Okay, kitty, thanks. Maybe OP did not have a chance to apologize, in which case an apology might be helpful.

Buggy, the only thing I can say is that we've had two goldens, dog-sat two before that, frequently, and have known a ton of them... and they are not barkers. Most likely tail was wagging, mouth was open with tongue hanging out, and dog was bounding in joy over his freedom, as opposed to zeroing in for a fight.

I'm not saying someone not familiar with goldens shouldn't be frightened. I totally understand that. I'm just saying my bet is the dog was not presenting in an aggressive manner. It's just not in their nature when interacting with humans.

It's unfortunate that the dog got out, and a good lesson to whoever (whomever?) didn't shut the door properly.

So funny. My golden also rarely barked. Just wanted to be everyone's friend. Had a beautiful golden across the street from me here in TV. He got out once in a while and always galloped over to visit me......loved, loved that dog. I will admit though, if one is not a dog lover, a large dog like a golden can be intimidating.

Shouldn't happen
 

So sorry this happened! Not the norm in the Villages...I think there are more dogs thn residents!! Move on, the majority are reasonable friendly folks...it will work out! Welcome to the Villages!

thanks for checking in here. I once hit someone with my car. It was my fault. While I asked if she was ok, she screamed "You HIT me!!"....
I can see where she was coming from. It was not a time she could hear an apology. All her buttons were pushed and I was the person who threatened her survival. Little ol' innocent kind well-meaning me. I made a mistake and she was bent out of shape. Bottom line is I did threaten her survival.

So, for what it's worth - after reading your original post and your latest explanation... here's what I'd do. I would follow the advice of our "sages" here on TOTV. I would take this dog for a walk in the neighborhood often - waving to neighbors and saying hello. I would also stop by your neighbor's house (without the dogs) and offer a formal apology. That's really all you need to do. Put a big smile on your face - bring cookies or a box of chocolates - explain that it was a mistake and that the dogs really are friendly and sweet - that you understand that it would have been frightening to have a big dog run up without introduction. I think we all wish you luck in your new home and neighborhood. We'll hope that in the coming months you all become good friends and can laugh about this...

and that's really what we're all about. good synopsis.

dont let it get to you. those neighbors seem like jerks. rather than act civilized and find out what went on they immediately went nuclear. be glad they were not carrying a firearm!

You made a mistake, you apologized. You meant no harm and no harm occurred. Let it go. There are so many more wonderful people here. Ignore the bad and enjoy the good. And if you want a great place to run your Golden go to Doggie Do Run Run. It is a park off of 466, take a turn at CVS onto CR 101. Go about a mile it will be on your right. Cost $3 or $25 per month. It is about 10 acres and lots of great dogs and owners go there daily. And if you see a big black lab named Robbie, say Hi.

Lots of ways to look at this..

The new neighbor: broke rules for how long to leave trailer, broke rules for dogs running loose, posted a complaint on TOTV against his community in first week living there.

The old neighbor: did not bother to go meet the neighbor moving in, reported two violations of rules.

We don't know who started what in the shouting match or the tone people took.
to date, as far as we know, neither neighbor has apologized.

This is just my perspective, mind you, and is based entirely on one side of the story: one neighbor reported to authorities for infractions of rules, the other reported said neighbor to the public as a bad neighbor...

Time is a healer and I believe the OP should give her neighbor space and let nature take its course.

Having said that my reaction would have been the same in some ways but not others. I won't bore you with details but my life experiences taught me to be alert around dogs not known to me. so I would have been upset and concerned about a large dog charging at me and since I have a fear of dogs I wouldn't know if the approach by this animal was friendly or not. I do not curse and I do not shout at people. However, I would stay away from this dog owners household.

Like most people here I take extra measure to keep my property in pristine shape. I deplore seeing vehicles parked outside and I follow rules that I agreed to when I moved here.

In other words I am sensitive to the concerns of people around me and do not wish to offend in anyway.

I am so sorry you received this kinds of welcome. Anyone unable to befriend a golden probably isn't worth being friends with. All the feedback you are receiving is correct; there are people just looking for problems. Hopefully you'll find other neighbors who will embrace you and your dogs.

There is one on every block ( even in The Villages) We have had bad experiences from un named neighbor but took the high road and basically are civil (when not ignoring) We continue to be courteous and friendly (if not down right charming ) to all the surrounding neighbors. We always walk dogs around the block,talking and waving to anyone. Contact us for dog loving new friends!

No, there's not one on every block in our neighborhood and many others in TV. The o.p.'s situation is not the norm. I think that neighbor was waiting for something to pounce on and the dog was just what she'd been hoping for.

And we've only heard one side of the story as Kitty said. It does sound like the neighbor is more aggressive than the o.p.

Kitty, you never fail to amaze me with your posts.
You've had some very interesting life experiences, which you're forthcoming enough to share with us.