Quote Originally Posted by Jessika
I'm confused because at first you say they don't take care of her but in the next sentence you go on to say she is fed, has shade, and is taken to the vet regularly? And they love her very much?

Have you tried talking with them and explaining the situation? Maybe they just want her to be an outdoor dog? I mean, if she has food, water, shelter and shade on hot days.... the local ASPCA or human society can't and won't legally do anything. And really, there is nothing wrong with a dog being an outdoor dog at all.
There is a lot more to having a dog than just feeding and trips to the vet as we all well know. I think the issue here is that dogs are sociable pack animals and this little girl is being excluded for most of the time. My boys are part of the family and are given a lot of time and attention - this dog isn't technically neglected but they just don't seem to understand her need to be with her "pack"