Update on the Foundling Dog

[Lyric]

So far, no calls from the animal shelter, so either his owners haven't thought to call there yet, or he was deliberately dumped. I'm hoping it's the former.

The dog is doing well here, and we have established a temporary routine that involves juggling time in the crate, loose in the house, and out on the run for potty breaks. We left the dog here today loose, and came home to find everything perfectly fine--he didn't chew, dig, destroy, make a mess, relieve himself in the house, or anything of the sort. He was VERY happy to see us when we got home, though!

Next step: we are printing out 50 of these flyers, and Rhythm is going to go hang them up all over the neighborhood, and then downtown in frequently-visited areas like grocery stores, the bus depot (which is also a bathroom stop on the rail trail,) on campus, and at all of the closest convenience stores and gas stations near where we live.



We intend to ask anyone who calls and claims that he's theirs to describe the collar he has on, what his name is, how they lost him, etc. When they come to pick him up, it'll be obvious whether or not they're "family" to him: he's very loving and affectionate, so that speaks of a healthy, happy relationship with His People. That being the case, there's no doubt that we'll see a BIG reaction when His People arrive. Do you think there's anything else we should ask about, for the sake of making sure we're not handing him over to strangers who want him for a research lab or something? I know there are people who take cats for that, but I'm not sure about dogs.

Otherwise, all is well for now. He slept perfectly fine on his own last night; we made him up a bed in the dining room, along with food and water, and he didn't whine or bark all night.

I really do hope we find his people, but if we don't...we'll probably end up keeping him, unless we find another home for him with someone we trust. He's perfectly house-trained, as is evidenced by the fact that he was alone and un-crated in the house all day today without a problem. We can't just take him to the shelter; we talked about it, and it just doesn't seem like the right thing to do. He's been traumatized enough, and he's a damned good dog. I've already started some basic training, because he's totally un-trained in the way of commands.

Good vibes for us, please.

:hug:

[flvegan]

1. Good for you guys, taking such good steps for him.

That dog there is a keeper. If his people don't come forward, they're idiots.

Wishing you luck finding his family.

[Lyric]

3. This is the way we're approaching it:

If Toby got lost, what would *we* want someone to do? I know that I'd be overjoyed to know that someone out there was good enough to take him in and keep him safe and happy until they found us.

:hug:

By the way--if we end up having to keep him, Rhythm is already making noise about calling him Elvis, as he's nothin' but a "hound dog."

:rofl:

[skygazer]

2. Great minds think alike

It sounds like you're doing all the right things. I hope someone comes forward to claim him - he seems like such a good dog. It always breaks my heart to think of animals left wondering where their people went. :(

[InvisibleTouch]

4. You're right to be careful not to inadvertantly give him to a stranger.

I don't know how prevelant it is anymore for people to sell pets to research labs, but when it is done, they're very much looking for friendly, well-mannerred, well-trained animals. They're less trouble to work with. So definitely stick with your screening questions and watch how the meeting goes, to be sure he goes back to his real family.

[Lyric]

6. Yep, we will definitely be careful.

If he doesn't seem overjoyed when seeing any potential claimants, I might have to ask for Vet records or previous photos or something more than just their word for it. I don't want to keep him from his family, but I also don't want to hand him over to a bad person who might hurt him, you know?

[DeepBlueC]

9. it happens

In the city it's a gig for some people.

[LiberalEsto]

14. They're called bunchers

and they prowl the pet ads on Craigslist looking for free animals. Warnings about their tactics are constantly being posted on Craigslist. They advise people to ask a rehoming fee for any animal, in order to discourage these predators.

[crispini]

5. Awwwwww

Glad the puppy is having a happy ending.

:hug: :loveya:

[hedgehog]

7. So far we're 2 for 4 - 2 dogs we went out and found and 2 dogs found us.

They all are/were keepers. It's dog kharma when they find you.

[MadMaddie]

8. Many thanks for taking care of the big guy!

I am glad your family found him! He is safe and seems happy!

[DeepBlueC]

10. Elvis knew what he was doing when he followed your son...

Obviously he caught the scent of the milk of human kindness and followed it right to your door until you asked him in a served some up in a bowl.

That boy is in good hands! One way or another he will find his people ... it might be you. Sounds like that will be just fine with him.

:hug:

[wartrace]

11. He looks like a mountian cur or at least a mix.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/mountaincur.htm

They are good dogs, I've always thought highly of them. Old Yeller was a cur.

[Dystopian]

12. He's beautiful....

:loveya:
I would ask the owners the name of the vet for verification. I'd be afraid to just hand him over also.
I wish a dog like that would walk into my life...I've been looking for a while.
This dog found love...Hoping all works out...
Sending love and vibes to all...:hug:


peace~

[Lyric]

13. Further updates: we just called to place the newspaper ad

They're running it for 2 days for free--how nice of them.

We also put up the Craigslist ad, and we are waiting for the mobile home park maintenance guy to plow the roads, so that we can get out to go put up flyers. We're getting dumped-on with snow, argh.

If we hear anything, we'll let you guys know.

:grouphug:

[Gidney N Cloyd]

15. You might ask claimes to bring an old picture of them and the dog.

What are the odds they don't have at least one picture?

[Rhythm]

16. That's a good idea... i'll have to pass that one on to her...

Thank you! This is why we love our Loungers so danged much...

[LuckyTheDog]

17. I brought home a stray dog once

She's been living in our home for about 9 years now. :)

[surrealAmerican]

18. This is out of the blue, ...

... and I may be totally wrong, but a dog that well behaved almost certainly knows some commands. If he doesn't recognize your commands, it may be his owners speak a different language. Try "sit" in any languages other local residents are likely to speak.

[driver8]

19. Wow -- he is a good looking boy.

Good luck! Thank you so much for helping this beautiful boy!!

[MissMillie]

20. He's mine

well, not really, but can you blame a girl for trying? (I'd show up w/ bacon in my pocket!)

what a sweet looking doggie!

[JenaLaw]

21. lucky pup

to have followed the right kid home!

My 9lb 'midsize' doggie is a complete escape artist...luckily I always find her within a few minutes of her escape but it still terrifies me to think of what 'could' happen. And hope that the people she meets are always as kind as you are

How is Toby taking to his new foster sibling?