I live in a major city near Toronto Canada. The weather hasn't gotten cold yet but my neighbors leave their dog out in the backyard all day.

The dog cries the moment its let out until the moment its brought in. Whining, barking, crying just non stop.

My concern is that perhaps the home owners are elderly and cannot walk the large dog (from a distance, looks like a rottie) or maybe they come from a culture where it's normal to leave the dog alone in the backyard for hours.

My roomie as well as my neighbor have discussed our growing concerns.. my roomie and I have agreed to walk over there and check on the dog tomorrow, ask the owners if everything is OK.

If you think this is a good idea... what should we say? If you think going over there is a bad idea, why?