Please help

Interesting. In Australia opinions are very much the reverse. I'm always justifying why my dogs are indoors, and esp why I leave them indoors when I'm not at home. The assumption is that dogs (and cats) should be kept outside. Of course mine aren't, I don't agree with leaving a dog outside and my dogs don't agree with it either;), but I'm very much in a minority over here.

I agree with Margi - take lots of pictures of your yard, particularly areas where he would have protection from the weather. You may also want to gather all your vet records (and a statement from your vet if you can about his state of health), training records etc, anything to show you are a conscientious owner and your dog is in excellent health. I think the courts will be more lenient if you can show you are otherwise a good owner who treats their dog very well and this was just a lapse. Contact your local SPCA and ask them to provide you with information to help set up the backyard so he has the necessary protections if he's stuck outside again. Get them to send it so you have a record of receiving the information, and actually implement what they say, now. Don't wait for the court to tell you what to do, even if you never plan leaving him out again, as you've discovered, with teenagers, accidents can happen. Are you friendly with one of your neighbours? You could set up a system for a neighbour to call you if they notice Sheldon has been left outside by your son. Again, do this before you go to court.

Btw - you don't mention how old Sheldon is. If he's a puppy you could be in for more of an argument
 
I suspect these calls were more motivated by barking otherwise they wouldn’t know if your dog was out.... and I know the weakness of the shelties I have owned and grown up with.

My dogs would be asking to go out of if it is cold and they would be barking to come in if they were cold or wanting to come in. They would also bark while in pursuit of every plane and squirrel.

Where i live we don’t normally get as cold as you and never in the day time but the majority of dog owners i see to keep outdoor mostly dogs. It always shocks me. I myself am irrationally paranoid with a yapper.
 
Get a dog house. He might not go in it but there is one and you are compliant. My guys have 2 houses and Angus sleeps in the yard 90% of the time and his house 0%. Spitfire goes out in the rain like a little gremlin but yes he has a house. Sca would go in his house for rain and only be wet on one side when Spitfire came in and laid on him LOL. He is fine but comply with the law. I am not a cookie for the neighbor type but would find out who is complaining. It might be something reasonable that you can do to help the peace.... if not you know who you are at war with, yes do not mess with my guys ;-)
 
Great advice from the posters. I would also bring friends, relatives. to give you support. It may
show the judge you are a good person. Many schools have been closed because the cold weather
in my area. I think of my sheltie as a little kid, her eyes could be affected by the cold weather. I like
the suggestion about bringing papers from your vet.
I go out with Lil' Lady because I have to demand her to come in, she would like to lay on the patio
after a potty trip. No get your furry butt in here.
Best of luck with the judge and the neighbors. I am waiting for Global Warming, where is it?
 
JillH said:
I've been under the impression that Shelties did well in cold climates because they were bred to endure harsh winters in the Scottish Isles and their double coats insulated them against the cold and rain.
Click to expand...

Meant to mention. The Shetland Islands has a somewhat different climate to Scotland. It's a small island so is more influenced by the quirks of the mild Atlantic currents. It is generally mild all year around and doesn't get the extremes of temperature. Snow doesn't stick around and the average low in winter is still above 34F, so I wouldn't rely on that to support your case.
 
Thanks to all of you for your excellent advice and suggestions. I've read each of your comments several times and am acting on your advice. I took Sheldon to the vet the day after the incident. He examined him thoroughly and found no adverse effects from being outside all day and gave me a letter stating this to present to the judge. I've also purchased a doghouse in case this ever happened again.I forgot to mention the reason I left Sheldon outside in the first place was he had an accident all over the place and I was afraid he wasn't finished - which is another topic for discussion. The second incident was never supposed to happen, though. My son offered to pay for any fines imposed from the money he's saved to buy an amplifier for his guitar. He came with me to the vet and I'm debating on whether or not he should go to court with me. Ultimately it's my responsibility to ensure Sheldon is being cared for properly, but I'm a single mom and I do count on him to help with the responsibility. I'll let you know how things go in court.
 
Jill,
Good luck to you!

I am sure with your vets input and your explanation reasons why it happened, and investing in a dog house, will convince the judge that you are a responsible pet owner!

Nice that your son owned up to his side of the responsibility! That is a plus...
 
You've got this! It would probably be a great learning experience for your son to see a real court in action. They aren't all Judge Judy!
P.S. He sounds like a great kid!
 
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