Would You Mention It to the Owners?

[MIGrandma]

Recently rented a cabin in the upper peninsula for a week. Beautiful cabin, the weather was wonderful, we had a nice time. I want to send the owners a short e-mail, to thank them for sharing their lovely cabin with us. I'm wondering if I should also mention the neighbors. They have a dog (chocolate lab) that they let roam around, and over into the yard of the cabin we rented. Several times it was on the deck, sniffing around. And it left "presents" in the yard a few times. The man was diligent about walking around his own yard with the shovel and scoop, and I was so tempted to ask him to bring the shovel over to the cabin yard and take care of the messes his dog made, but I hate confrontation and wasn't sure how he would take it so I kept my mouth shut.

They also had friends spend a couple of nights with them, and they also had a large black dog that was allowed to roam as well. It followed my Mom out on the dock and was barking at her. The man called it back and said "sorry" but if the dog was tied up it wouldn't have happened.

I just wonder if I should mention all this to the owners of the cabin, not knowing if they know the neighbors allow their dog (s) to come over into their yard. Maybe the next renters will have small children who would be afraid of the dogs, I don't know.

So, if you were me would you say anything in your e-mail about it to her, or would you just let it go?

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Yes, I would mention it. The owners are probably already aware of the dog and the fact that he's leaving presents in their yard. But if they know it's affecting their renters, they'll probably want to talk to the guy.

My parents have a cabin in a mountain town that they rent out. It's on a residential street with mostly permanent residents. Everyone on the street knows the place is a rental and often sits unoccupied. They tend to not clean up after their dogs if they do their business in the yard because they think no one will know about it. We've even had people park their snowmobiles or boats in the open backyard thinking they'd found a free spot and no one would care! My parents always appreciate when renters report issues to them and they try to take care of them right away.

My family is going up to the cabin on Friday to spend the week. I love it there and it's free!

 

[simonsmom]

say something

 

[LilyWDW]

I would. Don't make it seem like you are "complaining" about it... but say you had an odd experience and did they realize the neighbors were allowing their dogs to roam the property (and use it as a bathroom).

If they knew... no big deal.

If they didn't know... well now they do.

 

[ols386]

Personally, if it were me, I wouldn't say anything, unless you thought the dog(s) was acting vicious.

I'd let it go.

 

[MAKmom]

Yes I would mention it.

 

[horseshowmom]

I guess it's all in how you look at it. If it had been me, I would have probably been happy to see the dog and played with it.

However, I know that not everybody is like me. It won't hurt to mention it to the owners, and they can use the information as they please. I would be sure to tell them how much you enjoyed the cabin though so they didn't think you were just complaining.

 

[luvmy3]

If its something that would make you not rent again, I would mention it. If you have no problem going back next year, I would let it go.

 

[lovesmurfs]

Hey! Was this in Au Train? We had a similar situation -- I think his name was Bingo (it's been a number of years -- we rented up there for 5-6 years). The kids had a great time with him and still talk about swimming in the river with the dog.

DH and my mother (my parents came with us that trip and stayed in the other cabin) were quite put off and thought we should talk to the owner. There wasn't really anything the owners could do -- they rented out from so far away.

If it really bothered you (and it sounds like it did), I would let the owners know. Maybe at least so that future renters can be warned.

Hope you had a nice time in spite of the visitor!

 

[Silent1CB]

If its a rental cabin, they probably never stay there & hardly ever visit so they would have no idea of anything needed fixing or repairs until renters tell them.

I would word it though as just making them aware of a situation that exists if they feel anything should be done. Not complaining & not looking for compensation.

 

[Debbie7452]

We have an actual neighbor who's large dog likes to "visit" at potty time. We have complained to them nicely to no avail and chased it away more times than I can count.

So now we just relocate his deposits back over to their yard! I don't know if they've ever noticed or not. He also digs through our trash on trash day..aaurgh! Hate that stupid dog...sorry pet lovers, rant over.

Anyway, I would tell them. Some renters might be put off by it...I would be.