Did I do the right thing?

Question

I rescued an abandoned dog from the motorway, some months ago, in order to find him a nice home. I treated and trained him. I live in a flat, and I have a cat, and the two couldn't get along, although I tried. The dog could not be on the balcony all the time, because he was bored and he barked, and inside I kept them in separate rooms, in order not to fight. So basically the dog was spending most of the time in one room, and he went for 3 walks of 15 minutes each per day. Of course, he had lots of love, the best care etc. But I kept looking for a suitable family for him. I finally gave him to some people who looked excellent, they loved him, they have a garden, they said they would make a nice home for him outside, but he would also stay with them inside, and that they would lock the gate, because the dog has the tendency to run away. They even asked me where I gave him for washing, to take him there too, because he smelled great. Turns out the dog is always outside in the garden,

without a dog house, they never take him to the dog salon, they don't lock the gate, basically they don't do anything of what they promised. However, the dog is happy, he runs in the garden, he plays, I think he is having a better time there than he had in my flat, by his standards, even though by my standards they are worse. And the people are nice to him, and they love him, although they don't let him in the house. I took his old house there for him and he doesn't even use it. So, what do you think, should I leave him there or take him back?

I visit him often and I tell them a few things politely, but they are reassuring and they insist the dog is fine the way they treat him. But I think they are just not very responsible (e.g. they say he is not eating too much, but he has gotten quite fat ever since they got him) . As for posters, I put up ads, posters, etc., and I rejected many other potential owners who were worse.

OK, about calling "animal control" or contacting "rescue societies" with more experience, I know you guys mean well, but i live in Greece. These things don't exist or don't work. There are some groups I called and they said they couldn't help me, because they had too many dogs already. Or they just return the dogs where they found them (strays), after they neuter them. The dog is not abused, definitely, but would he be better with me? That's my problem. I think so, but perhaps he has a better time by dog standards. That's what I am asking, should I take him back? Calling the authorities is not an option and is not nevccessary, I can just take him back.

Answer 1

Will they talk to you at least? If so, ASK them these same questions...why they arent doing any of the things they said they would. Maybe they're having a tough time with him (behavior wise) and could use some advice...

If the dog looks happy playing outside, than let him be. You said yourself they love him. And just because they dont treat him the same way you do, doesnt make them bad owners.

Thats like myself saying because a mom doesnt treat her baby/child the same way I do, it's being a bad mom, know what I mean??

Im into fostering for puppies, and no matter how thoroughly you question people or how good you feel about it, you always have doubts, and thats just a part of adopting dogs/pups out...but you have to think positive also.

Answer 2

I think you did OK under the circumstances. If he did not have any shelter at all or if they are not giving him food and water, you might have grounds to turn them in for abuse, but that does not seem to be happening. It's not ideal by any means but probably not abuse (at least not yet) based on what you've said. It's a risk when you adopt dogs that new owners won't follow through on what they say they will do.

If you find yourself in a similar situation in the future, you should consider relinquishing the dog to your local humane society or rescue group for adoption. There, they have more experiencing screening owners and often require adoption contracts with owners and do follow-up home visits where they can take the dog back if they feel the owner is not living up to the contract. It also spares you developing a strong emotional bond to the dog and disrupting your life and the life of the other pet in your household.

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with keeping a dog as an outdoor dog IF the family is actually spending quality time with the dog. Sounds like they are taking care of him. It's the people who get a dog, toss it in the back yard and then ignore it that are the problem. If they are giving him proper attention, and he seems happy with his new family, then he's probably fine.

Answer 4

Did you try putting up lost dog posters when you found him? It's hard giving up anything we love. I just wonder how your screening process was when you gave the dog away. Unfortunately, he was too cramped in your flat. He may not look happy to you, but he might be. Ask the owners if you can still see him and take him for walks for them when they dont have time. Bring him treats. If you ever notice anything unusual about his behavior or marks on his body, then you can be alarmed. I really dont think you have anything to worry about. It's just sad you had to give him up.

Answer 5

you did the right thing! this family sounds to me as though they will love the dog and apprecate him more than you could have b cos of the cat. the dog will also settle in well outside as its not a big culture shock for him as he probably had an out door life before you had him don't feel bad about wot u have done as you have possibly saved the dog from being injured on the motor way
and given him a home he will be respected and loved in as the perfect family pet like on those films a perfect pooch!

Answer 6

Look--you did what you did because you cared about another living creature. You screened the people you gave the dog to. It's not your fault they lied.

If the dog is being abused or neglected call the authorities. If the dog is okay then make your peace with yourself that you did the best you could with the knowledge you had at the time.

Answer 7

Forgive my ignorance of your climate but isn't it warm over there? As in it rarely drops below--say-- 40 degrees? If that is in fact the case I wouldn't worry about him as long as he appears happy and healthy. Were this to happen in my area of the world (it gets to 0-15 degrees here in winter) then I would take serious fault with these people and take him back. I think that you did a wonderful thing taking him in and rehabilitating him. Thank you and I hope you are able to find peace about this. If your not, then do what you must and take him back.

Answer 8

Well, you did what lots of people do....you trusted. I think as long as the dog is not starving, has shelter, and is in general good health, its better than on the motorway. However, I can sympithize with you. Nobody will treat the dog as good as you.....that's my thought everytime I sell a pup..."They won't treat it as good as I do". You can say you tried, and hope that the dog doesn't get loose and run off again.

Answer 9

He seems content and happy for now, but if the family continues not taking care of him and not taking him to the vet, the conditions could worsen. Talk to them for now, tell them any issues the dog may have, and if they still continue not taking care of him, call animal control.

Answer 10

you can train your cat and dog to get along but you tryed to do the right thing dont feel sad you know that if the people really wanted the dog they wouldent keep him in the back yard bring him back and raise the prece of the dog no one would waste money on a dog they dont love or wouldent want.

good luck