Between the image and the title, you have presented a very sad story here.
I'm not sure if all the small branches help of hurt this shot, but the over-exposed/high contrast areas of the branches and house do. This appears to be a shot that holds a special meaning and know there is only so much that can be done in an open challlenge in the way of fixing it.
the plant stems in the foreground detract from this run down kennel, if these were pushed out of the way , this has the potential to be a really powerfull image..
I like your idea. Wish the lighting had been better because the composition is neat, it just needs a little more contrast or something. I like looking through the stalks.