the fact that he wasn't, that makes it so hard to rationalize.
We are discussing adding a double fence (like Ginny mentioned) so we will not worry about our dogs ever getting out. I know if they did they would come when called. They are both trained.

By Reds9298 on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 09:01 pm:

That's exactly what I was thinking! If a dog really IS attacking you, you just RUN for heaven's sake. I can't believe he's pursuing it either. The whole thing is ridiculous, and like you said, a huge waste of money and time.

By Vicki on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 10:48 am:

I agree that it does appear to be nothing other than a big waste of time and money. If I were you, I wouldn't worry one bit about it. There will be documented medical papers on what injuries he did or didn't get. I would think all you would need to testify on is what you saw happen since you were there.

Honestly, if he has a big fear of dogs, I do see how he could have been terrified. I am sure to you, it didn't look like an attack. But I bet with him being on the other end and obviously scared to death, it did look like they were running towards him and attacking him.

I have dogs and I love dogs. But I have and love MY dogs. I am not a huge fan of others dogs and I don't like bigger dogs at all. Others don't like dogs of any kind and honestly, they should be able to be out and not have dogs run up to them and jump on them. I understand accidents happen and dogs do get out, but that is still the owners responsibility. Even in accidents, someone is in the wrong and there are usually penilties for it.

I would try not to get in the middle of it and just state what you saw. You can't really say it wasn't a big deal because you weren't the one on the receiving end of with the fear. Might not have looked like a big deal to you, but I am guessing it did from his end.

By Kate on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 11:33 am:

I would have totally freaked out if three dogs ran to me and started jumping on me!! That is totally unacceptable and shouldn't have happened. I'm not saying he should lie about the extent of his injuries but the poor man should have peace of mind about being outside in his own yard. If this is what it takes to get this other neighbor's attention, then so be it. If you're going to have three dogs you need to be extra vigilant. Especially with rambunctious puppies. Twice I've had large dogs come bounding out of their yards and jump on me and my babies who were in strollers. Unacceptable. If people can't contain their dogs they shouldn't have them. I totally understand this man's fear.

Yvonne, I appreciate that YOU keep your dogs fenced in and are a responsible dog owner. I'm sorry you're in the middle of this, but you are dog lover and he is not, so it may be hard for you to see his side of the story. Good luck with it all.

By Kate on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 11:48 am:

OH! I totally forgot about this part...the whole terrible neighbor/you will be judged by God is of course wrong. I'm sorry he did that to you. I imagine he feels like no one is on his side and that he is viewed as a wimpy laughingstock of the neighborhood. That is probably why he's reacting so strongly. He may just feel no support from anyone, or if he does have support, he may be so frightened and embarrassed that he can't tell he has support. But he was in the wrong, yes. But for him this was a very traumatic experience and it sounds like he sought extra attention from the police and hospital because it seems he was kinda scoffed at and brushed off. I wasn't there, though, so I'm just guessing and could be totally wrong.

By Colette on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 12:41 pm:

I totally agree with Kate and I am sorry that you are caught in the middle of this.

I hope your party went well.

By Yjja123 on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 12:41 pm:

The dogs ran up to him. It wasn't until he kicked them that they jumped up on him.
I get that he was afraid. I just think that it isn't "neighborly" to pursue "justice" when he was not truly hurt. These dogs are not running the neighborhood. They were let out by mistake.
I am afraid when he comes barrelling down the road speeding to his house. Shall I pursue that and try to get him fined the maximim amount? No. I simply do not allow my kids to play in the road. I understand fear but that cannot justify an irrational reaction. At what point will he realize he has pushed this issue too far?

The party went great last night. He did aim his sprinklers on the cars parked on our sidewalk. Everyone laughed and said the next door neighbors carwash was amusing. IF I was "neighborly" I would have called the police. We have strict water restrictions right now. And Saturday is a forbidden day to water. I did not make the call.

By Crystal915 on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 03:34 pm:

I am NOT a dog lover, and have little patience for dogs jumping on me, but I agree that this guy overreacted. There is the potential for a really sad situation here, what if animal control had taken them because of the "attack"? To say dogs should not get out, and that justifies his response doesn't make sense to me, accidents happen.

By Kaye on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 05:42 pm:

"cannot justify an irrational reaction", Yvonne you hit in on the head. He won't realize he is irrational, that is just the nature of the beast. What you can do is be the better neighbor. One day maybe he will look out and realize that he was wrong and went nuts. But realisticly that won't be soon. The only thing you can control is your reaction. It is hard to not want to out "mean" him. But that doesn't do any good. He is thinking emotionally, let him have his day in court and do the right thing. But don't take this personally, it isn't about you, it is about his fears.

By Yjja123 on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 08:09 pm:

Thank you everyone. I am calmer about the situation. I have no intention to "out mean" him.
I will speak the truth in court, make sure my animals (as always) are on my property, and wash my hands of him.
I am not going to pretend all is well. He said some hateful things and that will not be forgotten. I normally do not have much interaction with them anyway so it will not be difficult to avoid him.

By Bea on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 01:36 am:

It sounds to me as if he was trying to intimidate a witness. If he says anything else to you, tell him that you'll report what he says. He sounds like an unstable character. I'd stay far away. Bad neighbors can make life so hard. I hope things calm down soon.

By Yjja123 on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 09:14 am:

Wish me luck. I go to court to testify today. I have never been to court before so I am quite nervous.

By Kate on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 09:17 am:

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

By Annie2 on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 09:24 am:

You'll be fine. Good luck. Let us know what happens.

By Happynerdmom on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 09:26 am:

Good luck!! You'll do great.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 09:33 am:

Well, one of two things will happen.. He will have calmed down enough to realize that this is all really just a waste of time... Or he has had months to build up his resentment and he will feel all the more that he is just in his accusations. But either way, I hope that things are taken care of fairly and that your experience is a decent one.. Best of luck... Keep us posted...

By Cat on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 09:58 am:

Hugs and good luck!!!

By Yjja123 on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 10:00 am:

Bobbie---I believe he has had months to build up resentment. He has a new habit of standing in his yard and glaring at us. We just smile at him. My kids hate playing out front because he gives them the creeps. I imagine he will be a bigger jerk after today.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 10:19 am:

I just love bad neighbors... **shakes head** In that case it isn't going to matter what happens today.. He sounds like an jerk. They rule for him and he will be indignant. They rule against him and he will be victimized... Either way, being his neighbor is going to be not so fun... You have to wonder where peoples heads are sometimes, don't you???

By Yjja123 on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 03:47 pm:

Well, the judge saw through him! He lied about EVERYTHING! He even said I was not there, so I should be dismissed.
He said my hubby watched him get killed (killed? such drama)and did nothing.
He said I was in my house. Amazing---I am the one who ran over to him and called for the dogs to get away from him! What an idiot!
He showed pictures of scratches on his arm.
The judge kept saying these are scratches. The sheriff, EMT & animal control all say you only had a scratch. Your picture shows a scratch. He said it was a bite and she was not looking correctly. She even had him circle it in the picture. It was clearly a scratch! Even worse it was taken the day of the incident and it wasn't even red and swollen. He said he was bleeding all over the place. There was no open wound!
He wanted money for the hospital---yet had no proof of a hospital visit.
He wanted money for lost wages, etc.
It was obvious that he saw this as a way to get money.
My testimony and his lack of proof resulted in a dismissed charge of the dog bite. The dogs at large fines were reduced to 62.50. So for less than $200 the dog owners are able to wipe there hands of him.
It will be interesting to see how he behaves. He stormed out of the courtroom yelling that no one cares about him the victim.

By Dawnk777 on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 04:59 pm:

Oh my gosh. He is a claa-A #1 jerk. Sheesh! It will be interesting to see how he behaves, over the next few weeks. Good luck with that!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 06:47 pm:

He will be a bigger jerk I am sure... Glad things went well..