My new dog has an owner, wwyd?

[AnimalHouse]

I wouldn't automatically assume anything about the owner based on where they live, or how long it took for them to call the shelter. You said they were gone, the caretaker lost the dog? So maybe they just got back in town?

All that to say, contact the owner and take the steps to return the dog. Then you can determine if they good pet owners or not.

[linz2491]

Originally Posted by wordmama My first reaction was just keep her. But then reading the story again, the original owner may have been out of town and only just found out her pup was missing. For all you know, she's been frantically calling around, trying to find her for days. Why not connect with her yourself before making any decisions. If she took the time to track you down, she obviously cares for the pup. Sent from my iPhone using DS Forum

This is what I will be doing. Again, if this is a beloved dog, she will be going back. (spayed!) if this is a back yard dog who lives with 10 others (common for that area) no way.She did not track me down but luckily for her, the shelter worker remembered the dog because she knew it was going to be my personal pet. Otherwise, she probably would have had no idea where the dog was and wouldn't have taken the time to find out. I don't know how long she was out of town. I was told "a couple" but that could be 2 or 10. If her grandma did not tell her and she has been out of town this whole time, obviously there would be a lot more sympathy on my part. The shelter worker did not seem to think so. Her opinion was that this is a very small area with a small shelter. Everyone knows where the dog would go if picked up, there is no other shelters in the area. Just the one option.

[keen1981]

Keep dog. Responsible pet owners would not wait 10 days to find abeloved pet.

We've had this happen at the rescue we work for. The dog stayed with new family. It even went to court!!!!

[AnimalHouse]

Originally Posted by homebirthmom Id keep the dog since the dog would have been killed. and if the teeth are not in good condition, the dog was not being cared for much. i would not feel bad if you can provide for the dog now. would I be upset if I lost my dog? yep but I also would not wait 10 days to call on it. whether or not she was on vacation the grandma told them the dog was missing, 1000 miles away or not, I would be on the phone calling the shelters. they did not. keep the dog. end. o. story.

Did the grandma tell the owner she lost the dog right away, or did she wait until the owners came back? I don't remember seeing that in the OP.

[homebirthmom]

i dont agree w the post about meeting w them. if you decide to keep the dog could cause some major issues. I would NOT want them to know who I was or where I lived in case they get disgruntled. far too much crime out there these days...

[marliah]

Originally Posted by cheezpoofs If someone already owns the dog and wants her back, you should return her.

Yes this, how could you in good conscience keep another persons dog? Wouldn't be worth it in the long run. Sorry this happened to you though

[keen1981]

Was this dog chipped?

[AnimalHouse]

Originally Posted by homebirthmom i dont agree w the top post as meeting w them and then deciding to keep the dog could cause some major issues. I would NOT want them to know who I was or where I lived in case they get disgruntled. far too much crime out there these days...

I think this was directed at my post? If so, I didn't mean for OP to actually meet with them and then decide to keep the dog. If the dog is living in poor conditions, there are legal steps to take to get the dog out of the home.

I would feel much better about doing that, instead of making a lot of assumptions about someone and keeping their pet.

[NotLad]

Originally Posted by homebirthmom would I be upset if I lost my dog? yep but I also would not wait 10 days to call on it. whether or not she was on vacation the grandma told them the dog was missing, 1000 miles away or not, I would be on the phone calling the shelters. they did not.

It's possible they didn't have access to a phone (cruise ship or abroad) or grandma didn't tell them the dog was missing until they returned.

It's also possible that the shelter was contacted and the owners were falsely told the animal wasn't there. Happens a lot here.



I'd return the dog.

[loving my family]

Originally Posted by wordmama My first reaction was just keep her. But then reading the story again, the original owner may have been out of town and only just found out her pup was missing. For all you know, she's been frantically calling around, trying to find her for days. Why not connect with her yourself before making any decisions. If she took the time to track you down, she obviously cares for the pup. Sent from my iPhone using DS Forum

This is what I was thinking.