It's about 9:15 in the morning as I type this and I've been awake pretty much since 2:30am, so up front I'm going to tell you I'm tired and this is going to be sort of a rant type post. If you don't want to listen to me whine, feel free to move along. But, I also want to get it out of my system and hopefully be done with it. I also want to note that I realize, in the grand scheme of life, this isn't some horrible thing, but on the other hand, it's incredibly frustrating.
By my post title, you may have an inkling as to why I've been awake since 2:30 am. Long time blog readers know we have had an ongoing (for, oh, about 2 years now) issue with the dogs that live at the house behind us. One more so than the other. The issue? Constant barking. Like for hours at a time. Not at the squirrels that roam our back yards. Not at someone who may be up to no good. Just barking because they are bored and neglected by their owners. When the owners are home, they don't bark, usually (but they've been known to bark when they are home). When the owners are gone, they generally bark, constantly. And yes, they are about 99% of the time, outdoor dogs. I sometimes see someone come out for a minute or two, then they go back inside, leaving the dogs outside. I have called our animal control department numerous times, talked to a real person, or left a message. I get a song and dance and nothing ever changes.
During the day when the dogs are barking, I have come to the point where I can pretty much tune it out and go about my day. At night, it's harder to do that. When you are awakened in the middle of the night by the barking (and in addition to just general barking, which is bad enough, they are adding a sort of howl to the mix), it's maddening. Especially when you call the non-emergency police number to report it and both the dispatcher AND the officer tell you...it's really an animal control issue and I should call them in the morning. It's overwhelmingly frustrating to be told by the officer you are speaking to that the ordinance for the city is written in such a way that says the dogs can bark at pretty much anything, a flick of dust flying by, a cloud floating across the sky, the streetlight...doesn't matter.
So, I was awake at 2:30 and couldn't go back to sleep. I looked at a few emails, then knit for a while and at about 4:30, I laid down to see if I could sleep. I dozed for awhile. But, I pretty much have come to the conclusion (after 2 years of this...you'd think I'd have picked up on this before now) that there isn't anything that is going to be done about these dogs and I'm tired of complaining about it to the city. So, I'm done, I will just tune it out as best I can.
After dozing I got up to start reading blogs and the computer is off. Yesssssssssssss....it's acting up again after about a week of working just fine. So, no blogs for me unless I go to the dinosaur computer (which I'm on right now). Amy isn't speaking nicely to Jessica, which doesn't help my mood, either. Such a happy morning!
Get the girls dropped off at school and head to Wally World for a few items then over to the city hall building to pay a utility bill. I must have looked dog tired as the gal commented and I started crying like a baby. I was so embarrassed, but that's what happens when I am overly tired and frustrated, I guess. They were really nice and even got the "community outreach" person to come out and talk to me. I told her what happened and she took the information and said she would follow up and work on getting the situation taken care of. Do I believe it? Heck no. I'm sure they were just trying to appease this wacked out woman crying over some dogs barking. Was she sympathetic, yes, most definitely. Will it help, most likely not.
I have a feeling I wouldn't have reacted this way had yesterday not been my mom's birthday. She would have been 74. And while I thought I was doing okay handling it, I think my (over emotional) reaction was a delayed response to dealing with my sadness and missing my mom. I went out clothes shopping yesterday and came away emptyhanded and down in the dumps because nothing ever fits me right. (Clothes shopping on a day when I'm a little blue to begin with isn't the best idea I've ever had, I'll admit that).
So, the barking dogs win. This human is tired of trying to get someone to care (other than me), so I'm done getting worked up over it and will ignore them as best I can.
Like I said, not the most earth shattering situation to deal with, but it was bugging me so I wanted to get it out. If you read this, thanks for putting up with my whining. I'm sure the next time I post, I'll be in a much better frame of mind. I think I'll go take a nap now.
11 comments:
Oh Jeanne, I'm so sorry about those dogs. There's nothing worse than not getting the proper rest you need. A lack of sleep just makes everything that much harder and worse.
I'm also sorry that you were sad about your mom's birthday. I know you must be missing her.
I'll pray for a better day for you and that you might be able to find sometime to take a nap.
I hope you find some rest for yourself today Jeanne. I know how frustrating it must be for you and htne to have your Mother's birthday on top of that yesterday, Whew, I bet you were ready to blow by the time you stopped. Glad you were able to let it out.
Oh, Jeanne! I hope you get a good nap. I can't believe they don't do something about the dogs both the owners and the city. Have you talked to any of your other neighbors? Maybe if you all sign a petition or talk to animal control together.
Sorry to hear about your bad day and to have it happen on your Mom's Bday. God bless! I will be thinking about you. Hugs!
Hugs! I hope you have a better and restful weekend!
By the time you read this I hope you've had some rest and are feeling better.
Those barking dogs were the last thing you needed last night. It sounds like they need to be relocated to a house/yard next door to the mayor or a council person. The ordinance that allows for such a nuisance would most likely change in a hurry. Good grief!!
Again, I hope you are feeling better. Sending BIG hugs!!
Oh Jeanne, I'm so sorry that you have barking dog problems. Phooey.
I lost my Mom 5 years ago and there are still "surprise" moments when I don't realize why, but I'm in a funk again. I simply miss her. So, I can't make it better, but I do understand.
I'll pray for you - that you get some rest and feel like yourself again soon.
Hugs.
Oh Jeanne!!! I want to give you a big hug. You must have been running on empty to have broken down like that you poor thing!
Come and stay with me!
And I am so sorry about your Mom too!
Hang in there!
Jeanne, I have to say ditto to all the other comments. You, sweet lady, don't deserve that horrible barking dog issue. No one does, but I feel so bad for you. You are usually the kindest blogger I have ever come across - always a nice comment and so cheerful. I find I usually agree with everything you post. Maybe your neighbors will find a good reason to move like a job promotion or a bigger home or anything that will find them out of your neighborhood.
Oh dear, I hope you get some well needed rest.
Ok..the dogs...I have a solution.. RECORD the barking...then get a friend that has a good amp system, loan it to you. When the neighbors with the dogs are home and sleeping, get out there and PLAY it. You will have to warn the other neighbors what you are doing, but you can't be the only one that has this problem. Pump up the volume. If the dog owners come out and complain, then let them know, this is how it is every night..so TAKE CARE OF IT!!! We had this happen in San Jose to a friend of mine, and it really solved the problem. The owners of the dogs had hearing problems, so they didn't know!! You may also want to contact someone who runs a pet rescue place. They may have some advise as to what to do. WHY?? Because it's a form of animal abuse...neglect!!
Sorry about your mom. I'm still blessed to have mine. She is 85 and still going strong. I appreciate every single minute I'm with her, which isn't often enough, but she is online, so that helps. (another story as she went into computer age kicking and screaming.) Now she loves it.
OH, and get earplugs..that helps too. (smile)
gloria in Utah :)
Oh, Jeanne. I feel so bad for you. I wish I could reach through the screen (or meet you at Archiver's -lol) and give you a BIG hug! I'm so sorry for what you're having to go through with your neighbor's dogs...it IS really hard to sleep when they're barking like that (we had a little of that when we spent that year in UT a few years ago), and I'm right there with ya when I haven't had a good night's sleep (which for me lately is 10-11 hours -- I have NO idea what's up with that). Here's hoping all your complaints will do some good! I'll bet all your other neighbors would be giving you a high-five if they knew how you were trying to help!
I'm sorry too that your mom's birthday was such a sad day for you, though totally understandable...and I'm sure, like you said, having not slept well AND having not had a good experience clothes shopping didn't help matters any. Missing her has to be very difficult, but on special days such as this, it must be especially tough. Maybe you could plan to do something fun with a friend OR do something that creates a happy memory of her for you on those particular days??
Bummer about your computer. And I'm right there with ya on this one too! I'm using my hubby's work computer at the moment. ;( Hope yours starts behaving soon. ;P
Sending you BIG hugs across the web!
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