Woman Shocked, Insulted by Ugly Letter from Anonymous Neighbor Over Barking Dog

Residents in a Broussard neighborhood are perplexed after at least two people received an anonymous letter complaining about a barking dog.

One of the neighbors posted the letter on social media after it was anonymously placed in her mailbox.

The letter, which actually started off in a complimentary tone, thanked the Broussard woman and her family for "sharing" their dog with them. The next line took a sarcastic turn as the anonymous neighbor expressed how they "love" sitting on their patio while listening "to a dog bark for 2 1/2 hours" while they try to relax.

The letter escalates its snarky tone saying that the barking dog makes their time "that much more enjoyable." It goes on to use words like "generous" to describe the Broussard family, saying that because of the alleged barking they "don't even need to own an animal" of their own.

The end of the letter continues its condescending tone but sends a direct message to "be a good neighbor" and stop the dog from barking before signing off as "One of your neighbors that actually likes dogs."

Perhaps the worst part about the Broussard family receiving the rude letter was the fact that their dog was actually put to sleep a month ago. To add even more insult to the injury of receiving such an unpleasant message from an alleged "neighbor," was the fact that during the last 4 months of its life, their family dog was unable to bark due to being diagnosed with nasal cancer.

I spoke with the mother of the family who told me that at least one other neighbor received the same message. That neighbor does have two small dogs—one of which is a service dog for their autistic son.

Other neighbors were most concerned that someone would put this much energy into their approach only to deliver the message to the wrong house.

I feel like if the dogs were bothering you that much you would at least have the sense to make sure which dog or dogs it is before leaving a letter like that. It’s just ugly.

Personally, I feel like whoever wrote this letter is exactly the same type of person who leaves hateful comments on social media under an alias name or posts mean-spirited replies to complete strangers knowing that they'll never have to actually face them.

It's unfortunate that these people get a kick out of projecting their obvious unhappiness on others or even think to put energy into being hateful with the intention of "getting a rise" out of someone else—usually a complete stranger.

One person commented, calling the "anonymous" message cowardly.

Others were surprised that they took the time to actually print out a typed letter.

Some asked if there were any cameras that could possibly help to identify who left the letter in the family's mailbox.

In the end, over 100 people commented on the letter, ultimately leaving condolences for the loss of the family dog and well wishes that the situation could come to a peaceful end.

Personally, I think an apology would be a nice start. But if there is any lesson to learn here, it's that this is a prime example of what NOT to do if you have a neighbor with a barking dog or any issue for that matter.

Leave a message on the neighborhood Facebook page. If that doesn't help, most neighborhoods have an HOA that allows concerns to be voiced to a board or board president.

If all else fails, you can always walk across the street and politely speak face to face with your neighbors. Chances are, they will be more receptive to your issue and you may end up having a beer.

Because as it would turn out, the tiniest bit of respect and grace can actually go a long way.