A man has shared the outrageous demand his neighbour made just moments after he moved into his new home, leaving him completely stunned by their expectations. Moving into a dream home is a thrilling milestone, especially after years of saving for a deposit. However, one couple was left baffled after meeting their new neighbours, who wasted no time dictating what they could and could not do on their own property.
The Initial Agreement
Writing on Reddit, a 36-year-old man revealed how he and his wife purchased their first home, specifically seeking a property with a large back garden. The previous owners, an elderly childless couple, were well-known for being like grandparents to everyone, having built multiple treehouses and bridges for children to play in. The property was fully fenced but had three swinging gates. Upon moving in, the next-door neighbour politely asked if her kids could continue using the backyard to play. The couple agreed, provided they understood that if the children got hurt, it was not their responsibility, and they would not supervise. The neighbour was appreciative and brought cookies and juice. Word spread, and eventually, around a dozen kids came by each week, some supervised, some in small groups. Everyone was polite and tidy, so the couple did not mind.
The Dogs Arrive
After Christmas, the man's parents moved into a retirement home and could no longer care for their two dogs: an 11-year-old Belgian Shepherd and a 12-year-old German Shepherd cross Belgian. Keen to keep the beloved pets in the family, the man and his wife took full ownership. He said they jumped at the chance, partly because the dogs likely had few years left and it was a good opportunity to get used to having dogs before getting a puppy, and also because the dogs were super well-behaved and dearly loved. During the day, the dogs relaxed in the backyard or on the porch, and once a week the couple picked up their waste. The children adored the dogs, and older kids were even allowed to take them for walks. The couple put up signs on the gates to keep them closed and warn about the dogs for anyone who might be scared.
The Confrontation
Shortly after the dogs settled in, an unknown woman appeared at their doorstep demanding they get rid of the pets. Her six-year-old had come home with friends, and they had dog poo smeared all over their hands after playing in the garden. The woman screamed at the man's wife, insisting that if she did not get rid of the dogs, her kids would not come over anymore, and she would press charges for endangerment. The wife told her to go away, pointing out that it would not have happened if she had been supervising her child. The woman left and returned with a petition bearing around six signatures demanding the removal of the dogs. The couple told her to go away, declared that children were no longer welcome, locked the gates, and put up signs explaining the situation.
Neighbourhood Reaction
Several of the nicer neighbours have come by to beg the couple to change their minds, but they refuse to risk it and lack the time to supervise children, so the gates remain locked. The man is now arguing with a couple of people who feel it is unfair that the entire neighbourhood is penalised because of one person's actions. He questions whether he is in the wrong for keeping the gates shut.
Most Reddit users agreed he can do whatever he wants on his own property, while others slammed the woman for her entitlement. One user commented: 'There is something seriously wrong with people who think it's OK to sign a petition telling other people to get rid of their well-behaved, confined, senior dogs. Like beyond simple entitlement wrong.' Another added: 'They're mad they don't have free babysitters/playground. Not your monkeys and not your circus.' The man was advised to explain to good neighbours that the decision was made to protect themselves and their dogs, and to consider consulting an attorney if allowing children again.
