How to help a neighbor's puppy left alone and crying safely?

The howling you are describing is usually from loneliness/sadness but of course no one knows for sure. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do unless you can get the neighbor to give you the dog. As long as dogs have shelter, food and water there is nothing that animal control can do. It is sad but their hands are tied as well.

Young puppies like this are often anxious about being left alone, even if they're just in a crate across the room. You can help him learn to enjoy being in his crate by giving him a special long-lasting treat each time you put him in - something like a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter works very well for many puppies. This will help to keep him busy and encourage him to settle, and will also teach him to associate good things with being in his crate.

By your description, he likely needs veterinary attention. If there is a rescue service or Animal Control service, you could contact them to get the puppy. If you take him to a veterinarian, you may be financially responsible for his medical care. The ear should be evaluated, cleaned and treated as indicated. The pup may need antibiotics and pain management. He will probably need to be kept indoors during treatment and until he recovers.

Begin with crating her for very short periods of time. Gradually increase that time as she acclimates. This will take time and requires patience and consistency. Offer a special toy or treat as a distraction. Praise and reward her as she acclimates. A pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser, may help to decrease anxiety. This same method can be used to acclimate her to your absence. Additionally, you can prepare to leave several times daily then put everything away and stay or actually leave. Upon your return, ignore Lily Belle for 15 minutes or until she is calm. Do not make a big deal about coming or going. Consider a pet day care program or having a dog walker visit during the day. At her age, she should not be crated for more than 5 hours before being let out to relieve herself. This time can increase as she matures. The general rule is 1 hour of crate time per month of age plus an additional hour.

Young puppies will whine or vocalize when cold, hungry, sick, injured or if left alone for long periods of time. You can make sure he is fed, warm and has company. To diagnose illness or injury, he would need to be physically examined by your veterinarian.

Trooper is such a cutie! :) I would recommend leaving him in a crate or dog-proofed room where he can't get into anything dangerous. Give him something to keep him busy while you're gone, such as a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter, and be aware that you may need to clean up if he has an accident while you're away - an 8-week-old puppy often can't "hold it" for very long in between potty breaks.

This is such a tough situation, and unfortunately, not uncommon. How to intervene depends on how well you know the neighbor and how much you want to get involved. If you want to help, one option would be to arrange individual servings in ziploc bags or Tupperware labeled with the day and time - for example "Monday Dinner". Sometimes this can help folks with memory impairments remember what they should be feeding. If you are extremely concerned, you can contact your local authorities, but sadly, in a situation like this, often there is not much any government animal welfare group has the power to do until it gets worse.