I've had a few incidents where I found dogs. Twice the neighbors behind me I do not know.
The first time I was literally loaded on my way out. The neighbor who leaves hers out 24/7 grrrrrr which I have saved from flooding rains, meandering, and falling into a watery hole, said she'll find the owner. I got a leash and she said she was gonna tie it to a tree, which I said I'll just walk around the neighborhood. I mean this was a itty bitty pup. It got loose from her with my leash. She had problems with them over a pitty a few years back.
A week later I look out and the little girl is outside. So were my neighbors. I gave holler and said it was my green leash. The young boy came around the corner just as she bolted back under the fence. He apologized and returned my leash. I showed him where I keep it if he ever needs it and let him know I'll make sure if she comes back I'll get her home.
Last week or so a little Chihuahua pup was in my yard as I loaded up my big boy. I scooped the little guy up and brought it to a neighbor I thought owned it. He gave it water and knew the owner and said he'd take care of it.
I treat people's animals like their children. I would never ever tie an animal out nor would I tie a stray to a tree with a bowl of water in hopes an owner may stumble by. It's like tying the neighbors kid to a tree in my eyes.
It's known I work from home and it's a safe place. A place with sweet tea and homemade goodies.
I'm thinking to ask my neighbor to bring his horse up to cut the grass in a few places. Good fertilizer.
Communication is key. Your first impression will set the tone. Your situation is, she may have known cause she filled the hole promptly. She may not have know your dogs got through yet and was trying to prevent it by filling a found hole. A service person could have left her gate open, your dogs got out.
I would work together to find a solution.
Maybe make a garden edge along the fence. Dig down and out. Staple some chicken wire to the fence making sure to bury it about a foot into the garden and to the edge. Your plant roots will grow through but the dogs or other animals won't be able to dig in.
Grow food as you get pretty flowers, edibles and save the seed for next season. Use organic or heirloom. Make a pretty border and teach the dogs that's their stop sign.
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