Disturbing experience with stray dog owner

[DeborahG]

I am so disturbed. My husband and I found an old dog in hobbling in the street at 10:00 p.m. last night. She's a big skinny dog, clearly old (I found out later she's 13), and had much trouble walking. We took her home, because she'd surely be hit by a car, not to mention she could barely walk. We fed her and made a bed for her, and she was a great old girl all night (although my 2 dogs were very jealous). She had a rabies tag with a toll-free # to call if found. We got the owner's phone # through the service this a.m. at 10:00 (as soon as the service opened), and I left a message for the owner. We didn't hear back for almost 3 hours, and when he finally called back (probably because I kept trying the # ever 1/2 hour or so), he sounded almost disappointed that I had found his dog. He didn't sound as if he'd been looking for her at all -- in fact, it was clear he was not -- nor was he even slightly worried about her. I asked why he hadn't called back sooner -- had he been away and not known she was missing? He just said, "no, I've been home." I asked how she could have gotten out, and he said, "I guess she must have gotten out of the gate in the back. It doesn't always close." Somehow, he "hadn't noticed" her missing for more than 12 hours. He was not in the least bit happy to see her when he picked her up.

What turned out to be a good thing (we saved an old dog!) ended up leaving us feeling very down (including my 6-year-old daughter, who could also tell when the owner picked the dog up that "he is not a nice man to the dog"). I felt horrible releasing that poor old girl to her owner, but I had no choice. I just don't understand people like this.

Just wanted to share, as doing so makes me feel better!

Deborah

 

[Vee]

Deborah,

What a heart breaking experience!

May you be blessed for your compassion.

I hope the old girl fares okay.

 

[lori254]

What a sad story. I'm an animal lover in the extreme and it upsets me so much when something like this happens. I believe that when you take on the responsibility of a pet, it's a lifelong commitment. How heartbreaking to hear of this poor dog not getting the care she needs especially in her older years.

 

[Vee]

I am glad the poor dog experienced at least one night of kindness and affection. Poor doggie.

 

[intensityjunkie]

I don't understand at all why people who don't want an animal or don't take care of them even have them to begin with?? grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

[RapidBreath]

If she did not appear to be properly fed you can call the ASPCA to look into it. Underfeeding a dog is a crime.

 

[janiejoey]

Just steal her from the open gate. He'll probably not even notice.

Poor doggy. I feel so sad for her, and she doesn't have long to live. Poor doggy. Gosh darn it.

Janie

 

[gogigi]

Oh, that is soooo sad.

 

[kathryn]

If she did not appear to be properly fed you can call the ASPCA to look into it. Underfeeding a dog is a crime.

I'd say there is a case for informing the local animal shelter/ASPCA of the situation.

Another option (to try first): Do you know of anyone who would take the dog? It sounds like the guy really doesn't want her. Since you've made "first contact" with him, perhaps you could approach him about it?

 

[Afreet]

Just steal her from the open gate. He'll probably not even notice.

Poor doggy. I feel so sad for her, and she doesn't have long to live. Poor doggy. Gosh darn it.

Janie

Me too. I second the "adoption" scheme! Poor sweetie.

 

[MCunningham]

I would have offered to keep her. Poor dog!

MC

 

[DeborahG]

Thanks for the kind words and input, everyone.

I'm thinking (because of your suggestions) that perhaps I could call the owner (I don't know where he lives, but I still have the phone #), tell him how much my daughters loved him (which is true), and suggest that if his circumstances make it hard to care for her, we would be happy to do so (or something like that). I'm not certain whether her skinny physique has something to do with her advanced age rather than underfeeding. I know my vet keeps an old doggie at her office who looks skinny, too, but the vet said it is related to her advanced age. I do, however, feel certain that she is emotionally neglected and not properly kept out of harm's way.

In the meantime, we took a few photos of her, which my daughters are thoroughly enjoying.

Thanks again, everyone. The kind words and insightful opinions of the women (and men) on this forum never cease to amaze me.

Deborah

 

[MCunningham]

Deborah, let us know how it goes! I hope he takes you up on your offer, for the dog's sake!!!

MC

 

[princessbear]

Thanks for the kind words and input, everyone.

I'm thinking (because of your suggestions) that perhaps I could call the owner (I don't know where he lives, but I still have the phone #), tell him how much my daughters loved him (which is true), and suggest that if his circumstances make it hard to care for her, we would be happy to do so (or something like that). I'm not certain whether her skinny physique has something to do with her advanced age rather than underfeeding. I know my vet keeps an old doggie at her office who looks skinny, too, but the vet said it is related to her advanced age. I do, however, feel certain that she is emotionally neglected and not properly kept out of harm's way.

In the meantime, we took a few photos of her, which my daughters are thoroughly enjoying.

Thanks again, everyone. The kind words and insightful opinions of the women (and men) on this forum never cease to amaze me.

Deborah

Do it Do it Do it. You won't regret giving that poor thing the happiest days of what is left of his life...

 

[lori254]

Oh Deborah, you are so sweet, it brings tears to my eyes. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this poor old gal can live the remainder of her life with a kind and loving family.

 

[LaughingWater]

Oooh, I hope you get her back! Good for you for trying! <3

 

[Tamrahan]

My last Yorkie 'Pippin' got really super skinny in her old age. When she was turned 12 y/o she had a seizure which the Vet said she most likely had a brain tumor. He put her on steroids which temporarily shrinks the tumor which would hopefully buy us a little extra time with her-I wasn't ready to let her go just yet (is anyone ever ready?) anyway at 1st after taking the steroids her little body got really robust-a new lease on life sort of. But then after about a year she started going down hill that's when she started getting skinny and losing her hair. I was putting oil in her dog food to add calories. The Vet said the steroids 'threw' her into Addisons or Cushings I can't remember which. But they said that's most likely why she got so thin. She was eating the amount she normally ate, her body just wasn't working anymore.

So just saying that I agree that her thinness may be because of her age and not from food deprivation.

 

[poohpeggy]

Oh, I sure hope you can get her. I'd call right away. I like the daughter angle a lot! Good Luck..Sending good "vibes"...You sure are angel!!!Peggy

 

[meowracer]

Man, this just really irks me. I volunteer in my neighborhood to help with lost and found pets. I am one of two people that is called if an animal is lost or found. I had the extreme displeasure of talking to a lady who had lost her dog and told me that she was mostly calling just to say she had, but she hoped really that it wouldn't be found. I told her that I hoped the same thing then b/c the dog would have a better home with somebody who would want and love it. There are people who will move and leave their cat or dog (one such moron left the dog in the back yard when they moved) and assume that somebody else will do something.

You were an angel to sweet girl. I would definitely call him back and offer to take the dog. There is a good chance that he will say no at first out of pride but keep on. Tell him how much you all loved her and since he didn't seem like he was that close to her, you would be honored to take her into your home. It's worth a try. If it doesn't work, use the "adoption" method mentioned by the OP above

 

[Chris K.]

Oh Deborah, I'm so sorry about what happened. Poor dog, makes me very sad in tears.

Well I am glad you told us. I'm happy it makes you feel better.

I second the adoption method, if the owner refuses your offer.

Well good luck my friend. You are a good samaratin and I praise and honor you for that!

Take care.

Warmly yours,
Chris