As I've mentioned I've got a rental house for sale -- and the proceeds will be a significant part of my retirement. I've done a LOT to fix it up and even in this bad housing market people are coming out to see it.
Unfortunately, I also have a neighbor who REFUSES, despite my very polite request, to keep her German Shepard from prolonged, threatening barking and snarling at anyone in my back yard. I asked her if she could keep the dog in for a few hours during my open house, but she refused even to put it in the dog run at the side of the house to reduce the noise. "I don't want her in the house, and she WILL bark in the yard, but there's nothing I can do about that."
My realtor reported that people LOVED the house but were (and I quote) "afraid to death" of the dog, which barked for the entire open house. If SOME prospective buyers are saying this, most are probably THINKING it.
Her other neighbors have had all kinds of trouble with her, refuse to speak to her, but are not excited about signing a petition since they have to live with her.
Animal control says they will "come out and talk to her." But they've been called in the past by other neighbors and nothing has come of it. Also, I'm not sure I have standing to complain, as I live elsewhere.
Am I too worried? If someone loves the house will they buy it regardless? What can I expect / gently insist upon from animal control? Are there other avenues I might persue to get her attention and get her to put the dog inside / keep it from barking. Is this a subject for small claims court, etc.?
I really do NOT want the aggravation of rattling her cage -- but if she's damaging my chances of selling the house or of getting a decent price, then I have to do something...
Any advice is most appreciated.
NOTE: Please note that I'm not trying to fool the new owner -- I HAVE mentioned the dog in my disclosures, as much as it frosted me to have to do that, and the dog DOES do better when the house is occupied and people are regularly in the back yard. Also, while I admit that the "tranquilizer in a hotdog" idea has crossed my mind, I'd never do anything to the innocent animal. It's not her fault her owner is a jerk.
Unfortunately, I also have a neighbor who REFUSES, despite my very polite request, to keep her German Shepard from prolonged, threatening barking and snarling at anyone in my back yard. I asked her if she could keep the dog in for a few hours during my open house, but she refused even to put it in the dog run at the side of the house to reduce the noise. "I don't want her in the house, and she WILL bark in the yard, but there's nothing I can do about that."
My realtor reported that people LOVED the house but were (and I quote) "afraid to death" of the dog, which barked for the entire open house. If SOME prospective buyers are saying this, most are probably THINKING it.
Her other neighbors have had all kinds of trouble with her, refuse to speak to her, but are not excited about signing a petition since they have to live with her.
Animal control says they will "come out and talk to her." But they've been called in the past by other neighbors and nothing has come of it. Also, I'm not sure I have standing to complain, as I live elsewhere.
Am I too worried? If someone loves the house will they buy it regardless? What can I expect / gently insist upon from animal control? Are there other avenues I might persue to get her attention and get her to put the dog inside / keep it from barking. Is this a subject for small claims court, etc.?
I really do NOT want the aggravation of rattling her cage -- but if she's damaging my chances of selling the house or of getting a decent price, then I have to do something...
Any advice is most appreciated.
NOTE: Please note that I'm not trying to fool the new owner -- I HAVE mentioned the dog in my disclosures, as much as it frosted me to have to do that, and the dog DOES do better when the house is occupied and people are regularly in the back yard. Also, while I admit that the "tranquilizer in a hotdog" idea has crossed my mind, I'd never do anything to the innocent animal. It's not her fault her owner is a jerk.