Someone Just Left a Dog on My Doorstep... UPDATE

[Camilla and Darwin]

So I just got a knock on my door. I took a few minutes to open it and when I did, there was a dog tied to my front rail. It is a small terrier/chihuahua looking mix, maybe about 7lbs? I brought him in and tried to give him food and water, neither of which he is taking. No collar, no tattoo, nothing. I called the local humane society, the vet and animal control, nobody has heard anything and nobody can pick him up. Obviously I will keep the little guy overnight if I have to, but I haven't ever done this type of thing. Suggestions? I have class really early tomorrow morning, before the shelter opens and I'm not sure I should just leave him here in the apartment. Darwin's unbridled excitement is scaring the little guy to death so I have Darwin outside on the patio. Anyone have suggestions for the steps I need to be taking?

 

 

UPDATE: Well, I got in touch with a private rescue who advised me to take him to the local shelter. I wanted to take him to the humane society over a local animal control facility, but apparently they will not accept strays, only surrendered pets. If you go in and say it's a stray, they will immediately direct you to an animal control shelter. She advised me to not to try and claim he was my pet because they take that pretty seriously, so the humane society option was out

 

She said to take him to my local animal shelter, and tell the manager of the shelter to contact her. When I got there, they were looking at me a little bit suspiciously and meanly. I can't really blame them though, I don't think they believed my story. I don't know that I would have believed it either!

 

Anyways, I asked for the manager of the shelter, told her the name of the private rescuer and she immediately knew who I was talking about. Apparently they know each other well, and she frequently pulls dogs from their shelter. She informed me that he would be kept over the weekend, and the private rescue would come pick him up after that. After inspecting him and his teeth, she noticed that he still had baby teeth and might be around 5 months old. She said he was cute and would be very adoptable. The two workers thought he was adorable and assured me he would be well cared for until the private rescue picked him up. By the way, he wasn't neutered or microchipped, we found that out as well.

 

It's been kind of a crazy night/day, and I'm running on 4 hours of sleep so I may end up taking a nap. :-) I am SO relieved he is in good hands, and I think he's going to find a great home. Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions and encouragement. What an adventure!

 

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

Camilla~ You're an angel to this little pup. Someone knew what they were doing when they tied it to your railing. Praying he finds a good home. Keep us posted how things turn out. ((Hugs))

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Any Updates this morning?

[Camilla and Darwin]

Well, here I am to update. The sleeping in the bed thing didn't work. He kept getting up, wandering around and randomly peeing and we decided we didn't want to risk him peeing on our floor/bed and not know because we were asleep. I was also a little bit worried that he would be frightened in the dark, shut in our bedroom.

All evening he was happily snoozing curled next to us on our couch, so we decided to go off of that.  DH took the first shift, watching the pup while I slept. Now I'm up watching, while DH sleeps. LOL, It isn't perfect but it's worked well. The pup has been asleep on the couch the whole time. 

I have been contacted by one of the rescues about finding a foster for this guy. I am currently searching local classifieds and soon I'm going to take him in to get microchip scanned...

[NewfoundlandNic]

Wow Camilla. What a predicament! You are so genereous to share your time and love with this poor little guy. I hope he finds a wonderful forever home this weekend. He will make some family very happy. I can't imagine abandoning a dog or any animal. I have a 14 year old cranky cat I've been wanting to abandon for years now, lol. She will probably live to 20.

 

Best to you and Darwin. And that pup sure has the cuteness thing going on!

 

Nicole

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

What a cute pup, and how generous of you to care for him!

 

I'm sure he will find a home in no time with that sweet little face.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Camilla, I know this is a pain, but the little guy was left on the right doorstep. Not everyone would be so kind. You did say you had puppy fever :) Thank you for all that you and your DH are doing. How is Darwin doing?

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin is doing fine, after the puppy wouldn't play with him he just laid down for a nap. He is currently sleeping in the bed with DH, which I'm sure he loves.

[Joan, Louie and Mila]

Camilla, he found you for a reason...the puppy angels were watching over him...even Darwin is in on the plan.

I'm looking forward to hearing about the happy ending for all...whatever that might be.

[Jenny & Henry]

You have gone above and beyond the call of duty.  So glad he has you looking out for his best interest.  He is a cutie.

[NewfoundlandNic]

I think I would have to christen this little guy "Scrappy." He just looks it! Good luck on the foster/forever home stuff this weekend.

[Marg Ensoll]

That is terrible thing to happen to this little dog.

Hope someone may know the dog and take him in soon.

How cute, but your right what do you do at this point

[Susan and Sasha]

Hi Camilla...

I just came in on this post and and caught up on what's been going on...

Wow...you have your hands full with this adorable little puppy don't you??

I agree with the others...in that he was left on your doorstep on purpose...most likely because they saw you with Darwin...and wanted him taken care of.

You are doing just that!

You and your DH have such Big...Loving hearts...and are doing so much to see to it that this cute little one is taken care of.

We're praying that you get the help and guidance you need... to know what to do next...so he will be settled in his "forever" home soon.

About the pup...he's such a cutie!!

I just love the photos of him...

The one of him in the original post...looks like he's laughing!  So expressive!!

I just adore the one of him sitting there with Darwin!  Sooooo Adorable!