The future for Teddy, a 13-year-old Wire Fox Terrier, is grim.
Since 2020, he has had three major surgeries, including a recent partial bladder removal after spending over a year in chemotherapy. His condition is terminal.
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Teddy is spending the time he has left in diapers, with tubes in both kidneys, and on seven different medications to help keep him as comfortable and as healthy as can be. In the two hours I spent with him via video chat on May 8, he barely moved despite the flurry of activity around him. The single noise he made was barely noticeable.
There is no easy way to say it; Teddy is dying. Any pet parent knows how difficult that is. But for Teddy and his dad T.D., a resident at the Lincoln Towers co-op since 2007 who prefers to use a pseudonym at this juncture, the abject sadness of facing the end of Teddy’s life is compounded by the fact that they are facing eviction.
Lincoln Towers, through the 180 West Avenue Owners Corp., and its attorneys at Holland & Knight, sent T.D. a letter in August 2021 informing him that it “received numerous complaints from other occupants” that Teddy was “barking” in his apartment. The letter alleged that the barking was “unreasonable” and demanded T.D. “remedy the defaults by alleviating and curtailing the barking.”
Holland & Knight provided ILTUWS with the following statement:
“Lincoln Towers is a pet friendly building and is home to dozens of dogs and other animals. Most pet owners are mindful of their neighbors and the pets have been a great addition to our residential community. The issue here is not with the dog, but rather, the shareholder’s persistent lack of consideration towards his neighbors over the course of 15 months. During that time, the building made numerous written requests that the shareholder take steps to mitigate his dog’s prolonged barking, which, upon information and belief, occurred on a near-daily basis for hours at a time. Rather than hire a pet-sitter to soothe the ailing animal during the long hours that the dog was left alone, the shareholder ignored management’s requests. In sum, the shareholder failed to deliver a solution that would both alleviate the distress of his neighbors and provide the dog with the comfort that he needs as he nears the end of his life. Ultimately, the building was forced to take action to protect the well-being of all shareholders. This is not about a dying dog, but one resident’s lack of concern for other residents.”
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Peggy Collen, T.D.’s attorney, believes the co-op’s case against Teddy lacks merit and that the allegations have been fabricated.
“Teddy does not have the strength to vocalize loudly and when he does vocalize, it would not be for hours on end. Lincoln Towers is allegedly pet friendly. Dogs have the right to bark or howl in their apartments,” Collen told ILTUWS. “Residents in any multiple dwelling should not expect uninterrupted quiet. Occupants in multiple dwellings frequently hear babies cry, children running, doors slamming, people walking in the apartments above them, toilets flushing, music playing, televisions blasting. Teddy is dying. He has a right to live in his apartment and a right to die peacefully in his apartment.”
Ms. Collen reported that Holland & Knight could not give her an exact number of occupants who complained about Teddy and only told her that there were “many.” The multinational law firm told ILTUWS on May 10 that “at least three shareholders have complained.”
However, as of three months ago, it appeared that only one neighbor was complaining. According to a February 4, 2022 “Notice of Objectionable Conduct” from the co-op, “a neighboring occupant in an apartment adjacent” to T.D.’s is the source of the complaints. The notice, which threatens to terminate T.D.’s tenancy, cites approximately twenty complaints from “the Neighbor” without distinguishing or noting additional complainants.
The Board of Directors for the co-op met on April 8, 2022 to discuss the alleged “objectionable conduct.” Before voting unanimously to evict ailing Teddy and his dad, one board member insinuated that one way to stop the eviction was to end Teddy’s life, according to T.D.
Another way for T.D. and Teddy to avoid eviction is threefold: Teddy must effectively remain quiet “without limitation,” T.D. must pay $14,502.00 in purported attorneys’ fees, and T.D. must also provide an indemnification in favor of the Board.
Ms. Collen said the demand for $14,502.00 for attorneys’ fees “seems to be a gross overcharge warranting disciplinary action. Holland and Knight’s associate wrote a few boiler plate notices and appeared in a Zoom meeting with the one complainant. Unless the young associate charges $4,500 an hour, the demand for the excessive legal fees seems like extortion.”
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“It’s cruel and unconscionable,” Collen added. She explained that T.D. is experiencing anxiety, physical pain in his chest, and loss of sleep.
T.D. told ILTUWS that he wants to be able to live his life and enjoy the time he has with Teddy, whom he calls his best friend. “I’m not living anymore. I’m just existing. I should be able to enjoy the time I have left with him, and this cruelty will be my memories instead.”
Though Holland & Knight claimed that T.D. failed to mitigate the co-op’s concerns, he told ILTUWS that he has made numerous attempts to arrange full-time care for Teddy while he works. But he was quick to point out that the care was arranged so that he can have peace of mind and Teddy can have a companion while he works and not because Teddy is creating the “unreasonable” alleged noises.
T.D. has care in place for Teddy three to four days per week, but notes that sometimes it is less because of the unavailability of the caretaker.
GOOD! Why dog barking ok… No respect! White Privilege! Let me be the 1st to welcome you to the good old street.
This has nothing to do with white privledge. TD has owned his apt for 13 yrs. One tenant, one miserable human.
Teddy can’t get a loud bark out so knowing what you talk about before you speak is a wonderful thing.
New thing called reading owner has lived there since 2007 Teddy since 2009 never had a issue so not a race issue you are welcome for this education. Teddy is 13 years old and can’t hardly get a bark out the Karen upstairs can’t hear it. So sorry but you’re wrong.
How is this white privilege? Teddy can’t even manage a loud bark. He is dying. They have lived there since 07 and 09 without issue. One new miserable tennant moves in and places 24 conplaints and now they lose their home? This is absurd!
Screw the neighbors complaining, and screw Lincoln Towers!
Thank you for someone who has the voice of reason!
I feel for the dog. I have known several pet owners who decided to put their pet dog “down” due to serious medical situations that made the dog’s life not good any more and indicated the dog’s life was just about over.
This is so sad… the dog probably doesn’t have much longer to live and the pet parent is probably distraught. As for the neighbor complaining…. Has he/she provided proof of the prolonged barking via audio recording or just saying that the dog barks a lot.
And the cost is ridiculous… it does sound like extortion.
The man should do a go fund me to raise money for the lawyer fees… and maybe harassment.
Thank you for someone who has the voice of reason! Thank you! He has a go fund me. That is enabling him to pay for the lawyer. Teddy is still shot, playful and loves walks abs time with his dad. The building abs their board are monsters. As is the “one” neighbor who complains. She punt blank says I do t care if your dog is sick.
What an awful situation. Our pets are our FAMILY. They should not be “put down,” to stop barking. That is how they communicate. The heartlessness of some people.
As a pet owner, please put that poor dog to sleep. It’s no fair to keep him alive in that condition. I get you’ll miss him, but it’s not the way you want to remember a pet/best friend.
I wish there was a way to do the same for humans. It’s so engrained in our culture to value life over quality of life, there are so many people in hospice that would be better off if we could give them a shot to go out with some dignity as well – especially on the UWS
You can’t possibly make that call from the comfort of your keyboard, I’m afraid. Only the owner and the vet are qualified. You need to know an animal to know if/when he/she is suffering.
It’s not Teddy’s time to go so why would he put him to sleep. I’m glad Teddy isn’t your dog. One he’s NOT HOWLING!!! Two he doesn’t even muster up a bark. This neighbor is LYING!! I’m scared for your dog that you would kill your dog over a LIE.
This dog is clearly suffering (3 major surgeries, bladder removal, chemo, tubes in kidneys) and should have been put down prior to this time. The owner doesn’t want to let go, but they are being selfish by allowing their pet to suffer.
Do you have a dog? What if it’s your dog? Why can’t they let Teddy and the owner spend the rest of his life peacefully instead making it miserable? Because of this one miserable woman in the building they are suffering. There is no heart? There is no empathy? Praying for Teddy and the owner. Let them live peacefully and happily together.
This whole story is filled with innuendo and opinions disguised as reporting. I highly suspect the author of this article is personally associated with the dog owner.
Lemme guess ….. youre from Holland Knight, the whiny neighbor that complains, or the coop board?
You have no clue what your talking about. Unless you know the actual facts, don’t speculate.
Here’s a thought stop thinking. Because let’s see since 2007 the OWNER has lived in his home no problem. Was even friends with the board member who is after him like a hawk. Then this ONLY neighbor who is complaining and has no reason to complain moved into her RENTED apartment. Then all a sudden Mr. board member is against him no more talking. Doesn’t take a smarty pants to figure this out. Somebody is sleeping in someone’s bed who shouldn’t be. Wonder is this board member has a wife? I’ll go check and let her know what is REALLY going on. Enough with the stupid games. Leave this owner alone Teddy doesn’t bark everyone knows it. This neighbor is scum we all know it. She is doing the dirt with the board member and she shouldn’t be. She needs to be the one evicted and the board member needs to be removed and evicted if lives there. These two have been there 13 years with Teddy and 15 years all together. Owner owns his home neighbor rents and is sleeping with people to try to get her way. Let’s talk TRUTH here.
This poor animal needs attention and help..This is why it is crying and barking..Is anyone other than beleaguered ‘neighbors’ paying attention?..Anyone? Like the owner?..Your dog is suffering!
The owner has been and still is a remarkable Dad to his dog. If you don’t know the facts don’t make things up.
This poor animal needs attention and help..This is why it is crying and barking..Is anyone other than beleaguered ‘neighbors’ paying attention?..Anyone? Like the owner?..I’m sorry but your dog is suffering!
This is an awful situation… for both owner and dog. But it’s bordering on animal abuse. This poor pet is suffering and is being kept alive for the sake of the owner. Heartbreaking.
It is the furthest thing from animal abuse. Your comment is offensive & outrageous. Teddy is happy and dearly loved. Since you. Clearly don’t know anything first hand. Maybe better not to say anything.
The owner is just prolonging this poor dog’s misery. Putting a dog to sleep is always sad but sometimes the most humane thing to do.
Excuse you but you have no idea about Teddy or his owner. They go to the park and they do a ton together. Prolonging what??? Teddy shows he wants to live if he didn’t his owner would let him go. So please don’t assume because we know that what makes people look like. Knowledge is power. So please learn about these two donate to their GoFundMe do something to help. We don’t need the opinions.
I feel so sorry for poor Teddy. His owner is clearly self absorbed and doesn’t care about Teddy’s suffering or his neighbors. I understand the neighbors frustration as, I too have a neighbors barking dog problem. Those of you who are posting negative comments obviously don’t understand how upsetting it is to be subjected to constant dog barking. Everyone is entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of their home. Yes, it is sad that Teddy is dying. The owner needs to take care of him and respect his neighbors.
You understand the neighbors being upset huh?? Oh okay well let’s talk did you know that Teddy can’t bark loud? So do you feel sorry for them now?? He can’t even muster up a yelp so she can’t hear him she is a idiot!!! I feel sorry she was born. She needs a life maybe lay off the booze would be nice stop walking around in that black bathing suit. Re dye her hair black again do something else please. She needs to just figure something else to do.
Maybe the dog WAS barking (in pain) up until recently when it was not too sick to bark? it obviously has a lot of issues. The neighbor should have recorded the evidence. Remember many dogs bark when the house is empty looking for their owner. But when owner is home they are content and quiet. You don’t have the whole picture just from sitting with the dog while interviewing.
I love my animals dearly but nobody should deal with constant barking. its a quality of life issue. Another quality of life issue is putting an animal through so much just to keep it “alive”. I’m sure that dog is loved very much but there comes a point where its humane and loving to stop the pain and constant invasive interventions. I hope that sweet doggy and owner find peace soon.
Constant barking? Not correct.
I live near by this building on west end! I support the building and residents. This person should but the dog down to end it’s suffering. The dog can’t walk, poop , run etc. the only thing keeping the dog alive as an excess of money paying for all these medical interventions. It would be a good idea to put the dog to sleep and buy a new one in the dogs memory. Have a nice memorial and grieve.
This sad for the dog + the owner but it does seem some of you all didnt read the whole thing. it says the dog is dying but it DOESNT say he is in pain so maybe have some consideration about that when youre all storming the castle here telling the guy to euthanize his best friend. consider he might read these comments too. who raised y’all??!!
While that make be the case, that the dog is not in pain, perhaps it should be considered that the quality of life of the animal has deteriorated significantly. No dog wants to live in diapers, hooked up to tubes, unable to walk, sniff, and interact with the world. No human either, quite frankly. It’s invaluable that pet owners have the option to compassionately euthanize their animal. It’s a purely selfless and loving act to end your beloved pets suffering. I have done it twice, it’s never easy but I don’t regret it because an animal does not want to live under the conditions that this owner is forcing it to live or when it was clear that the time had come for mine. This is not loving or caring for your animal, full stop.
Where does the article say that the dog has no quality of life or that he is unable to walk, sniff, and interact with the world? It doesnt. You are really insinuating alot
Excuse your comment. I’m in contact with Teddy and his wonderful owner. I do FaceTime with them and watch him in the park with other dogs so sorry how wrong you are. It’s one thing to bark nonstop that he can’t do. And he’s only in a diaper while owner is gone wow those things called facts matter. He plays with his toys and goes on walks. He has his lazy days but umm ? don’t we all? His owner fought for Teddy and Teddy shows no signs of wanting to throw in the towel. If he did his owner would accept that. He’s fighting the fight with Teddy not for Teddy big difference.
what can be done to help Teddy and his owner?
Thank you for being a voice of compassion through the noise.
I’ve been attacked by a Pitty, bitten by a raging toy poodle, muzzled closely by a pug and dry land humped by what had to have been a very confused Cookapoo, but I must say, may I?
The ONLY time I have ever felt like loading up a hyperbaric supersonic rocket launcher is when the old lady neighbor walks their dog at 5AM on Sunday mornings merrily down 91st Street, she singing something about an Old Rock and that ill-kempt scraggly knippy off key (insane?) schnauzer accompanies with its ENDLESS SHRILL of a CONSTANT HIGH PITCHED BARK.
5AM mind you.
Please excuse my regression into subhuman raging and violent apoplexy but that dog needs, in order, a towel jammed down its gullet, a 220V electrified collar, an owner with some form of grace, humanity and compassion and if none of that works?
Gimme that rocket launcher, bystanders (oh please, it’s 5AM, remember?) be damned.
So.
About this dog you reference above (that I can’t hear)?
Come on, have a little compassion and understanding. Waddy gonna do, kill it?
That Sunday Schnauzer?
Please bury your eyes in your hands while I step down on it hard and knock the old bat who owns it senseless.
I really do LOVE almost every dog. It’s their owners you gotta watch out for.
You call yourself a dog lover? Maybe you should work on your anger issues & violent fantasies.
“Dogs have the right to bark and howl in their apartments “
“He has a right to live in his apartment and a right to die peacefully in his apartment.”
Are you kidding me? Since when do dogs have rights? The only ‘rights’ here belong to the humans who have the right to live peacefully in apartments that they pay for
You clearly are t an animal lover. He doesn’t bark or howl often. It’s only ONE neighbor complaining.
The lawyer for a tenant with an allegedly barking dog says:
“Occupants in multiple dwellings frequently hear babies cry, children running, doors slamming, people walking in the apartments above them, toilets flushing, music playing, televisions blasting.”
This is NOT true, especially in a co-op where every shareholder has signed a contract as a condition of purchase guaranteeing their neighbors (and themselves) “quiet enjoyment” of their units.
Most of the things on that list could get someone kicked out of a co-op with proper substantiation and process. This lawyer sounds like they don’t know what they are doing.
T.D. and Teddy should move, at least temporarily. This whole incident has created a hostile environment which is stressful to the both of them. In fairness to the near neighbor(s) who have to have their peace disturbed by unwanted noise , and who would want to hear noise of someone suffering, human or animal?, this is not a pleasant situation for anyone involved. Since it is turning out to be so costly anyway, can T.D. go somewhere nice and quiet with nature around so that Teddy can have a peaceful end? T.J. should think of moving permanently after this, if possible, because this is not the only place to live in NYC and a fresh start with a less hostile management would be good for him.
Did we learn nothing from Nick Santino’s suicide when the 1 Lincoln Plaza co-op board bullied him into euthanizing his beloved dog Rocco? Harassments has consequences.
https://nypost.com/2012/01/28/soap-actor-commits-suicide-after-pups-forced-euthanasia/
I’m so distressed for Teddy,. That dog’s current quality of life is simply miserable. No dog or cat understands why they’re being put thru painful procedures (like chemo or multiple surgeries). It’s made clear in the article that Teddy’s condition is terminal. First, any loud barking (if there was any) was a reaction to Teddy’s past pain — but Teddy is too weak to bark loudly now. So eviction is unnecessary. Second, I believe that every pet owner owes an animal a good end in gratitude for all the love they’ve received over the years. This dog is mostly alone and miserable with no chance of improvement. Teddy should be euthanized to end his suffering and give him peace.
First, Teddyis not mostly along. His bark isn’t quieter because he’s sick that’s always been his bark. He’s enjoying life he loves going on walks with his daddy running and playing with toys. I work and Rescue and I had to put three of my dogs down over the years. You know when it’s time. Teddy isn’t there yet. He still has quality of life.