I had a very productive conversation with the owner of the dog who's barking has been at issue recently. His name is Mohan Chhabra, and he was extremely understanding about the issue. He was also extremely frustrated and annoyed that the issue had been allowed to get out of hand, with leaflets being distributed and Animal Control being contacted, before he was given a chance to do anything about it. From my phone call with him, I can attest to the fact that Mohan is a rational and level headed individual. Mohan told me that a missive in his mailbox on May 9th was the first contact that had been made with him or his family on the subject, and that the leaflets went out around the neighborhood on May 11th, hardly enough time to do anything about it. I will again attest that given his level-headed-ness and willingness to resolve the issue, I find it utterly credible that, despite other neighbors expressing facts to the contrary, he and his family were utterly unaware that there was an issue until after things had escalated unnecessarily.
I deeply regret that the facts got distorted in our little neighborhood game of whisper-down-the-lane. There was a great deal of unnecessary distress inflicted on the Chhabra family. I personally recommend that if you were involved in the "campaign" to abate the barking dog, you contact me for their phone number, or visit them in person and express your gratitude for promptly addressing the problem and your condolences for the un-neighborly manner with which the problem was handled. Mohan indicated that he would greatly appreciate the sentiment if people would call and offer an apology for escalating the issue in an impersonal manner without doing him the courtesy of talking to him in person or even leaving an anonymous note in his mailbox, for those that might not cherish the idea of a possible "confrontation" with him. I can tell you, however, such a fear is utterly groundless, as he is an utterly civil and understanding person, who is completely motivated to be a good neighbor, despite feeling a bit put upon at the moment.
Thanks Jeremiah - your time to discuss the issues on the phone and this correction of the situation is very appreciated!
ReplyDeleteMohan & Rosalinda
Thanks for this update and thanks for being humble enough to post the full story. I hope we havn't scared the Chhabra's away!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Mohan that I, too, would appreciate a face to face or even a telephone call if any of my neighbors had an issue with me, my family or my property.
Isaac
Loma Alta Drive
Yes, it is most unfortunate that simple a discussion between persons did not actually happen before the rumor mill got cranked up. It appears that the "in person" conversations that were supposed to have happened never did. Now that I have finally talked to Mohan in person, I am confident that all those for whom the barking was an issue, as well as the Chhabra family themselves would have been saved a good deal of stress if only such a connection had been made sooner. Let all those who "campaigned" against the barking dog take a lesson from this.
ReplyDeleteAgain my sincere regrets that this situation got out of hand and sincere thanks to the Chhabras who clearly intend to remedy the situation now that they are aware of it.