Kids and Dogs
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I like to think that I mind my own business most of the time. Some might say that minding my own business is my business, but it’s hard to look past the kids and the dogs next door.
There are 9 adults living next door – the mother, her four children, and the “significant others” of those children. The mother is not innocent, but may be the most stable part of the entire situation. The children have, of course, made children, and grandma is footing the bill. None of the adults work, I don’t know that the mother of them all even has a job, but they’re managing to put together the monthly rent. Along with the seven to nine children (ranging in age from six months to eight years), there are two dogs.
These dogs are utterly unloved, and most nights they can be found outside, one loose and one on a chain. These folks don’t have a fence, so the one that is loose ends up running the neighborhood and coming over to me and whoever else happens to be outside of my house at the time. This dog is not to be trusted due to the years of neglect, and she carries herself in such a way that you don’t know what her next move is. She has never attacked anybody as far as I know, but I still belt out the command “Roxy, go home!” whenever she wanders over my way (normally barking)…and amazingly she turns around and saunters back home. The other dog isn’t quite as lucky as Roxy is.
Heaven is an absolutely gorgeous American Bulldog. These folks “rescued” her from the pound, and for a few weeks gave her love and walked her about the neighborhood. She was well-fed, sheltered, and kept outside in the daytime on her chain. At this point, three months later, she never leaves the chain. She never gets any attention from her owners. She does not have food or water available for her most of the time. I finally got her to settle down enough when I approached her the other day to allow me to pet her. This was around 6:30am, quite chilly, and she had been outside all night…I’m not surprised that she allowed me to comfort her. She stank, her ribs were showing, and she was shivering, but she was absolutely adorable and sucked the love right up. It completely contrasts my wife’s experience with the dog because the last time she was in close proximity with Heaven, she was pulling my son back to keep him from being dog-bit. It’s disheartening to think forward to the future months and years, and how this animal’s already negative disposition toward humans is going to decline. As sad as it is, the kids are in the same boat.
The oldest, eight, takes care of the others. There is a six year old, a five year old, a three year old, a two year old, and a baby that call next door home. There are other children that run around often, but I don’t know whether they live in this place or just visit. The eight year old is, for all intensive purposes, mom. The two year old can often be seen wandering about outside in a soggy, soiled diaper, looking for his siblings or crying for his absent mother. Occasionally, the kids all come together outside with the baby in a stroller switching stroller pushing shifts – babies pushing babies. Adults are supervising their activities maybe 10% of the time, though if you count my wife and I keeping a passive eye out, you can push that up to 40% of the time. We live on a fairly busy road, and I’m just waiting for the sound of squealing tires, the thud of a child being struck, and hopefully a cry of pain (if there’s a cry, there’s a chance that the child will survive the blow).
One of the parents hangs out at a small apartment complex down the street, known for housing degenerates and junkies (usually a combination of the two). On Friday and Saturday nights, we can be out on our porch enjoying an evening smoke and see a train of children going back and forth between their residence and the hangout. The little ones are never wearing shoes, and on the walk they cross a gravel alleyway. They keep this up until midnight most weekends. Occasionally, you can hear a grown up next door yelling at the top of their lungs at the children. Mean, hateful words, and most of it is directed at Mariah, the eight year old. “WHY THE F*** ARE YOU INSIDE? GO GET YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND GO THE F*** OUTSIDE. GET OUT OF MY FACE.” My heart cries out for them.
Both my wife and I have reported the loose dog (Roxy) to animal control, and in those two calls we have seen no action. I’m at the point now, where I absolutely have to do something about this. I cannot continue observing without taking action. My plan is to contact the Bonneville County Humane Society about the animals, and the Department of Health and Welfare about the children and their situation.
The reason that I’m posting is to get some input from you folks. Have you been in a similar situation in the past? What would you do in my shoes? Am I going to be contacting the correct officials? Should I continue minding my own damn business?
I appreciate your input. Thank you for hearing me out.
Marcus
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Comments
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1 
1 Perhaps you should also print this story and forward it to the kids school teacher, principal and school counselor as an FYI. I’m sure some will jump on here and say mind your own business, but your heart is in the right place and it’s so sad to see kids neglected like this. These are the types of kids who are lucky if they make it in life and don’t become another part of the system as adults. They likely will unless they get help now.
But what happens if the parents refuse any help? This is likely a borderline case for H&W. So sad. Totally agree with CR’s post too. Sometimes doing the right thing is hard.
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1 1 wow… isn’t there some sort of animal rights group or such that could help? I guess I.F. isn’t that progressive but still.
I am opposed to “the state” as a organisation that really does anything to help. Isn’t there a church group or community service group that could help with the kids? Maybe ask if you could adopt the dog from them?
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1 1 Re: smokinjoes comment, while I think a church or community service group would be the better alternative, legally I don’t think there’s much they could do. Believe me, if I knew of a better alternative for these children I would suggest it. I also hate to have these kids go through the system. Who knows whether or not they’d be split up or what would ultimately happen to them, but anything has to be better than the conditions they’re currently living in.
I just can’t stand hearing of cases like this and like reader said, all too often kids growing up in this type of environment are lucky if they make much of themselves later on in life. It makes you want to get in their parents face, grab them by the shoulders and just shake them while saying do you realize what the heck you’re doing to your children! These kind of people don’t get it. They don’t realize how precious & impressionable their children are at this age and how much everything they do and say and act have such a tremendous impact on their young lives. I wish more young people these days would think twice before they have children.
On a side note, this is the main reason I’m all for condoms in school. They don’t have to hand them out during class, but making them available to our students may just help to prevent scenarios such as this one.
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1 1 Dear Marcus,
OUCH! I’m so sorry you, your wife and child have been witness to the
heart breaking neglect of the helpless children and animals who are
your neighbors. Equally, I’m grateful for those children and animals
that are your neighbors, and that you are willing to take the steps
necessary to assure they receive the care they need and deserve.
You and your wife’s previous calls to animal control shouldn’t have been ignored, and I’m not sure why they might have been. When calling (612-8670) give the officer the address where the dogs are located, the description of the dogs, and the conditions the dogs are being imprisoned in: Chained in the yard 24 hours a day, at least one dog, and the other allowed to run at large. Both dogs being without food or water on a daily basis. Describe the physical condition of the dogs, as you’ve said, as least one of them is very dirty and his or her ribs are visible beneath his skin. Also describe their demeanor around humans and how much interaction their caregivers, your neighbors give them. Be very specific when detailing the abuse, or at least neglect those animals are receiving.
The Humane Society (529-9725) is a wonderful organization, but not a legal agency. They might be able to provide you some advice and encouragement, but will not be able to rescue the animals without the help of legal enforcement.
The children do need help and will receive assistance more quickly, hopefully. Idaho Falls is part of “Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health,” and we are located in Region VII. The Bureau of Family and Children’s Services can be contacted at 334-6559.
Again, be very specific when reporting your concerns: Tell them how many adults and how many children are living in the home. Say how late the children are allowed out at night, and how they are allowed to dressed when walking the streets (including the lack of shoes). Let social services know that the children are left to take care of each other while the adults are gone, and what their general appearance looks like (cleanliness). Tell the call taker about the foul language that is often times exchanged between children and adults. Again, be very specific.
Marcus & Missus, you are good folks. Hopefully your good works will show an improvement in the lives of the children and dogs who are fortunate enough to have you as next door neighbors.
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2 0 Marcus, it’s awesome to see you seeking some input from others on how to handle this situation. I admire you for not only being concerned, but having the courage to bring this awful situation to the attention of others. It sounds like some people have given you some great suggestions on what to do now and I hope it can make a difference for these kids and their pets who are being neglected.
I have a question to bring up in relation to this story. I think it’s so important to have social services to help children who are trapped in situations like this. But sometimes I wonder if our welfare system makes it worse because it facilitates irreponsible parents who shouldn’t be having children in the first place…so here is my question…Why can’t they do drug testing for welfare recipients to ensure that those who are getting help from the government are not doing drugs? I’m all for helping people who can’t help themselves. I’m all for helping drug addicts get clean. I am not for a system that facilitates bad behavior.
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5 0 Thanks for the input folks.
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4 3 Great post Marcus and this comment should take absolutely nothing away from that. I just have to mention it since it’s a virus that seems to be spreading more and more in the last decade. It’s a good idea to break since it has to do more with the meaning, rather than just grammar which fewer people care about and I have big problems with too.
Regarding the sentence:
“The eight year old is, for all intensive purposes, mom.”
The phrase is “for all intents and purposes”.
It’s one of those natural things that happen when learning a phrase phonetically (hearing rather than reading) and it’s used without considering what is actually being said (”intensive purposes”?). I often stumble on phrases I use without thinking - like “bulls eye” which is kind of strange, but makes sense when you learn the history of it. Fortunately, “intents and purposes” makes a lot more sense immediately.
Anyway, thanks again for the great post. I hope this helps something positive happen for the dogs and the family.
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2 6 I can’t believe you actually took the time to write a post regarding somebodys grammar! We all understood what he was trying to say. Do you honestly have nothing better to do with your time than to correct peoples spelling and grammar on an internet blog? WOW!! For all intensive purposes, that’s pretty sad!
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1 2 are you kidding me? actually, “sit and spin” was respectful about it and it does go beyond just grammar. so i cannot believe you write a comment attacking someone for adding something helpful. you must have nothing better to do yourself. besides, they did not write a post, they just commented on a post. and no i am not “sit and spin”.
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1 1 I wonder if sending this on to the media if that would put some pressure on the city officials that need to be taking care of the animals and then get somebody off of their lazy butt at HW and start holding these people accountable for how they are parenting. Excellent job so far Marcus to bring this to light. To many times people can turn their heads and ignore problems such as these until it is too late. I would suggest you get the name of who you talked to at animal control and then follow up with the Chief of Police and the Sheriff. Maybe they would be able to help you with holding the animal control people accountable for their job. I am assuming you contacted, either animal control with the city or county. Keep us posted on what is going on and if there is anything you need for help.
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3 0 Hi, Marcus…
I lived next door to a similar situation for 11 years, but without the major child neglect happening. Your post was excellent, and brought up a situation that happens all to often all over town.
Stick with your complaints about the dogs. Persistance pays off, but don’t let your anger take over. Be sure all your complaints are done with no blame on the agencies’ slowness to respond, but remind them every time you call that you have made other complaints. Call both Animal Control and the Humane Society and keep after ‘em.
Once the animals get looked at, the family hits the law enforcement radar screen, and attention will start becoming directed toward the kids. If this doesn’t happen, turn your attention to them after the animals have been removed.
You are already wisely cautious of both dogs- that’s good, because both of them are possibly past socializing. A partially socialized dog can be dangerous.
A friend bought a house next to mine for a rental, and had some druggie renters who left a dog behind on a chain when he kicked them out. He felt sorry for the dog, and took it some water. The dog gratefully had a long drink, and soaked up the attention just as your neighbor’s did. Then the dog tried to kill him as he walked away- he was only about 6″ away when the dog hit the end of the chain at full throttle.
If you go over again, do not turn your back on the dog!
The best thing is:
Don’t take over the care of either dog. It’s a terrible thing to watch, but if you start feeding and watering the one on the chain, the family will just let you do it, and you’ll only prolong the dog’s suffering while opening yourself up to further intrusions on your life from the family. You put yourself into possible danger every time you try to act merciful.
In no time, the kids may be showing up for the same things you provide for the dogs if you continue, and you’ll get sucked in further.
Good luck! Your heart is sure in the right place, and there isn’t going to be a good ending on this one, in some way or another. It’s a very disheartening thing, especially considering the kids.
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3 0 Hi Marcus,
Have you called Animal Control and asked them to do a welfare check on the dogs? I understand you called about the loose dog, but when they get there and can’t find a dog, they leave. Did you ask them to contact you about the loose dog? The Bonneville Humane Society can legally do nothing but report the situation to Animal Control (which they very rarely do). Animal Control has the authority to take the animals and issue citations. Boomer is right, don’t feed and water the dogs, if Animal Control arrives and the animals have food and water, then it makes the case harder to prove. Recently I worked closely with Animal Control concerning another case and they did a great job. They obtained a seizure warrant and took all of the animals, then a stupid judge gave back the dogs despite Animal Control’s recommendation that they not get them back. Go figure! We all have to remember that Animal Control, Health & Welfare, Child Protective Services, etc. all have rules and laws that they have to follow. Even though we would like them to be able to just come in and remove the children and the animals, it’s really not that easy. Also, I understand that there is a new ordinance coming up about chaining animals, we all need to get out and support this new ordinance. As far as the children are concerned, please call Health & Welfare and Child Protective Services right away. Don’t wait.
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3 1 Marcus, I commend you for speaking out and asking for advice.; for contacting officials and advocating for these children and animals. As someone who has witnessed both child and animal abuse, I must say that to sit back and mind your own business would probably be detrimental at this point, as the pictures speak for themselves.
I have zero tolerance for abuse or neglect of anyone or anything and I think it is high time society step up more publicly. I may have embarrassed my husband a time or two in Wal-Mart, by telling “Mom,” who has her child by the trapezius muscle, face to face against the shelving units, whispering vile threats through clenched teeth, that her behavior is abusive, that enough is enough. I have called animal control when “tough guy” slams his dog into the toolbox, because it didn’t stay put. I have witnessed many other instances, and I am not afraid to make the call. I think that there are more of us out there who are willing to do so as well. Most people would stop to help the victims of a car accident, why not advocate for abuse victims in need also?
I have been told to mind my own business (and worse), but I will continue to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
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4 2 What a goodhearted post.
One suggestion that I might make would be to buy a big bag of dog food and leave it on their doorstep. Times are really tough and anyone at the poverty level knows that there isn’t a choice about making sacrifices, right now. Compassion, love, and concern for your neighbors would be good. Or maybe move next to some good people like yourselves in a better neighborhood.
You described the situation succinctly. Now put yourself in their shoes, and try to think: what might help me in that situation? It is easy to judge and condemn and separate ourselves from our fellow struggling humans, and it is also easy to think that calling the news and the animal and human welfare agencies and maybe the cops on their drug activities are some sort of solutions. Maybe write up a post about them and post it on the internet for the whole world to see what bad people they are. I’m sure most would agree.
I have in fact lived next to situations similar to what you describe. It is tough to watch others live their lives and raise their children in the way that they choose but it is a
free country. If mom has a house and is willing to share it, well that’s what some families do. Some people don’t want to work, that’s O.K. If you feel that you must interfere in your neighbor’s lives, try to do so in a positive way.
Otherwise, I think you might consider continuing to mind your own business as you mentioned.
Love, compassion, acceptance, and understanding of our neighbors will go further for everyone than anything else. You will find peace for yourselves more in helping than tattling.
Good luck, there!
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2 2 I agree with British Transplant. All too often people don’t want to get involved. Like the old man that got hit by two cars a couple months ago with all these people just standing there on the sidewalk. Nobody came to this mans aide for 3 minutes. I find it disgraceful that we as a society would stand idley by and do nothing. Another instance was with that man that got beat with a hammer on the subway in Philadelphia. That subway car was full of passengers and nobody came to the aide of this man. That’s pathetic! 2 or 3 guys could have easilly subdued this attacker but again, people would rather sit back and watch somebody get beaten within an inch of their life instead of getting involved.
We’ve become a nation of wimps and it’s sickening. Look at 9/11 and the devastation that could have been avoided if people would have gotten involved. There’s no reason a plane full of passengers couldn’t have overtaken a couple of guys with box cutters. So you get a few cuts on your hands or arms, big deal! Better that than die in a flaming fireball. Look at the passengers on flight 93. Those people are the real heroes. Even if they didnt make it at least they died trying to help. But not on the other planes, these folks just sat back and died without even attempting to do anything to help. Wake the @#$ up America!
Marcus, it’s your obligation as a decent human being to do the right thing. Lets hope you’ll make the right choice.
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1 1 so julie are you suggesting no matter what the problem that everyone should mind their own business?
I think Marcus is quite right to take action by calling the authorities and may i add i would consider this interference in a positive way, maybe not for the abusers, but at least for the abused.
without being rude, but trying to be factual, julie you sound like a wimp, and one of those who would prefer to make the victims suffer while giving preferential treatment to the abusers.
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2 1 Rhonda, I agree with you. The poster appears to support the neglectful, and perhaps abusive treatment of defenseless animals and children.
Earlier, after reading the 3:34 pm comment, I chose not to reply. Obviously the commenter will not change her mind, and has had personal involvement in similar situations allowing her to believe that the conditions described by Marcus are somehow tolerable; and should also be over looked. When the majority of society fails to correct the actions of those whose dependants they harm then, we become a nation devoid of personal responsibility for ourselves and our neighbors. We become detached from our Country and our fellow men - while occasionally, albeit rarely leaving a bag of dog food on the neighbor’s porch — out of guilt, or to somehow make us feel better about ourselves.
Turn the adults in, Marcus, the children and animals NEED YOUR HELP.
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2 2 everyone’s always wanting to rely on the government to fix things when they don’t know what to do.
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2 1 Do you have a better suggestion Baaaaa?
Probably not or you would have posted it I imagine.
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3 0 Get ahold of Anne Johnson at the Haven Shelter. She can suggest some good things to help the adults and the kids.
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2 1 Julie -
Not everybody has the money buy a bag of dog food for the asswipe neighbors or move to a more “upscale” neighborhood. Quite frankly, the adult neighbors should starve if they can’t afford food for themselves, the children, and the dogs and get food to the latter two. It’s a practice that I actively use in my home.
Furthermore, there is a difference between “fellow struggling humans” and a group of adults that refuse to take care of those that they have made the commitment to take care of. Mom OBVIOUSLY can’t afford everything, and whoever put this nugget of wisdom “Some people don’t want to work, that’s O.K.” in your head probably didn’t work or contribute to society.
I’d be more than happy to talk to them kindly about their problems, but there is nothing to gain, unless you count the bitter reality of them not taking my advice, which is not a gain at all.
Basically, Julie, do some growing up, or do some living on the border of poverty, and see that not all people want to aspire to and chase the American Dream…there are plenty that want nothing more than the state to take care of them, and folks with that attitude can get right the hell out of my country.
Baaa -
Trust me, if I had other options I would take them. I’m a pretty self reliant kind of guy. What would you suggest I do?
Bundy -
If it’s the same Anne Johnson, I used to live down the street from her. I may just do that.
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2 0 “Some people don’t want to work, that’s O.K.”
I sort of took issue with that statement also; if someone is truly disabled and unable to work, I am 100% committed to helping that person…..those who make a “choice” to ignore their responsibilities? not so much….again, it is a question of personal responsibility…
but Julie I think you read something into Marcus’ post that simply isn’t there: I think it is incredibly compassionate of him to post here and ask, “how do I help those kids and dogs?”
I haven’t posted because several others have already offered great suggestions: I would call Health and Welfare’s Child Protection division (you can do it anonymously) and just report that the kids are being neglected. They must, within 48 hours, send out an investigator to take a look at the kids and the home.
The kids would not necessarily be “removed” if there is a finding of neglect; that is usually reserved for cases of severe abuse; H&W can simply impose a Protective Order of Supervision, which puts all kinds of social services in place for the family– for free– for a period of time. In that time, H&W makes sure the kids are fed and clothed and supervised and that those eligible are attending school. A CASA worker may also be appointed to eyeball the kids and make sure they are okay.
Marcus, you are a good person for being willing to find a way to help those poor kids and dogs. Good luck.
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2 0 That was another very fine suggestion of yours, Easterner. Child Protection takes their job very seriously, and they have the full weight of law enforcement behind them.
The main thing is to get this family and their dogs on the radar, the sooner the better. They all need help, but the right kind of help, to pull out of their situation.
Marcus, your last post was right on the money again.
Poverty creates a mind set that often takes a hard push to shake off, and the poor often don’t know how to climb out of their limited choices. Despair is always there, and all too often, booze and drugs are easier to ease despair than the hard things necessary to truly do better in life.
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0 1 boomer, well-put.
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3 0 “Poverty creates a mind set that often takes a hard push to shake off, and the poor often don’t know how to climb out of their limited choices. Despair is always there, and all too often, booze and drugs are easier to ease despair than the hard things necessary to truly do better in life.”
Not exactly the angle I was playing, but we can go there. I’m above the poverty line, but not by much. I’ve got my bills to pay, and we’re usually about $10 to $15 in the positive at the end of a pay cycle. My wife and I would go hungry before our children or our animals went hungry. I have nothing but hope for my family’s future, and refuse to reduce myself to living without standards, and I would not have that viewpoint if I was making top dollar with a paid-for college education and an easy upbringing.
Basically, I was stating that only upper-class, inexperienced fools and poverty stricken individuals living off of others would make the comments that Julie made above.
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1 1 Have you called child protective services yet?
Care to post the address so one of us can?
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2 0 No offense Anonymous, but I think it would be better if Marcus made the call since he would be able to give them all the detailed information they will require in order to take necessary action. Marcus asked for our opinion and thoughts on this issue. It’s safe to say the majority of us were in agreement that action needs to be taken. I think he’ll take care of it.
Marcus, will you let us know what happens if and when you contact the authorities?
Thanks!
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3 0 Marcus…
Re your comment #26:
Yup. You got the stuff, kid. I’ve been there, done that.
Your priorities are straight as a good arrow.
You might be broke, but you aren’t ever poor- just broke. Broke is temporary, but poor is permanent.
I have a buddy who is a real good writer, and got pretty famous. He wrote a poem once with this line:
Don’t pity me. I heard what you said
My times was gold, and your times is lead.
Your times is gold, too.
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0 0 wow!
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1 0 I will definitely keep you all in the loop. Thanks for the support.
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4 0 Hi Marcus,
I am so happy to know that I am not the only one who is bothered by seeing this kind of abuse. I lose sleep over things like this. That is way to beautiful of a dog to be left on a chain and untouched. I have been in this type of situation myself, several times. It breaks my heart. I have taken animals food and water and made sure they got it when nobody was looking. I have even gone so far as found these animals really good homes and then I took them when nobody was looking. The owners didn’t ever ask around for them. Now I see one of the dogs all of the time when I drive by his new home and I get to see how he has grown and became the great dog that he is. I have 6 dogs and 3 children and I have no problem in making sure each and every one of them get the time and love and the care that they deserve. I think that you should do whatever it takes to make sure that those dogs get a real chance at life. If I lived closer, I would come and help you. But I send you and your family all of the faith and courage I can. Good Luck
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2 1 Is anyone doing anything about these kids?
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3 0 That is so sad!! I would go by some dog food for the dogs. And go over there and give it to them. In a nice way of course. Keep calling the humane society ! or whatever place you have to call. that is just wrong! the dogs or kids dont need to be treated like that. And if no one else is going to turn them in. And you give up trying! Think about what might happen to the dogs and kids!! I have pet abusers in my neighbor hood also my boyfriend tells me to mind my own business! I told him if somebody doesnt take the time to try and prevent the abuse then no one else is going to either.So its up to people like us who care to make things right. And if feeling get hurt or the adults get into trouble.So be it!! at least you did something about it!! I could not turn my back and look the other way in hopes things will get better!! Because it wont!! So Please Dont Give Up!!
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0 0 Has anyone done anything about these crimes, yet? Tell me where the dogs are and I’ll go get them myself. They will die out there this winter. If you get the drug house busted, it sounds like a lot of your problems would follow.
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2 0 Neighbor across the street brought water to the dog yesterday - water dish looked like it hadn’t been filled in weeks. Filing another report today.
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3 0 Kudos to you who are calling attention to this problem. I’m so glad that people are taking time out of their day to alert the authorities, even though I’m sure it feels like nothing is ever done about it.
There are way too many people who have animals that have no business having them, same goes for children, and it breaks my heart.
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3 0 Hey Marcus,
Someone may have already suggested this…..but EVERYWHERE else that I have ever lived has had City and State codes that limit the amount of people who can live in a house based on the size of the house. So back in the day when we lived in Navy housing we had 1 child and we were given a 2 bedroom townhouse. Had we of had another kid…our kids could have shared a room until the oldest turned 7 and then we would have been given a 3 bedroom house. I can’t imagine that Child and Family Services doesn’t have a similar standard. Go at this from every angle that you can. Become a pest. It’s the only thing that works. Do some research on codes and also call Cherise Frei at 612-8555. As far as I know she is still doing neighborhood code enforcements for the City. Based on the pics you posted…that yard looks like crap. Start from there. Call the cops every time you see a car parked across a sidewalk or on the lawn ( I am sure with that many people in the house, they have some pretty creative parking. Take pics and document) It’s really sad about the kids and the dogs and hopefully health and welfare handle it but you gotta think about your standard of living first. I can assure you that if these neighbors are the center of attention for every agency in town…they will pack up and find a new place to rent.
As for being broke, we were broke for years. When my husband and I were first married he was in the military and we were eating popcorn cooked on the stove and sun tea for meals and if we had some extra cash we might get ourselves a package of strawberries and a tony’s pizza. We routinely saw our apartment complex on COPS ( no joke) We did this for years. Work your butt off and get educated and you will pull out of it and be a better person because of it.
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0 0 The people who do such, are very sick to me. Who would want to treat an animal like that? I can’t see it now a days…with all the script and posts on it. These people should be locked up on the first charge. It’s like them saying. “Oh, oh well, I just decided to put the bottle of strong liquor up to my mouth, get drunk as a skunk, and drive so I could kill someone”. Very irresponsible.
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4 0 What about the kids? Honestly people i sense more outrage for the animals than the kids in the majority of these posts. Dont get all over my case too, i love animals and think they need to be helped as well, but honestly the kids seems to be almost an afterthought to a lot of these posts.!
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2 0 Just Me, I have been thinking the same thing. I am an animal lover, there has never been a time in my life when I have not had a pet — usually more than one. But we need to be more concerned about the children. Do we want them growing up to be duplicates of the adults in their lives?
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2 0 Of course, you’re both right, but maybe those speaking in favor of protection of the dogs are taking into consideration that the children have advocates (if they are school aged). While in school, their teachers, teacher’s aides, principal, clerical staff, librarian, and resource officers have training to be observant for children who might be neglected or abused. The dogs have no more than neighbors to observe their neglect and abuse; if they even have that.
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0 0 My heart was touched when I read your story. Would you rather watch the neglect of these children and two animals and do “nothing” or make officials aware of the situation and know in your heart that you did what you could to make a difference? Go to the dept of Animal Control, show them pictures of the dogs and their conditions. Keep going until they come to help. Make that phone call to the DHS for those kids. They need somone to help them. They aren’t able to get the help they need. You as an adult are. Do the right thing, God will praise you for it.
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0 1 Can’t we just say “it’s the right thing to do” without adding the God will praise you business? Jeez!
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1 1 Why jump on people about God? I don’t believe in Him, but I have enough respect for those that do to keep my damn mouth shut when a comment is made referencing Him.
God will strike you down for being a dick Perp.
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1 2 Well we’re not all like you Marcus, thank GOD.
What have you done about the children Marcus? Seems you’re more concerned with feeding a couple of mangy mutts than contacting someone about these children who are being neglected. Or,God forbid I’m wrong and you just haven’t informed us yet.
Please share with us Marcus the action you’ve taken regarding these children instead of trying to act like a big man by calling other people names. I personally don’t believe you’ve done anything in regards to these neglected children Marcus, but that’s me. I’m just a dick.
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1 0 Here we go again, same crap different thread.
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1 1 Perp, I’ve called the IFPD a few times when they’ve been running around outside with no clothes on after 10pm. When their drunk parents are screaming at them, and when the kids are crying for mom in the house with no response. If you think you can do any better, I urge you to try, they live on the SE corner of Lake and I St.
The only reason I care about the dogs: My kids play outside, and I can just see a powerful, angry animal gnawing on them. The dog’s disposition is continuing to deteriorate, as well as her muscle mass.
If I can contain my thoughts in regards to some of the political beliefs I’ve come across on this website, you can keep your mouth shut about a person’s chosen deity.
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0 1 Real mature you two. Like cheeky said in the chatbox: making a negative comment about a negative comment and calling people names on top of it only adds fuel to the fire. Keeping God and religion out of this blog is part of the rules, so comment 45 pointing that out, didn’t deserve the snarky comment left in comment 46 in my humble opinion. But what do I know, lest I be called a phallis myself.
Kind of sad that some of you people get so worked up over the littlest things. Makes me wonder how you deal with real life issues.
Lighten up people and move on.
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1 0 That sounds like a very reasonable response and the right thing to do Marcus. Your concerns about the animals are right on also, there is no telling what a neglected animal that is starving will do.
The only thing that I would like to know is what the IFPD has done to follow up on this. At a minimum it sounds as though these parents not only can be charged but should be charged with child neglect or child endagerment. Keep up the good work and stay optimistic about the eventual outcome.
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1 0 May be getting some media coverage on this in short order…I’ll give you dates and times if it happens.
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5 0 It’ll be on the news tonight (KIDK, channel 3). Did an interview this afternoon and KIDK is going to try to speak with the owners. Hopefully it will provoke action.
The only worry I have is that the news folks seemed more interested in the dogs than the kids (they have two puppies in addition to the two adult dogs now by the way)…but then of course the kids are a more delicate subject. This should shed some light on the entire issue.
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0 0 Good work Marcus!
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2 0 I didn’t see channel 3 news on television tonight but the story/video is on their website now and I just watched it. You look great, Marcus, and appropriatelly voiced your concerns regarding the dog. If you spoke about the other dogs they edited that part out.
Also edited out was any information discussed about the children. I’m guessing that may have been too much of a liability to carry/discuss on the station’s part.
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Excellent post Marcus! That’s a very sad story. I’m the same way, I tend to mind my own business when it comes to my neighbors so I can understand your hesitation in contacting someone. With that being said, I don’t think you have a choice and as bad as it sounds having children “put through the system”, I honestly think you’ll be doing both these dogs and the children a favor by contacting the proper authorities. It’s going to be rough on them in the beginning but you may be saving all of their lives by doing this and I think if I were in your shoes I would have to get them the help they so desperately need. I know it’s a hard decision but deep down we all know this is whats best.
Good luck and thanks again for the post.