I didn't mean it to be condescending, I was hoping a bit of harshness might wake OP up to the fact that their dog could have been seriously injured or killed. I mean here they are complaining that the neighbors saw them in their PJs when they should be beyond grateful that they got lucky and the neighbors didn't see them crying over their dead pet.

I don't think OP is a bad person, but they really need to wake up before it's too late and something tragic happens; if they don't they'll have to live with that guilt for the rest of their lives. And I don't want that for OP or their dog, I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.