More found dog saga **Updated post 45 and 57**

[SpringChickens]

If you havn't been reading up on my lost dog saga, the two previous threads can be found here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=200515

and here

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=202291


So I took this dog into the animal shelter today, at the urging of a few here, and got her scanned for a microchip. They did find a microchip, and were able to contact her owner.

So here's my dilemma. While talking to the owner, he mentioned he doesn't bother looking for her when she is lost. She has a microchip, so someone always does the footwork and returns her to him.

I asked him how long she's been gone, "Oh, two or three days".

Well, I've had her for a WEEK!!

I continue the conversation, and find out that he has flyers and ads out for his lost cat, but hasn't been looking for the dog at all.

I hate to return her to a home which clearly doesn't care much about her. I am kicking myself for getting her scanned for a microchip... NEVER AGAIN!!

Can I tell them that she got lost today before I meet him tonight? What would you do? I am seriously so frustrated I am about to cry.

ETA - as a side note, ironically, the found dog's name really IS Molly, just like our collar she was wearing when we found her.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I would just call and tell him that she ran off again. He doesnt deserve to have her.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

sorry - thats a hard position ... however...

I hate to return her to a home which clearly doesn't care much about her

i'm not really sure this is your job or your decision.. i'm pretty sure that dogs are still property so if you kept the pooch you may be stealing... but maybe the owner wants to give/sell you the dog??

i know its hard to watch people not love animals like we do - but everyone is different. to put it in perspective - some one else might accuse you of keeping the dog from the only people he's known.. which they could think is abusive. its a spectrum and we all have our positions on it.

sorry
:-(

one way to talk to the owner is to approach from a financial point of view.. many people are dumping their pets b/c they cant afford them.. maybe he'd be willing to give up the dog to get rid of the cost???

ugh - let us know what happens​

 

[LA~Poulet]

I would be sorely tempted to keep her, but I wouldn't. I would confront the owners about the collar situation.

 

[wyo-helpmeet]

Consult the shelter officer. Let him/her know what just happened & find out if there's anything YOU can do seeing as how he doesn't care & LIED!!!

 

[horsejody]

Ask him if you can have the the dog. If the answer is no, leave the dog at the shelter. Don't return the dog to the owner. Let him come and get it from the shelter, not you. That way he has to pay for it. Tell the shelter people that you are willing to adopt it if he doesn't come and bail it out.

 

[SpringChickens]

Thanks for the advice. I have been having a lot of trouble grappling with the idea of just returning her to these people. He suggested that he could meet soon, but I wanted to wait until this evening, to have more time to think, if nothing else.

The woman at the shelter could tell that I was upset by the situation and was commenting on how sad the situation was. But, she still mentioned how good it was that I was returning her to her owners. I don't think they can give me any other advice.

LA~Poulet - I did figure out the collar situation. My neighbors had found the collar in their yard 6 months ago, and thinking this was our dog, put it on her. Ironically, this dog's name is Molly, too.

I do think that I will have a long, heartfelt talk with them about having them give her to us. I'm not sure they would be opposed to the idea. Either way, they don't live too far from our house (about 1/2 mile), so I wouldn't be surprised if she shows up at our house again.

 

[Rolsjo]

Quote:
Great advice! Follow it.

 

[cassie]

I'd just keep the dog. You are going to feel bad about it if you don't. Been there, done that.

 

[SpringChickens]

Quote:
Great advice! Follow it.

I would love to, just for the revenge, but I think I would feel disgusted with myself afterwards. I just want the dog to have a good life, not to make someone else pay for their deficits.