I have a dog running around the neighborhood. She or He looks totally sad and wanting to go home, but can't find their way. NO TAGS! Just a flea collar. It's breaking my heart that I can't help this dog.

I opened my garage and the dog was there, looking at me... as if.. am I home? I thought at first that she was a neighbor dog, but then I noticed her ribs were showing. I put out a bowl of water and went to call animal control (because I thought maybe someone was looking for her/him) but of course they were closed.

My vent is... first of all flea collars don't do anything except keep fleas off their neck and why can't people put tags with phone numbers on them? My dogs have never been out of the yard on their own, BUT I would never assume that it wouldn't happen.

I can't help every dog that wanders to my door even though I want to and I would risk getting bit to see the damn tag for the phone number. I have many times.

I'm done now:(

Feed him too, or would that be like feeding a stray cat? Animal Control will be open in the morning, so keep him nearby until then?

JD, Glad this dog found you. I hope you can find a fitting name.

I agree with you about the flea collars, and the need for ID tags.

Speaking of dogs, we just came in from taking the boys to see "Marmaduke" It was really good.

I want another Great Dane now.

I was going to feed him, but I wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do. He/she didn't even drink the water.:(

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Originally Posted by Just Dahlia

I was going to feed him, but I wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do. he/she didn't even drink the water.:(

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I think you should at least try. Who knows when the last time this dog ate was.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Feed him too, or would that be like feeding a stray cat? Animal Control will be open in the morning, so keep him nearby until then?

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I always thought cats can fend for themselves. I have had many and I have never seen a skinny cat around here:confused:

Unless they were old like my Sammy, she was a wonderful kitty, but just lived a little too long.:(

If it has fleas, it has worms, and that could be the reason the ribs are showing. Either way, the dog is being neglected. Does he seem friendly? In my area it is mandatory for them to wear rabies tags, so proceed with caution if you are going to approach.

It breaks my heart seeing these poor little animals wandering around, scared lost and not knowing where to go. But one thing comes to mind is if he is lost, he could have been wearing one of those snap collars and it could have un snapped if he pulled hard enough, even worse are those cheap dollar store buckle collars that never stay buckled. So he could have been wearing tags. (thinking chased an animal and couldn't find his way back)

He might be micro chipped, so hopefully he will be around tomorrow tomorrow when animal control is open.

Poor little dog. He may come and drink and eat when you are not around. Does he seem timid or nervous?
You already have two right? What's another one? :D :p :D

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Originally Posted by Just Dahlia

I always thought cats can fend for themselves. I have had many and I have never seen a skinny cat around here

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If their mom didn't teach them how to hunt (say, the cat is from a litter that grew up in a house and got food out of cans), they wouldn't know how to catch mice or birds. Our housecats would starve if they got out. Oh, they might be able to swat at and even kill critters that move and scamper, but "ewwww don't make me eat it." Especially in the winter, we watch for roaming cats outside and try to trap them and get them neutered (and find homes for them through the local cat shelter, of which I am a volunteer).

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Originally Posted by Aurora_Bell

If it has fleas, it has worms, and that could be the reason the ribs are showing. Either way, the dog is being neglected. Does he seem friendly? In my area it is mandatory for them to wear rabies tags, so proceed with caution if you are going to approach.

It breaks my heart seeing these poor little animals wandering around, scared lost and not knowing where to go. But one thing comes to mind is if he is lost, he could have been wearing one of those snap collars and it could have un snapped if he pulled hard enough, even worse are those cheap dollar store buckle collars that never stay buckled. so he could have been wearing tags. (thinking chased an animal and couldn't find his way back)

He might be micro chipped, so hopefully he will be around tomorrow tomorrow when animal control is open.

poor little dog. He may come and drink and eat when you are not around. Does he seem timid or nervous?
You already have two right? What's another one?? :D :p :D

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He's not little, maybe about 50 pounds. Boxer, pit, lab :confused:
I have little dogs that would love him, but maybe the love wouldn't be returned.

I haven't seen him in a while and I'm hoping that he does not belong to a neighbor, because then there could be trouble. I can't tolerate that cr@p.

Is there fines in your town for people who have dogs running at large? Maybe if it is a neighbor's dog, and he runs again, you can report them.

We suddenly have a bunch of new neighbors over the last 6 months. (people losing there homes and other people buying them) it's so gut wrenching for those who have lost and then great for those who have bought, but yet it messes us up with the house value:rolleyes: When we walk our dogs we know who has dogs, by the barking in the back yard. I have never seen their dogs:( just hear them)

I am the neighbor who grabs the dogs, call the owners, calls the police (if I feel one is being abused) walks lost dogs (with tags) back home to their Mama:( I have all the numbers in my phone book, and I purposely make sure all my neighbors (who pay attention) notice my dogs when I'm, walking them. If they get loose (G-d forbid) someone might recognize them. I never let them cross the street unless I say it's OK... just in case they get lost. I want them to stay on the sidewalk.

I'm rambling... sorry. Still upset and useless

It's okay that you are upset. It shows that you are compassionate for these animals. It's REALLY nice to hear that here are people out there who still give a dang about the animals well being. I report animal cruelty all the time. I wish I didn't have to, but it breaks my heart seeing animals being abused and miss treated.

When I had my first dog, he had really bad aggression issues, I fought tooth and nail with our animal control officer. We hated each other, now we talk almost daily. She has become a respected friend of mine, and I will not hesitate to call her to check on an animal.

We have people who come to the shelter and drop off their cats and dogs, sometimes we are at maximum capacity, even the workers have volunteered to take some home, but some times we have to send them to another shelter which is about an hours drive. They expect us to compensate them for their gas! They have fits, throw temper tantrums, say they will take matters into their own hands.
I call my friend at A.C and tell her all the info I have, and she will not hesitate to do a "drive by" a few times a day.

I always say, if you won't, who will. Cheesy, you I know, but it's kind of something I live by.