What should I say to my Spanish neighbours about their dogs' mess in Tenerife?

Jackie B · 20th September 2007, 09:32

I really need some help.

My next door neighbours do not speak a word of English and I only speak very little Spanish at the moment, although we do manage to 'talk' to each other occasionally.

The problem I have got is that their garden runs down one side of my house and this is where they keep their dog. This is the area they feed/ water the dog and it also does it's jobbies. The place is full of it and apart from the smell it is attracting flies, which when my windows and doors are open are finding their way in. The kids won't even stay in the pool for long because it stinks out there. I need to be able to ask/tell them to clean up the mess but my Spanish is not good enough at present. I don't want to come across as being rude/aggressive but it is really not acceptable to have that much mess in the garden any longer. Could someone please tell me what I should say to them and translate it into Spanish for me please. I can't keep this peg on my nose much longer, it's hurting

Thank you

Mrs Ashro · 20th September 2007, 11:04

try going on one of the free translations then you can type in what you want to say and it will translate for you. my spanish is pretty basic and i use this all the time specially for kids school hope this helps

bluemoon · 20th September 2007, 11:33

Jackie, I know how difficult it can be with this type of situation, cos you need to get the problem sorted out but you don't want to fall out with your neighbours. I don't know any spanish, but from your post you are obviously a considerate person and don't want to upset/offen your neighbours even tho they are causing a problem, so I'm sure once you get the translation, you will be able to find the right words to get it sorted

Jackie B · 20th September 2007, 11:38

Thanks Mrs A

Why didn't I think of finding a translation site

Thing is I have typed in what I want to say, basically sorry for troubling them blah blah thanks for their understanding etc etc now it is going to take me a month to learn it off pat before I knock

Mrs Ashro · 20th September 2007, 11:40

could always print it off and smile sweetly at them

Jackie B · 20th September 2007, 12:03

Could do actually, might put it in the form of a nice letter explaining that I do not speak enough Spanish to converse with them verbally so please accept my apologies for putting it in writing blah blah blah

Mrs Ashro · 20th September 2007, 12:10

problem solved as long as its put nicely can't see any harm in it,

doings

Janet · 20th September 2007, 13:35

I'm sorry to put a damper on this but I don't actually think it's a good idea. We've had examples on here before of where these translation devices simply get it wrong, and they are universally useless at conveying tone.

It seems so important that your neighbours don't get upset that I would not trust a translation device on such an occasion.

obs · 20th September 2007, 14:13

Got to agree with Janet on this one.
My spanish is not that good either, but I muddled through with my neighbour about his dog, and we managed to solve the problem. Similar thing about two years ago, when he was building up a floor, one of his temporary fall pipes was discharging on to one of our bedroom walls, causing the damp to come through. After trying to explain (miserably), I brought him in to show him. He could'nt apologise enough, went straight out and relocated the offending pipe.
Problem solved. Then he brought me a bottle of wine by way of an apology. Very nice.

Just talk to them, they will appreciate you trying. Good luck.

Jackie B · 20th September 2007, 14:17

Thing is Obs, it is not that I have got a problem trying to speak with them but where I don't know enough Spanish I don't want it to come across in the wrong manner. By me knocking on their door and pointing to the piles of c### in the garden is hardly going to do anything for neighbourly relationships if they take it the wrong way.