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Single mum responds to neighbours' letter complaining about dog's 'unsettling' behaviour

By 9Honey Parenting|

A single mum has been left baffled after receiving an anonymous letter from her neighbours, telling her to walk her dog at an 'impossible' time so he doesn't bark.

The Sydney woman ?shared the letter, which was left on the outside of her gate, and her situation to a local Facebook group in the hopes of reaching her neighbours and a peaceful agreement.

The lengthy note described her dog Jasper's barking as "unsettling" and accused her of leaving him outside for long periods of time.

"We understand that dogs will bark, but some neighbours feel it is a little unfair and a little inconsiderate that the dogs are allowed outside to do so from 6am, which is awakening neighbours as the barking is echoing throughout the neighbouring streets," the note read.

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Single mum hits back at neighbour's letter of complaint about dog
A single mum has revealed the letter of complaint she received from her neighbours about her dog. (Facebook)

"You have some neighbours who are police, nurses and other shift workers who have just finished a night shift and are trying to get some sleep at this time of the early morning. We also have two elderly care homes nearby too, which is causing some residents to become distressed due to being woken in the early morning."

The polite letter then requested she consider "taking the dogs for a walk ?at this time of the morning if you are already up and about."

But the mum hit back over the request, explaining how it was impossible for her to leave the house at that time as a single mother.

"You've suggested that since I am up at 6am when neighbours are trying to sleep, I walk him at that time. I would love to since this is my favourite time for my own walk," she wrote.

"As a single mother, I am up at 5.15am preparing school lunches, breakfasts, organising school bags and getting two children ready for sports training and/or school.

"I am getting three people through showers and out of the door often between 7am and 7.30am, it simply isn't possible."

The woman also explained her ?dog is walked "at least once a day", is well-socialised, and is certainly not left home alone all day.

She said while Jasper does get "triggered" at the boundary of her property, as any dog would, when "vehicles and people come and go", this is normal dog behaviour.

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Single mum hits back at neighbour's letter of complaint about dog
"I cannot keep him locked up all day because other people on the street are having unknown deliveries." (Facebook)

"I understand this is disturbing for others and why I chastise him and call him inside every time I hear him do it," she said, noting she has lost 80 per cent of her hearing in one ear thanks to a chronic disease.

"Nonetheless I am very conscious of the noise and apologise for it."

The neighbour also claimed they had been advised by the RSPCA to lodge a complaint with the council, but instead wanted to try and "resolve the matter" themselves จC claiming they tried to talk to the mum on "numerous occasions".

"I am surprised I haven't heard your knocks at the door. Even though I have a hearing impairment I sit right next to the door," she shared.

"I cannot keep him locked up all day because other people on the street are having unknown deliveries otherwise I would be reported to the RSPCA for cruelty to animals."

The Sydney mum also said she was very open to hearing any ideas or recommendations on how to move forward, and was hoping for a response on Facebook or in person.

"I would be happy to meet with any unhappy neighbours in person. Please PM or knock on my door. I have a very open door policy," she concluded her post.

There was a mixed response to the note on social media.

"I would tell them to take a hike," said one person. "I feel the letter is entirely fair and reasonable," ?commented another.

In an update to 9Honey Parenting, the mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the letter has caused her a "great deal of distress" despite receiving a lot of messages of support and advice.

She also said she has practively contacted the council to address the neighbours' concerns and made "a number of instant changes to improve the quality of life of any neighbours who may be sleeping between 6-7 and after 8 pm".

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