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!

 

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

then I would keep Darwin on his normal schedule and keep the pup with you.  I would be afraid to crate him if he really doesn't like it as he may hurt himself trying to get out.  Now what will you do tomorrow??

[F, Calla & Luca]

People are unbelievable doing this to this cute pup and kind hearted you. I know you'll figure something out for tonight and then maybe you can get him to a vet or shelter where they can see if he's chipped not that it's likely to do him much good. At least being little and cute, there's a chance he'll find a home. Good luck, Camilla.

[Adina P]

 Darwin's crate sounds like a good idea if you have a place to keep Darwin.  He should be okay in the crate even with Darwin free.  Worst case scenario you'll come home to a crate full of poo and pee if he's not used to it.  He's really cute though!

 

I used to have daydreams about someone leaving a box of puppies on my front step (back when I had puppy fever all the time). 

[Camilla and Darwin]

The problem with crating him is when we tried it he was whining and rasping and making all sorts of scared noises. He was pretty panicked. I don't think we would get any sleep, and I'm afraid that the neighbors might hear the whining. I think I'm going to skip my class, and stay with them until the humane society opens.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Oh Camilla, not fair but good!

[Camilla and Darwin]

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

what a sweet pup!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Poor little guy.

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

 

Thank you for taking care of this little pup.  I am sorry that you have had this happen but he looks so dear.  I'm writing this while my first foster dog is sleeping beside me safe and sound .....on the couch.  I hope that all of you can get a good nights rest.  Bless you and your husband!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

This is one lucky puppy.  You're the best, Camilla (and Darwin too).

[Smita, Ollie and Juno]

He is a lucky pup to be found by you instead of being abandoned on the streets or something. Seems like a deliberate act on someone's part to leave the poor little guy outside your house. He deserves a good home and I am happy that he is in your hands. Keep us posted. You and your husband are very kind to have taken him in, Camilla.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We're going to find a private rescue group in your area, not a humane society or any shelter that euthanizes. I'm sending you a PM.