...realized - I hate my neighbor's dog.

I like dogs. I've always liked dogs. As neighbors, I mostly like dogs on their own property or on a leash, unless they are very friendly.

My new neighbor has a big black lab who is not friendly. He barks constantly when he is in his back yard if he can hear me in mine. He used to live on a farm and was free to roam as he chose. Now he lives in a small house on a small lot and finds his way out of the fence. I know this because I either find a new pile of dog poo in my yard every day or he comes charging at me bearing his teeth when I go outside.

My main issue is that I have a 4-year-old daughter who likes to walk across the street to her grandparent's house. We live on a quiet culd-e-sac and that shouldn't be a problem, but what if he came running after her? I don't know that he wouldn't see her as a threat to his territory.

When I became a Mom, I became rabidly protective of my child. I want my neighbor to fix her fence and make sure her dog is never off his leash if he is with her. Why aren't some dog owners more respectful? I don't want to dislike my neighbor, but my disliking of her dog is getting me there pretty quickly. I'll let you know how my friendly recommendation to her goes. Stay tuned...

Today's favorite things: fences that lock and dog owners that understand their dog isn't as nice to everyone else as they are to their owners.