Found stray dog; no owner, what now

[Mek0ng]

Back story:

Rescued ANOTHER dog today...

The poor little chihuahua was running across the street today and almost got hit about 10 times, he was running back and forth across a 3 lane in each direction 50mph street. I finally got him to head into the neighborhood, where with the help of another concerned person, and some chicken sandwich I managed to pick him up. The dog had no tags... After cruising around trying to find anyone looking for a dog, I thought it was time to bring him to a vet and see if he was microchiped. Again, no... So he is now listed as stray and staying with me. The animal shelter printed out a few fliers for me and I just got done posting them, I am gonna make another batch tomorrow and blanket the neighborhood.

It was not 30 days ago I dealt with the same situation. Fortunately that time it was solved in a few hours. This time I have a sneaking suspicion that the owners of this dog are not going to be found and I will have to make the decision to give the dog up to animal care if I can not find a rescue organization willing to pay for his vet exam and shots. edit (just noticed he is not neutered as well...)

With every hour I am getting more and more convinced that the poor dog was abandoned. The pound said after 30days the dog is legally mine, and I can not neuter him till then. My wish is that the owner comes forward and claims him, but I think that is not going to happen. What do I do now?

My girlfriend wants to foster him, but I am unsure. The dogs we have fostered before were all given to us from a rescue agency and they paid for food, medical, crate and even listed them on their web site. I feel very unsure fostering this dog with no agency backing us. Does anyone have experience with anything like this?

[Ohyouknow]

When you foster a dog, I imagine the new owner would then pay a fee to own the dog? Perhaps if you listed the price of the dog in the paper, (and all other media you use trying to sell the dog) list it for the price of it's medical, some food, and a crate. That is, unless you intend to keep the crate for future rescues? Just a thought, it would be money out of your pocket to begin with, but in the end you'd get it back. As it's a small dog, My farm store had a cage plenty big enough for a small chihuahua for $20. Then again, maybe you'd want something a touch larger if you plan to keep it for possible future saves.

Without an agency backing you, i think it's just a little more likely you will keep your chihuahua longer if not forever. I'd keep up on listing him anywhere that is free to list for as long as possible.

[pufferpuggirl]

Is it too much for you to keep the little dog? Sorry, I'm an avid dog lover and so many dogs need good loving homes.
Just a thought.

[CarmenH]

I would contact chi rescue, all local humane societies, and any small breed rescues in your area. Explain the situation. Assuming that he's adoptable, I would imagine that you will fine someone who is willing to accept him into their rescue program, especially if you are willing to foster him until they are able to place him. You will need to relinquish any rights to them, and they will make all decisions on his care and future home. In my rescue, finding a place to keep dogs until they're adopted is our biggest hurdle when a dog in need comes to our attention...

[Mek0ng]

The chihuahua is officially adopted today!!! WOOHOOO!

exactly one month after I found the poor little flea ridden scared dog he has turned into a wonderfully well adjusted dog and now has a loving home for the rest of his life. Im so happy that this all ended perfectly/.

[pufferpuggirl]

Wow, that's excellent news! I love a happy ending. I'm glad you bothered to help the little guy and I think it's really great that he's got a home now. Good job!