I also don't like the idea of a 'house dog' being left alone outside for 24 hrs.

I do go away and leave my dog(s) and cat alone - sometimes overnight. but I also have a dog door that opens to a fenced run, which in turn opens to a fenced yard. All the yards in our neighborhood are fenced, most neighbors have good sized dogs, and we all kind of 'look out' for each other's animals. I am lucky to have some pretty nice neighbors. Only one dog ( a Beagle) barks at everything for no reason - so if the others are barking, we all stick out our heads to see whats up?


my mom comes over and feeds them at least twice a day, and often hangs out here with them, and give them attention. Since mom is 81 and can't 'walk' Fizz (she needs more excercise than Tristan the royal couch potato did - LOL!) I also have one of my friends or my son's friends come over and take her for her long walk and ball chase at the playground/ school each full day we are gone. both the Cat and the dog use the dog door - and the cat can get thru the bottom of the gate of the dog run when it's closed. Mom closes the dog run at night, and opens it again in the morning. that way Fizz can only get out into the whole yard during daylight hours. (which probably isn't necessary - as Fizz never leaves the house at night when we're home, so I doubt she goes out when we're not.

I have often told friends and neighbors that I would be happy to watch their animals - either at my house or theirs, while I am gone.

Chow's have really thick, furry, warm coats - and the one next door to us - though he is an inside dog - loves to stay outside when it's cold. he's very well insulated. In the case of your neighbor - I'd just keep an eye on the dog, and check him before you go to bed at night. if he seems ok, and has a shelter - he's probably fine. if it drops and gets cold, or there is rain or storms - you can bring him in.

laura