Would I be wrong?

Question

On Christmas day I went over to check on a mentally retarded gentleman, I do everyday. As I was leaving I was approached by a pure bred Weimaraner. He is about six months old and very close to a major Highway, I stopped and he jumped right in my truck. I drove around asking everyone if they knew whos dog it was. I had plans with my family so I took the dog home. After my company left, I got back in my truck and again looked for the owners. These people live about 7 miles from me. Finally I located a person who said where they thought the dog lived. When my daughter knocked on the door a man with a phone to his ear answered saying he was calling (not out looking) everyone to find the dog. He claimed his grandchild had let it out by mistake. I returned the dog without so much as a thank you. In all of my years I never felt bad about returning a dog but, this made me feel wary. Well, today as in two prior days the same dog was running around lose. Should I keep him and find a better home?

Sorry but, I already have seven dogs. I really can't afford another at this time.

I guess I worded it wrong. Not should I keep him, should I pick him up and find him a bette home?

Since I asked your opinions I am unable to pick THE BEST ANSWER. I will put it up to vote. I still dont know what I will do until the next time I see the dog running loose. I did report it but, I dont have any more information than that......I'll keep you posted. THANKS EVERYONE!!!!!!

Answer 1

I don't think that's exactly your right, to just take someone's dog away from them. You wouldn't do that to a child who was being neglected. The best thing to do would be to contact the local animal authorities and let them know the situation. Express your concern for the dog's safety and care and they'll handle it (legally) from there.

Answer 2

that is something ... while I'd feel bad if there are kids who would miss the dog ... the fact that an "escapee" prone dog is not tagged would be my concern. I mean he was calling, I can sort of get that - maybe he was the only one home and couldn't leave maybe someone else was out searching ... whatever. But why they don't have a collar with a phone number to guarantee his return makes me wonder about the dogs safety and well being.

Part of me wants to say keep it, but part of me can't give that kind of advise ... I'd contact the local shelter and ask what they'd advise on a situation where an untagged dog has been found repeatedly ... should the people be reported, is there an issue with the dogs safety and the owners responsibility and any repercussions, etc ...

They're beautiful dogs, not to mention costly (not like getting a pound puppy) so you'd think they'd be more careful. They do have under the skin chips that can track the dog so you'd need to know if that's the case before keeping the pooch for yourself, even if you're miles from them you never know what could happen.

Answer 3

If he doesn't have any tags on, yes I'd keep him for yourself. The only way someone can prove it's their dog is if it actually has the tags on or is microchipped. Perhaps his tags could accidentally fall off while in your custody (if he actually has them on) You seem like a MUCH better owner that whoever is currently caring for him and seem to genuinely care for the animals well being. The animal has been lucky so far by not getting hit by a car but he might not be so lucky if he stays with his current owner in the future. I say do what is best in your heart for the animal. He has no voice in the matter and it's people like you that can make a difference between life and death for this innocent pup!

*Seven dogs is a lot! I'm sure it won't be difficult to find a young weimaraner a new home, however. Best of luck!

Answer 4

Does the owner know where you live? If not I would keep the dog. The people that live across from me always let their dogs run lose. About a month ago my daughter was walking to the bus stop and saw the dog get hit. That totally traumatized her. I was so mad at them. They were crying and so upset. I didn't feel bad for them one bit. Now, they have two more puppies. They let the new pups run around in the street just like all the other dogs they have had. I want to find homes for these pups, but I don't know how to get them without anyone noticing.

Answer 5

Ghandi once said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." I am not an activist, nor a tree-hugger, but there is something to this. There are a lot of animals who are not loved, and even more dangerous, not cared for properly. But which is worse in terms of that animal's life? I personally think that if a domesticated animal is not loved, maybe it would be better that the animal wasn't around. I have traveled to a lot of places, and in a surprising amount of cultures, dogs are considered vermin, left to literally run the highways, die in city plazas, and are kicked and tortured for pleasure. It might seem rediculous that we spoil our dogs here, but a dog is such a soulful animal that I don't see what the harm is in doing so. There are also many owners with good intentions who are just not cut out for owning an animal because they give them no emotional reinforcement, or physical protection like fences or shots. This man, from your description, sounds like he viewed the dog as an item, a gift to please a grandchild, and it seems as though perhaps he hasn't taken into account the fact that this dog may be around for 12 years. You saw this dog for a reason, and it's pulling at your heart strings for a reason. It would absolutely not be wrong for you to keep it if you knew you could give it a good home. If the dog is out running around, chances are nobody--not even the grandchild--is missing it or too concerned. I have been everywhere from the southernmost point of Chile to New York City, and everywhere in between, I have seen mistreatment of animals. And I'm just your everyday person, hell, I'm not even a vegetarian, but when something haunts you like that, it is for a reason. If you do choose to find the dog a loving home, do not let it bother you.

Answer 6

This is a tough one! I usually say to follow your intuition. The dog could be neglected, or the man's grandchildren could accidently be letting the dog out. Are there fliers up looking for the dog? Have they placed an ad in the paper? Have you called to report a found dog at the animal shelter and city dog pound? I think I'd keep the dog, report it found at the shelter and pound and wait to see if you get a call from the owner. Those are usually the first places people call to report their dog missing and find out if the animal is there. You're obviously concerned about the dog's welfare and would take good care of it. At least he won't be wondering around outside and possibly get hit by a car. Good Luck!

Answer 7

I know that legally it would be wrong to keep or give away the dog but I do not think he will look for the dog and if you can place the dog relatively far from you or him more importantly, do it. It would be a good idea to make sure the dog is not chipped.
If it were me I would not return the dog right or wrong in who evers eyes. I would feel worse if I returned the dog and in a couple of weeks I ended up finding this dog dead.
You should do what you feel is right because you are going to have to be the one to live with the consequences of your actions.

Answer 8

If anything you should report the owner's sorry butt to the proper authorities because it is very clear to me that this loser doesn't really care about the dog or he would get off his lazy a** and LOOK of the dog if he actually L-O-V-E-D this dog. If nothing else take him to the local animal shelter and tell them that the dog's owner is too d*mn lazy to get out and actively look for his dog and that he is constantly running loose. You are being a responsible person for trying to help this dog and now this is the biggest favor you can do for him. Good luck.

Answer 9

Weimaraner often wander and roam. I've known many people who keep them and it seems to be the one main complaint.

Even very good owners can sometimes find themselves with a missing Weimaraner.

If you have no proof other than seeing the dog roaming, it would be ethically wrong to think you know whats best.

Take the dog back. Talk to his owner and explain that you're worried. But just be nice. As a dog owner I'm sure you understand.

Answer 10

Thats a sensitive question. It's private property - I hate to refer to a dog or a cat that way but in the court room that's how they would see it. You'd be stealing because you know who the dog belongs to and you have no rights to it.

The dog seems friendly though it has some behavior problems. If you find physical damage to the dog you can call the ASPCA and have the dog removed.

Once that happens you have rights to adopt the dog, foster the dog, etc.

IF the dog continues to get lose you should again notify the ASPCA and the police department. Let them know of the situation and the dog is now in your care and get thier advice on what should be done next.

Answer 11

I sympathize with you as we have dealt with a similar situation over the past year.

But you can't just grab the dog, no matter how irresponsible these people seem to be. In fact they may ordinarily be responsible people who have a visiting grandchild who is letting the dog out when they aren't looking.

Find out about your local leash law and have the local spca/dog officer/whomever on speed dial on your phone. When you see the dog loose, call them. You can even give him a pile of treats and call them to come and get him.

If the current owners have to bail him out a few times they will try harder to keep him in. If it just an issue of the grandchild, she may start seeing the error of her ways.

If the dog officer/whomever does pick up the dog, ask to be kept apprised of the dog's status. If no one claims the dog (or it looks like they aren't going to) get a weim rescue group on the phone. (www.petfinder.com to find one).

I am sure a weim group could re-home him with a great family. I think rescue groups get tons of requests for puppies they can't fill and he would be fostered for only a short time before he was re-homed.

Please keep in mind that although you have seen the dog loose three times now that these could be nice folks in some kind of extraordinary situation. I was ready to throttle a neighbor about her loose dog when I brought it back and saw her driving away. Turns out her pre-schooler had run away and let the dog out when he took off. Mom chose to look for the kid first.

Peace