Earlier I wrote about my nemesis neighbor, Mr. LG. Since he’s spawned two blogs today, you can see I’m pretty worked up about him.
It’s All About Respect
In my years of walking a dog, I have encountered situations like this where people don’t want my dog on their lawn. Even though I always make sure to pick up any Murphy droppings, some people just don’t want a dog pooping in their yard period. Some have been nicer than others about making their requests, but no matter how they ask, I always respect them. It is their yard after all.
We had some neighbors at our house in Florida whose kids were very disrespectful about invading other people’s property. I had to ask them to stay out of our bushes (where they hid because they liked to peek in our windows) time and time again.
In that case, I wanted them to respect my privacy. They weren’t, so it kept being an issue. In this case, Mr. LG wants me to respect his wishes. I have been. The matter shouldn’t even be a concern anymore.
What Part of “I Get the Message” is Unclear?
After telling me to keep off his lawn and me keeping off his lawn, he still watches me. Sometimes he’ll peer out the window until I pass by, other times he’ll come outside and hover.
This morning he was coming back from somewhere as Murph and I were walking past his house. Ever since that rainy day, I avoid his lawn. But not the one next to it. I let Murph sniff there, then we cross over to the other side of the street where the people don’t mind us.
Which is what we did today. That’s when I looked up and saw Mr. LG idling on the corner watching. (I presume to make sure my Murph didn’t dare step one paw on his lawn.)
It’s been a year. I walk by his house almost every day. Murph never sets foot on his property. I got the message when he finally had the guts to say it. He doesn’t need to keep watch on us like that.
For the Other Lawn Guardians Out There
If you’ve had a similar conversation with a dog-walking person, and they are respecting your wishes, let it be. Don’t be like Mr. LG!
I don’t like being nasty to people, especially not neighbors because our paths must inevitably cross. Our home environment should be a contentious-free zone.
But every time Mr. LG pulls stunts like he did today, my blood pressure rises, I sharpen my daggers, and I throw them with all my might at him with glares of my own. I’d much rather wave and say a cheery hello, but Mr. LG’s not making that feasible.
Or is he?
I believe I will try this next time. Catch him off guard with a burst of joviality instead. If he wants a confrontation, I’ll give him one. It just won’t be what he’s expecting.
Question to Readers
Have you ever encountered a Mr. LG? How did you deal with it?