Any advice?????
 

This is the situation. There's this dog that lives close to my house. He's outside ALL of the time. He does have a dog house, food and water, but every time I go by that house, it brings tears to my eyes to see this dog's head hanging out of his dog house, alone and bored. Of course I go by that house at least 3 times a day, so I always look. Then I saw that the dog's owners were having a yard sale, so there was my chance to go see that dog (he must be part German Sheppard and I don't know what else). When I started talking to the owner, she said that her 3 year old "Marshall" has been outside ever since he was a pup cuz he chewed on the Lazy Boy recliner thing (hello?? What do puppies do?). I asked her if she brings him inside when it's raining really hard or when it's like minus 30 degrees Celcius outside and she said, no. This woman weighs like 400 pounds, so I knew she never brought him out for walks. I asked her if the dog likes to go for walks (I thought maybe I could bring him for walks) and she said, I don't know, my husband brought him once. Ahhhhhh, I was so upset. I told her that my dog Mia had some treats at home that she did not like and I could bring those to her (I wanted to come see the dog again). Of course, this dog is not trained at all. He does not know his sits or downs. When I got home, I was so upset that I told my husband I was going to ask her if she wanted to sell me the dog so I could bring him to the SPCA. At least there he would have a chance to find a good loving home (they do not put the dogs to sleep unless they are sick of agressive beyond repair). I e-mailed the SPCA, but they said it's not considered neglect cuz the dog does have shelter, food and water. I think this is my only chance of getting him out of there. I don't care what I have to pay for him. Any advice???

You are a great person for caring. Most people wouldn't give a darn. This is a very lucky dog to have you to care about him.

I watch Animal Police on Animal Planet all the time - so I think I'm an expert on this stuff!! The SPCA has an open door policy that they will accept all dogs if the owner voluntarily brings the dog in. They cannot seize the dog unless they have proper cause (no shelter, food, or water). I think you should try to talk the woman into voluntarily giving up the dog. It doesn;t sound like she gets any joy out of it - it is probably more of a hassle for her than anything else. She may be relieved to find out that she can give the dog up without being punished for it. Maybe you can volunteer to bring him is so that she doesn't feel like the bad guy? I feel awful for poor dogs like this. No dog deserves that kind of life... Good luck & please let us know if anything happens!

You could try buying the dog from them, but you know some people are strange. Even though they don't so much as look at the dog they don't want to give him up, but its always worth a shot. Also if you're willing to take the dog for walks you could always say that your dog would love someone else to play with. That would at least get him out of the back yard for a little bit and then eventually maybe they would let you have him. Whatever you decide to do good luck and I'm real proud that you care so much and are trying to do anything at all.

Thank you so much for all the positive information. Somebody from the provincial SPCA just e-mailed me and although he cannot do anything, he will go take a drive by that house to look at the dog. He says he would just love to see one violation (ex : no water, no food), but until then, I guess it's all up to me. Like this guy said : "Chances are that education is beyond their comprehension. Ignorance can be modified, stupidity cannot". I sure hope something can be done here. I just feel that it's all up to me to get this poor guy out of that horrible situation. Yesterday it rained all day and there he was, all tucked in the back of his dog house so the rain wouldn't get to him. This makes me really sad that this dog stays outside 100% of the time. I think of my Mia who sleeps with us in our warm bed. Ahhhh, I just don't get it. But I will keep you posted on this situation. Thanks again guys, I really appreciate it !!!

Whatever you do just be carfull. She is your nieghbor and if anything happens could blame you. What your doing is sweet and it is a sad situation, but if anything does happen what if she balmes you and gives you prob. afterwards. Seeing that you live very close. How about suggesting to her that if she was interested you knew someone that really wanted him? If so then try finding him a new home. If not I am willing to donate some teats so he can have one from time to time. How sad he must be lonely!
It reminds me too much of this situation that my friends mother had. Believe it or not but she owned a german shep also and he was outside everyday of his life. He would howl for sooo long it was spooky. So finally she went over there to check on him or mybe even just give him some attention. The owner tried having her arrested for going on her property!!! Nobody would do anything b/c there was food and water and shelter. It was just so sad. Also that women and her family were all crazy and would blame poor Donna for anything that went wrong. After she just kept making Donnas life a living hell always harassing and even put up wooden boards on her metal fence. PHSYCO!!! Donna does not klive there anymore thankgod. But she gave soooo many prob.

Shelley, you sounds like my twin. This is the exact same thing I do all the time. My hubby gets so mad for involving myself in everyones pet problems.
I once was in a similar situation only the dog never had food or water and no shelter. He slept under some steps. One night it was snowing and the dog was going nuts licking the snow. That was it, I couldn't stand it any long. I walked up to their house with the idea of just stealing him. However, once I got there, I knocked on the dog and just blurted out what I had been observing and could I have their dog. Guess what, they gave it to me then admitted it didn't eat often because they couldn't afford it. So I applaud you for what you are doing. Just ask, it can't hurt.

I wish i could do more for animals i see that are neglected. It kills me when I see a dog on the road and I know it doesn't have a home. I work with another animal lover and if we could we would pick up every animal that we see. The best dogs are the ones you save. You are a good person for paying attention to the dog. But like somebody said be careful, those are your neighbors and I know how it is to have a fall out over some animals. (Not to say you are) but it is just a thought. I hope the dog finds a new home or the owners pay more attention to him/her. It's hurts because we all know dogs have plenty of feelings too.

Thanks Lily's mom!! This woman does not live in my neighborhood, I just go by her house to get to my subdivision. I will be going to her house next week, cuz the guy from the SPCA is leaving for Ontario tomorrow and upon his return will check on this poor guy. I want to see what he has to say before me offering to buy their dog. But then again, you never know with me, I may not wait that long.

By the way, what ever happened to the dog that you rescued? Did you keep him?

I took him to my vet and he had a long treatment for heatworms. Then a friend of mine was so in love with him. She lived out in the country and he went to live with her without a chain!! He runs, runs, runs. Makes my heart feel warm when I see running across the field.

It's great to hear a story with a happy ending! I wish there were more cases like that. You're a good person for helping!

It goes to show how much we can make a difference. I love happy endings :D

Awwww what a sweetheart you are. Maybe you could just talk to the owner and say you know what I was wondering if the dog is to much for you and your family to handle I would like to buy him from you if possible. Who knows maybe she will say yes. If not maybe you can explain to her that a dog like him really needs a lot more than just the bare neccessities. Then if all else fails we go dressed in black under the cover of darkness and dognap him :D .

maybe you should go over in the middle of the night and steal the dog house, the food, and water, and then call the SPCA in the morning. :) Just kidding. I don't think there's a lot you can do except pray that the lady will have an ounce of compassion for that dog and give it up. She's obviously not capable of caring for it properly.

ssguzzy828 and charlie bear : YOU GUYS ARE TOOOOOO FUNNY! Although they are good suggestions ;) I just came back from my house and the dog was in his usual spot...in the dog house with his head sticking out. My heart hurts every time :( And no I don't think this lady will change her ways. I mean she's like 400lbs, so it's out of the question for her to walk the dog. She told me she had arthritis in her knee (!?!) Thanks again guys! :)