The kids found a dog -- do we keep it?

[DODI]

The pup followed them home from school. He is some type of poodle mix, about 2 years old, not fixed and weighs 5 lbs. No one in the neighborhood seems to know him. He was seen this morning walking in the middle of a very busy street. He then found the kids and followed them. Poor thing won't eat and needs too. I took him to the vet and got him his shots and he needs to be groomed.

My question to DU is: How actively do I search for the "owners" or do I just adopt him?

[Richard Steele]

1. He found YOU! Respect his choice and ADOPT him!

I'm not even a DOG person, but if he chooses you over the streets- he's YOURS!

[DBoon]

6. People don't adopt dogs...

dogs choose their owners.

You should be honored that such a fine canine chose you.

On Edit: Did the vet check the dog to see if it had been "chipped"? Sometimes dogs "lose" their collars and tags.

[DODI]

12. The vet checked for the "chip". If he is going to be our -- he will get

one of those!

[snowbear]

2. Found pup...

You could hold onto him for a few days while you decide... O8) And in the meantime, see if anyone puts an ad in the missing pets section.

You can also put him under "found pets" in your paper and see if someone calls to identify him.

[nini]

3. put up some fliers for a 'found dog'

Plan on adopting but prepare your kids for the owners to show up in case they do.

good luck

[TolstoyAndy]

10. Nini's got it

My big childhood trauma is having to give our poor dog away
(even though his new people loved him as much as we did, I think)
but you can help your kids think about the possibility of
losing their dog by making sure they know they saved the dog's life
and when you help a person or an animal like they did,
what goes around comes around, whether or not they stay with you forever.

Congrats on your good kids and new dog!

[Bunny]

4. No collar or tags?

Check your local paper lost and found? Perhaps leave a message at the animal shelter so they know he's with you, in case anyone asks? If you do that and there's no owner, I'd say he's yours. Bless you for taking him to the vet. Wonder why he won't eat? :shrug:

[MissMarple]

5. The Humane Society often has a list of lost pets.

And put up a couple of signs in the area where he found your kids. Then, if nothing turns up, you have a clear conscience. And you will want to get a training book if you've never had a dog.

And he may not be eating because he is anxious or the food is unfamiliar. Crating may help, or sleeping with someone. But that can lead to uh, sorry dog lovers, problemns. :-)

[BrklynLiberal]

7. He found you..That's a strong sign.... I would say he's yours.

[Minimus]

8. Just in case the owner is actually looking

You can notify the animal shelter, but tell them you want to keep him if no one claims him or proves he is theirs. Also, notify local vets, or post flyers in local pet shops, etc. If one of my doggies went missing I would search diligently and would be forever grateful to the person that found my pet and at least did some of the things above to reunite us.

If the owner really wants him then the owner should be actually be searching. But if he isn't wearing a collar and seems like he has been on his own for a while (5 lbs is tiny) them more than likely there isn't a concerned owner and your family has a new addition! So congratulations!

Keep us posted and share some pictures. I love a happy ending to an animal story.

[havocmom]

9. Call the shelters in your area and give them a description or photo if you

can. If he had a family that really misses him they would likely call shelters looking for him.

But if he likes the kids, he probably is supposed to be with them for one reason or another.

Do keep an eye on him and keep him safely behind a fence or in the house with you. I have known some 'roaming' dogs who had seizures and became very disoriented afterwords, managing to get very lost. Watch for signs of seizure, loss of consciousness, followed by confusion. Some dogs have them. Not a serious problem so long as he can't get out and lost.

[DODI]

11. I called the Humane Society, the nearest vet and animal control

no one has reported a missing dog. The vet and police feel we shouldn't try too hard given the condition of the dog. It is not uncommon in our city for dogs to be "let go" in the streets. But I will check papers and maybe post some fliers. He is so cute! Looks like a little Ewok. The kids understand this could be temporary -- I don't know how to explain that to our other dog. She lost her "sister" in Januayr of '04 and I think she is enjoying the company.

[havocmom]

13. maybe your dog's 'sister' sent a friend

Sounds like a keeper if the kids and dog like the mutt.

The best pets are usually the ones who sorta fall outta the sky and land in your lap.