Should I steal the neighbor's puppy?

[silverlib]

My next door neighbors have an adorable chocolate lab pup. Their back porch is just on the other side of the fence of my daughter's bedroom. Each and every morning since they got the pup two weeks ago, she was been awakened to them cussing and apparently kicking the puppy. I am seriously thinking that about 10:30 p.m., I am going to swipe the pup and take it to the neighbors house for the night and then take it to the pound in the morning.

I would appreciate any thoughts on this. I don't condone thievery, but I can't stand for this pup to be mistreated. I don't think animal control could do anything because we don't have any evidence.

[onebigbadwulf]

1. Call the humane society or animal control

make those abusers feel punishment

[YellowRubberDuckie]

2. Here's what you do...

I know you don't want to let it happen to the puppy again, but you may have to. Set up a video camera where you have a good view of the back porch. And catch them on tape hurting the puppy. Then take it to the police station. Animal abuse is a crime.
Duckie

[Droopy]

3. I don't think there's anything you can do here.

It sucks. I wouldn't put myself in jepardy of being caught doing something like that. If you get caught, you might be looking at jail time.

[silverlib]

4. Here's the plan...

I have two dogs that love to play ball. I am going to go into the back yard and throw their ball over the fence. If they catch me in the yard, I'll simply say I didn't want to awaken them to get the ball out of the yard.

I can't believe I'm thinking like a thief! I didn't think I had it in me.

[pink_poodle]

Do it. I did it once and never regretted it. In fact, I had...........

a home lined up for the dog prior to the act. Good luck!!!!

[hippiechick]

40. same here ... do it as soon as possible.

That lil' guy has nobody sticking up for him and I bet he's miserably confused as to why his 'people' hate him so.

:hippie:

[liberalitch]

73. see, you're not taking this plan all the way through...

Before the ball throwing you have to arrange a permanent safe house.... in other words someone who you know who actually wants and will love this dog.... then steal him!
Some people don't deserve that kind of love.

[ajacobson]

5. IMHO

What no evidence? Whatever they are doing is loud enough to wake your daughter. Sounds like they need to see a person with a badge to tell them that behavior is out of line. Forget animal control, call the police and file a cruelty complaint and a noise complaint.

[pansypoo53219]

6. certainly report them.

if possible, prove what they do. heck, tip the local news idiots. they LOVE animal stories and they have a 'hero' saving a puppy.

[Fleshdancer]

7. Poor thing!

I don't understand people. Well if you do it, maybe there's a DUer in your area that can give it a good home. If you live in the Austin area, I'd be happy to.

Why do these idiots even bother having a dog???

[silverlib]

8. Yes, I live in Austin!

pm me.

[Fleshdancer]

13. woohoo!

pm sent

[DuctapeFatwa]

9. Yes. If you haven't ever done it before, get help from someone who has

Getting caught won't help the puppy. Find a home for it. If you take it to the pound they will kill it.

[silverlib]

10. They actually have a "no kill" pound in Austin...

I don't remember the name, but I'll find it and that's where I'll take the pup.

[DuctapeFatwa]

11. It sounds like a nice puppy, I bet you have a friend who would love it

You could also ask at the vet, where you should take it as soon as you find it, to make sure it is ok and doesn't have internal injuries, diseases etc, do you have a friend it could visit for a few days while you find it a home?

No-kill pound is better than kill but after what it has been through it needs to learn that not all humans are typical :)

[Lisaben2619]

12. If you take the dog to a shelter, it's owners will probably find it.

At least at the shelters in your area...the neighbors will probably call around. The other problem is that they may get another dog to replace this one. I'd vote for reporting them, but would never rule out "saving" the pup by finding another home. What kind of neighbors are they to you? Is there any chance you could talk to them about the abuse without making the situation worse? God, I'm so sorry that you're in this position.

[silverlib]

14. Update and "thank you GloriaSmith!"

I will get the dog at the first opportunity and pm GloriaSmith. We will arrange to meet and if it turns out as well as I expect, GloriaSmith will take home an adorable puppy!

These are not real friendly or considerate neighbors and not ones I would like to give a reason to hold a grudge. My husband has tried to talk to them about the noise levels of their parties and the response was not positive. I don't think I fear them, but I certainly don't trust them.

Thanks again, GloriaSmith. Another reason to love DU.

[Fleshdancer]

17. I've never been so excited about theft!!!

I hope you have no problems Silverlib. And when the pup is safe at last, I'll take a picture and post it on DU.

I declare this puppy to be the official DU Dog and he/she needs a DU name. Any ideas?

[VelmaD]

20. Henry

My guy best friend had a black lab years ago named Henry after Representative Henry B. Gonzalez. :-)

[silverlib]

23. What a great name!

Doggett wouldn't be too bad, either.

The neighbor's house is very quiet now. I think they have all gone to bed and my daughter went out about thirty minutes ago. The pup is asleep in the back yard.

I think we may give this thing a try in about thirty minutes.

[Fleshdancer]

24. ooooh only 10 more minutes to go!

Henry and Doggett are good. Yellow would be cute...but since he's brown, it might be too confusing. Are we positive this pup is a boy? If he happens to actually be a she, I was thinking Molly after Ms. Ivins.

hmmmm. Maybe I should collect all the suggestions and make a lounge poll.

I'm sending you some good swiper vibes Silverlib!

[wickerwoman]

25. What about Booty? Or Cptn. Jack Sparrow?

Great pet story and happy it will have a good ending. If they get another dog report their asses.

[Mass_Liberal]

28. call him

Wellstone.

[Fleshdancer]

29. I think we might have a winner. n/t

[Mass_Liberal]

31. yay!!

That's a good liberal, DU name for him. Also has a great ring to it. Gimme a picture when you get one.

[Fleshdancer]

32. yeah, and Wellstone won't spark arguments the way Dean would

and I'm a huge Dean fan so other DUers should congratulate me for being so civil! lol

Then again, if this dog bores me then I'm naming him Kerry. :evilgrin:

sorry. had to say it. I'll shut up now.

[boilerbabe]

38. As long as that puppy don't shit on the rug

We are alright!! I would always welcome a boring puppy anytime, if I needed any excitement, I would always just go find some lowlife boy to hang with. XXXOOO

[pagerbear]

41. Let's call him Wellstone

[marzipanni]

18. Neighbors and dogs...

A young couple lived in the house behind us and his dog had 3 litters of pups, 27! puppies total in two years. I was at home with my young son and we and the older neighborhood kids were filling the dogs' empty water bowl, rounding them up when they all escaped several times,and feeding them more (the mother dog was nursing the pups and her spine and ribs were showing). I talked to the owners about having her spayed at a low-cost spay clinic, ways to fix the gate so she and the pups couldn't get out, feeding her more when she was pregnant and lactating,etc., but they just didn't seem to get it.
Eventually, the young man moved out and left his dog. The young woman's mom was caring for her daughter's dog and bird, the mother dog and her third litter while her daughter was on a trip. She had had enough, and took the mom dog and pups to the pound.
Ironically, the SPCA took them from the pound and had the pups up for adoption at Petco the day we went to adopt our dog! The mother dog was there, too, and could be adopted after she was spayed.
Our SPCA dog had been stolen with another pup when a neighbor and his friend saw them being abused. The kindly "dog-nappers" kept the two dogs for nearly two years when, due to illness, they had to give them to the SPCA to find new homes.
We love our rescued dog and are grateful to the man who saved her from a bad life.
Thanks for helping the little chocolate lab, silverlib and GloriaSmith!

[silverlib]

22. That's a great story.

I am going to do this, but as mentioned earlier, they will probably get another pup and we'll just go on with another sad story, but hopefully I'll be a pro by then. This is their second puppy. The first one died and the neighbor (owner) says he thinks another neighbor poisoned it, but I have my doubts. I think the abuse may have gotten out of hand and that's another reason why I have to do this.

I have a couple of friends who work with the agency that rescues cats and puts them up for adoption at PetSmart. These organizations are really wonderful.

[Fleshdancer]

26. Great story Marzipanni

Growing up, my family almost always went to the Humane Society for our 4 legged family members. The sweetest one, Lady, would always quiver and flinch every time someone put their hand up to pet her. Poor thing thought she was going to get hit every time. :( I don't remember how old I was when we first got her (elementary age) but even that young I had a lot of anger towards the monster who made Lady so scared. Who can look at a dog and do that? Then again, people do that sort of shit to kids and spouses so I guess I shouldn't be too suprised.

Sick world sometimes.

[Westegg]

53. "No kill" places can have waiting lists. This can't wait.

[Lindacooks]

15. Do it.

I would.

[silverlib]

16. Thanks - I think I will...and

I love your web site! Been meaning to tell you that for a while.

[Lindacooks]

47. Well, thank you!!

I've been having a rough couple of weeks (months, actually), so it's so nice to hear that.

[Ellen Forradalom]

19. Bear in mind that they may get another one

You may still have to gather evidence and go to the police in hopes of stopping the cycle of abuse.

On edit---A lab, too. Not a difficult breed to live with. What if they had a really challenging dog? I shudder to think.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

21. Yes

Or call up the animal shelter! This is something you can't just sit back and let happen.

[MrsMatt]

27. We tried to do that once

One of our neighbors had a Siberian Husky pup that was sadly neglected - the first incident occured the first week they had him. He was just this tiny littl ball of fur, and it was below 0 and he was left outside by himself with NO shelter. We discovered it because we could hear his whimpering and crying over - so 9:00 at night, I go next door with my downstairs neighbor and pound on the door (the puppy's leash was frozen to the ground) for about 5 minutes before someone answers. The explanation from the mother was that she thought the kids had brought it it (but couldn't be bothered to check on them). I gave her the benefit of doubt, but I watched her. This poor animal was never walked (and Husky's are high energy dogs) and never played with. They finally got around to a doghouse. Poor Timber became so aggressive - they never had him neutered because they didn't want to "break his spirit". Then the morons get ANOTHER puppy - female. She was only about 4 months old when she fell from the 2nd floor balcony to the sidewalk below and broke her hip (the owners blamed Timber - he was jealous and "pushed her" off the balcony. Hmm guess he was also responsible for not putting up some chicken wire around the balcony railing so she couldn't fall through. Then, when she was about 7 months she went into heat and of course you all know how THAT turned out.

I had a friend who was planning to rescue them in the dead of night (easy, since they were never in the house) but she never followed through and we moved.

[silverlib]

30. Update #2

We went to the gate and discovered there are two dogs in the back yard. The other one started barking.

Oh, dear! I'll try to get the pup tomorrow if the other dog will let me in. These neighbors have company (an unfamiliar car in the driveway) and I'm hoping they brought the other dog with them.

[Fleshdancer]

34. damn!

That other dog better not be hurtin' my pup! grrrrr.

I hope the other dog belongs to the company too. Unfortunately I don't have the space yet for 2 dogs. Plus, the idea of these people getting MORE dogs is disgusting.

[Mass_Liberal]

33. Yes.

Also, call the authorities. Definetly have the police fine their abusing asses.

[Fleshdancer]

35. kicking for pure selfish reasons n/t

[RebelOne]

36. Yes, yes, do steal it. But don't take it to the pound.

If it can't be adopted, they will put it down. That is, unless you can find a no-kill shelter.

[boilerbabe]

37. Steal the Puppy

But only to keep it in your house...which would be difficult...If you have to take that puppy to someone else, then do it...don't say anything to anybody, that would be in your best interest anyway. Anyone that would be cruel to an animal should be not a consideration here anyway! ?They are lowlifes that deserve no thought aside from your own preservation!! Go ahead, save the puppy, screw the assholes that would hold you back!!
My heart is with you, and if I could be there, I would do the rest, also!!
Don't tell anyone what you did, it would only get you in trouble.
XXXOOO
Jo-lee

[rucky]

39. Don't worry too much about the pound.

If it's healthy, puppies always get adopted quick - especially labs.

It's the 10-year-old pitbulls that get put down.

[pagerbear]

42. I'm troubled by the thought

You could wind up in jail yourself, or at least having to explain yourself to the police, and since you'd be the one caught red-handed.... That wouldn't help the puppy, would it?

I'm with those who say to call the authorities. Make tape recordings of the abuse if you can't videotape it.

[silverlib]

43. Plan B

There are five cars in the driveway this morning and it doesn't look like everyone is going away. I will go into my back yard and dig a hole under the adjoining fence that is big enough for the little guy, but not big enough for the older dog (who I really think belongs to the owners of one of the extra cars). I think this will work, as well as keep me off their property and less likely to get caught.

Thanks to those who have expressed that concern. If this doesn't work, I'll have to wait till the company leaves with the other dog.

[Fleshdancer]

46. be careful Silverlib

if one person sees you digging, then you'll be the first person they suspect when the pup disapears. Your reasons are noble, but I don't want you to get in trouble.

The odds are they won't be abusing the poor thing when they have company over. Just peek over and make sure both dogs have food and water. The weather is mild so they should be okay for now.

on edit: if the company stays through the weekend, they'll most likely leave the house at some point. I recommend waiting until the coast is clear.

[silverlib]

48. I have dug the hole on my side...

I will wait until later to dig the part on their side and plug the hole with a brick until the coast is clear.

I peaked over, and Wellstone/Molly was cuddled up next to the bigger dog asleep. What a sweet pup. The other dog appears to be a shepard or shepard mix, about 6 months old.

My biggest flaw in this is that I'm anxious to get the pup out, so I'm stiffling any urge to get sloppy.

There was no yelling and kicking the dog this morning, so I think you are correct in that the company is a detourant to the abuse.

[ronnykmarshall]

49. This is so exciting!

Damn! It's better than Days of Our Lives!

You GO with your puppy saving self!


PLEASE be very careful. I they see that hole next to the fence they might come after you.

[Fleshdancer]

51. I'm in love with this puppy already

cuddling up to the other Dog is probably the nicest thing Wellstone/Molly has experienced since being there. :(

This is going to be one spoiled dog if/when I get him/her.

[afraid_of_the_dark]

44. Best of luck saving the puppy!

I really didn't have anything to say, but after reading all the posts I figured that this thread deserved to be kicked.

:kick:

[RebelOne]

45. Check out this list of no-kill shelters.

Maybe there is one in your area.

http://www.saveourstrays.com/no-kill.htm

[silverlib]

50. Thank you

That's exactly the information I needed. Although I feel confident that GloriaSmith and her family will want and love this puppy, this is the information I need for the next go 'round should they decide to get another animal or should I run across other sad situations.

[marzipanni]

52. A little time could be your ally

Reading the more recent posts this a.m. was interesting- I said to my husband last night that hopefully the people wouldn't abuse the puppy while their friends are visiting, and the older dog might go into protective mode if they did, and try to bite the offending leg!
What kind of fence is it? Would you be able to see what they are doing to the puppy if you waited for them in the morning (after the company has left)? I'm thinking if you actually witnessed what they do you could back yourself up if they accused you of taking the dog. If they cuss (puppies pee/poop on the floor, folks...duh!) while putting the puppy outside and it cries that's not abuse, but if you know they are hitting or kicking it then you are totally justified in removing it. I know how anxious you must be to help the puppy but I just want your plan to be as fail-safe as possible, and as someone else posted, your neighbors will see the hole and come to you to ask where the pup went.
Good luck!

[silverlib]

54. Thanks for your input

I'm not sure why he curses the pup. The pup is not allowed in the house. My daughter has witnessed him (the father of the house) kicking the pup and the child (about eight years old) shooting him with pebbles from a sling shot. How hard he kicks, we can't be sure. The puppy seems to move around okay. There is no visible damage.

Time will have to be on my side. There are only two cars at the house now. The father has left, but I can't be sure if anyone else is at home. The mother is a hair dresser and I don't know her schedule. The father is also unemployed and drinks quite a bit. I've heard him yelling, cursing and talking very ugly to the children, but have never seen him hit them.

Patience is not one of my strong points, but I'm really putting forth a patient effort and know I cannot try to get this pup until I know the house is empty. As previous posters have advised, I know I cannot help this pup if I get caught.

[DrWeird]

55. Absolutely.

"I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law."

Martin Luther King Jr.

Time might be on your side, but it's not on the puppy's side.

[silverlib]

56. Back to Plan A and thanks DrWeird

The quote by MLK is wonderful. I needed that!

I had dug out our side under the fence, but when I went out to dig their side, I found a blasted cable buried just beneath the ground, about three inches, which would put it right in the middle of the six inches I need.

Sometime this weekend the neighbors will have to all go away at the some time. You are right. Time is not on this puppy's side!

Please send good karma, prayers, wishes for this puppy.

[Habibi]

57. Silverlib, I'm dying from suspense!

Any developments?

[silverlib]

58. GREAT developments

I was going to give GloriaSmith an opportunity to post pictures.

I got the dog about 11:00 am this morning. I met GloriaSmith and her family at 1:30.

This dog is going to have an entirely different life than the one he has had so far.

And yes, it is a HE and I think his name is going to be Wellstone - the DU dog!

This has been the longest couple of days I've had in a LONG time. I am tired and rather lost now that it is over.

GloriaSmith and her family were on the way to Pet-Smart when we parted company.

Wellstone was a great traveler. He slept on a blanket in the floorboard of the truck. My fifteen year-old daughter went with him for comfort and love and to say her goodbyes. She will no longer have to wake up in the morning to the abusive sounds next door.

Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think this would have such a storybook ending.

[Betty]

60. You are my hero

I don't think I'd have the gutst to do what you did.

[Blue Gardener]

61. YIPPEE!

Just read through the whole post. Both you and GloriaSmith are wonderful and caring people. Wellstone is one lucky puppy!

[Habibi]

63. Oh my gosh, wow

That is so neat, SL. Probably illegal and all that, but so cool--you made a difference in the life of a young soul, you rescued a being from horror. Bless you, and bless your name.

I want pics, Miss Gloria!


:bounce:

[silverlib]

64. Thank you.

I think GloriaSmith is the real hero. I can't wait for the pictures to be posted and to find out how her family and Wellstone are doing. I'm tempted to call or pm, but I bet she has just been really busy this afternoon and evening.

[Habibi]

65. Did I miss the details?

How did you finally get the poor beast? Did your daughter cover you as you sneaked in? Was there a big diversion? Or did you simply reach over and pick him up??

[silverlib]

69. moved post

meant to put this on the end, although this question is answered.

[kdmorris]

68. Wow this whole thread brought tears to my eyes..

I'm so happy for that puppy! You guys did a great thing. I'm glad that puppy got the chance to have a real home and the love and attention he deserves.

:toast: :toast: for you two and a great big

:hug: for Wellstone.

[DrWeird]

75. My pleasure.

You deserve a medal.

Give Wellstone a scratch behind the ears for me.

[brainshrub]

59. Oops

Nevermind

[Norbert]

62. Don't act alone. Work with your neighbors.

I like the suggestion someone had with videotaping the abuse.

A lady that used to fill our vending machines had a similar experience. Her neighbors who she described as white trash had a dachshund that she suspected was being mistreated. Her suspicions were correct when she found out the dog ended up with both of its front legs broken. What are the odds of a dachshund, of all dogs, having one broken leg much less two. Knowing that the Achillies heal of this species is their backs she knew she couldn't waste any more time. She and her neighbors arranged a midnight heist of the animal. They made sure the dog received the medical treatment it needed and shared the expense. One of the neighbors had a family member that gave the dog the decent home it deserved.


I simply can't figure it out some times. If you buy a chocolate lab from a kennel you will likely spend several hundred dollars on these beautiful animals. It's baffling that after all the time and expense this dog ends up being treated like shit, but it happens every day. It makes me sick to here of this.

Best of luck to you and be careful.

[DS1]

66. So when do you steal the child?

Seems like the right thing to do to me :shrug:

[tkmorris]

67. You folks.......

ESPECIALLY you silverlib and GloriaSmith, have just refilled my "Faith in Humanity" tank. Good thing too, it was getting low. What an amazing story!

[silverlib]

70. UPDATE - I called Gloria Smith today

and talked to her husband. She is sick with strep throat so hasn't been able to post.

Her husband was just leaving with Wellstone and their daughter to go to the park.

Everyone, besides GloriaSmith, is doing great. Wellstone is a happy pup.

How did I finally get the pup on Saturday morning after everything else was failing miserably? My husband told me that every time he worked in the garage last weekend, (three times specifically) the pup had somehow gone under the front gate to come and see him. He had put him back in the gate three times and had told the owner. Well, I just KNEW that they had fixed the front gate. There was stuff leaning up against it, but in one desperate move, I went out and opened the electric garage door and made a LOT of noise. Fifteen minutes went by and NOTHING happened. I came back in the house and just prayed these people would leave the house. I went back outside about fifteen minutes after coming in and there he was, wagging his tail and licking my leg! I just simply opened the front door and he followed me in. I called GS and my daughter wrapped him in a big blanket so no one would see us getting in our vehicle and off we went!

So, did I really STEAL the dog or did he steal me?

And here's hoping GS gets well real soon and gives us all an update!

[sonias]

71. What a great story - the great puppy escape

silverlib and GloriaSmith you are true liberators! And of course Wellstone did his part too. A toast to the new happy life of brand new DU family member! Woo Hoo!

:toast:

Sonia

[ronnykmarshall]

72. Great news!

:yourock:

[radwriter0555]

74. You didn't steal him. He wanted to leave there and knew you were waiting

for him.

I had the same thing happen to a neighbor's dog in the same situation. He just showed up at my front door one day, and he hopped in the truck, and went for a ride to the shelter.

Being a small, good looking and friendly dog, I knew he'd stand a good chance of adoption.

Unfortunately, they got another dog. I call the shelter on occasion and have them check up on the pooch. If you tell the shelter the animal in in danger, they will come right out and will counsel the people as well, and keep them on a list. For example, the last time I called, I said that the dog's leash was wrapped around a shovel and he couldn't move. Now... there was a shovel within the leash parameter, but he wasn't tangled in it. But it got A/C's attention fast and the family was counseled.

[silverlib]

76. Update...GloriaSmith pm'd me yesterday evening..

Here's a portion of the pm

"I just wanted to let you know that Wellstone is a wonderful dog! When we got him home, all he wanted to do was sleep and he was very thirsty. So far he's only gone potty in the house once, I've only heard him bark one time when we were playing, and he constantly wants to be around people. The only room I don't allow him to go into yet is the master bedroom because it isn't puppy proofed yet and when I go in there and shut the door, he cries. :("

I'm sure she is still feeling the effects of strep throat. Hopefully, she'll be well soon. Send her good karma!

Here's to Wellstone, the DU dog and his new family! ...the dog that stole a new home!

[Blue-Jay]

77. Mission Accomplished!

Good for both of you!

On an aside note: I curse at my cat all the time, the little bastard. Especially this morning when he clawed my ass because he felt like playing at 4:00 AM. What a shithead. I hope nobody tries to take him away from me. ;)

[silverlib]

78. Where do you live?

Just kidding!!!

I fuss at my pets, too, but I have never kicked them and shot them with sling shots! Wellstone was not fed well, either. We didn't start paying attention until after the first week when my fifteen year-old told us about the morning routine. Their first puppy died about three weeks after they got him. The neighbor told my husband that he thought he was poisoned. We didn't think much of it at first, but now seriously doubt this was the case.

Feel secure, your cat is safe from me. I fuss at my two also when they wake me up at 4:00 am. It's like they take turns.

...and I have never let an animal steal me before (and I'm old).

[Capn Sunshine]

79. Sometimes dogs are lost and need help

to find their TRUE people.
If that ever happens to anyone with a choc lab in So Cal, I'm available :)

[silverlib]

80. I finding out I'm no expert on dog breeds...

GS's husband didn't think he looked much like a chocolate lab pup, but wasn't sure either. Maybe after a visit to the vet, we'll have more of an idea. Right now I'll just tell you that he's an adorable dark brown puppy. He's not going to be a small dog and he is going to live in a wonderful place.

[Bertha Venation]

81. YAHOO!

I've been avoiding this thread because I knew there was some harm being done to the animal, but I opened it today to look for the update.

YAY! Well done! :bounce: for you and GS! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Habibi]

82. Wonderful. Simply wonderful!

I needed this kind of story.

[Fleshdancer]

83. Here's my update!

I'm high on Codeine right now because I suddenly came down with the WORST case of strep throat in my life. My entire throat is infected, not just my tonsils. YUCK!

But the good news is that I have a wonderful puppy who cuddles me!

First and foremost, I want to thank Silverlib for what she did. Wellstone was not very well taken care of. When we first got him, he was very tired and VERY thirsty. I've never seen a puppy this lethargic before. He was hesitant around Paul at first (Paul is my husband), but once he spoiled Wellstone with doggie treats, snuggles, and belly scratching for two days straight, Wellstone came around.

Wellstone is scared of other dogs. I mean, really scared. Just hearing another dog barking makes him run away and cry. I wish I knew what that was about. Paul stayed home to take care of me on Mon and Tues and my daughter's school is within walking distance so Monday, Paul walked Abby (daughter) and Wellstone to school. All was well until they passed another man on the sidewalk and Wellstone got scared...shaking, crying, wouldn't walk. Paul picked him up and carried him the rest of the way.

I also notice that he's reluctant to eat the last of the food in his dog dish. It's like he's saving the rest for later. Every time I refill it, I make sure he's watching me...I want him to know I'll always make sure he has enough to eat in my house. I haven't taken him to the vet yet, but when I first saw this cutie, I was concerned about being able to see his ribs. I've never had a lab before, so perhaps I'm just worrying for nothing, but I'm afraid he could be malnourished. What do you think Silverlib?

He's very gentle, smart, and he loves being around people. I still haven't puppy proofed the master bedroom yet and so he still gets upset when I won't let him in. I got him a big dog pillow at Petco and he LOVES it. When he doesn't fall asleep in my lap, he's on his pillow. I love this dog.

I'm still sick but I'm slowly getting better. Hopefully I'll be well enough to take some pictures later this week so I can post them here. He's a heartbreaker, that's for sure! I wanted to take him to the vet this week, but that might have to wait until next Monday. That's all I can think of for now...ask me anything!

[silverlib]

84. Number 1 - I'm glad you are feeling better.

and hope you are completly well very soon!

I don't much know about the feeding part, but wouldn't be surprised at anything. I can't imagine someone mistreating a pup and then feeding him well. Wellstone didn't act scared of me or my daughter the two times we actually saw him out of the fence. He also got out of the fence to see my husband a few times before we knew about the abuse and didn't act afraid. He may have smelled our dogs on us. When I peaked through the fence while trying to plan his escape, he would be cuddling with the visiting dog next door. I could certainly understand that he would take loud and sudden noises as a sign that he was going to get hurt.

I'm not suprised about being undernourished. I am somewhat worried about his fear and hope that goes away real soon. I wonder if the guy on the sidewalk profiled his previous owner? He's been through a lot for such a little pup. I would have expected that he would be rather needy - like not wanting to be left alone. Maybe the vet will be able to give you some insight. As much as Paul is getting him out, I would think this would pass soon.

I was so glad he was with you guys when it starting raining here. They have no covered area in the yard and they never let him in the house. He may just be in total shock and it may take him a while to figure out the "other shoe isn't going to drop."

Just a thought - you might want to start a new thread. If I hadn't looked at "my posts," I would have missed your update. I didn't want to start a new one cause I think you are the hero in this story.

[sonias]

86. Good health to you Gloria

Hope you and Wellstone both feel better. You have the most serious thing to get over, but Wellstone has got to be feeling a bit strange too. With love and good care you both will be happy and healthy again. I can't wait to see pics of that sweet puppy. Labs are so cool.

Take care and get some rest.

Sonia

[allalone]

85. Gloria's update

I can't wait to see pix. gloria, hope you are feeling better. Strep really hurts.
Silverlib you're my hero. Maybe the dog wasn't afraid of you because he has heard your voices many times.