KAYE Townsend is a qualified, BACP registered, person-centred counsellor with a private practice in Flackwell Heath, Bucks. She is currently writing a self-help book, write articles for various publications & work as a volunteer counsellor for a local charity. Here she answers letters in her Bucks Free Press agony aunt column.

Dear Kaye,

I often see a woman walking past my house with a small dog that looks very unwell. It looks so thin, like it hasn’t been fed for weeks. The poor thing walks really slowly with its head down, looking like it has no energy. Should I report it to someone & if so who? How should I approach the woman? I don’t want her to know it was me.

Thanks,

Cassey, 34.

Dear Cassey,

Yes. The welfare of the dog should come before your relationship with the neighbour. My opinion is that no animal should suffer & if this was a child you were concerned about, would you hesitate to find out more?

It may be that the dog is unwell & your neighbour is trying her best, so perhaps you should try talking to her first. If you are still unhappy about the dog’s welfare, then call the RSPCA who will listen to your concerns & follow up with a visit your neighbour & conduct an assessment.

Please keep me informed, I would love to know the outcome.

Regards,

Kaye.