I don't think the vet cares who the owner is as long as he gets paid. I know that several years ago I let my furbaby out in the morning to "do his business". He would wake me up every morning at the same time for this. He found a place to dig under the fence and got out of the yard. He was gone when I went to let him in and about an hour later I got a call from the vet. He had wandered two streets over to a busy street and was hit by a car. The driver picked him up and took him to the vet who treated him and called me. This vet treated him with no expectation of being paid by the person bringing him in and I was eternally grateful.

I don't know about your neighbor, but if you thought my dog needed care and provided that care I would be most appreciative. From your previous post I think you might consider talking to him about taking the dog as he doesn't seem to care one way or the other.

Don't lie to the vet, but please take poor Buffy and get her treated if you feel that you want to bear the expense. It doesn't sound as if Larry will pay for any part of her care. If you can, then just keep Buffy confined and care for her as you would your own pet. If Larry is concerned, he will ask for her to be returned to him, which you must do. But, if I were you, I would return her with the stipulation that if she is left to fend for herself again, she will be turned over to animal welfare authorities. Bless you for caring.

Call animal control and report the situation. However, your next door neighbor may stongly suppect that it was you who called and become furious with you. You, of course, do have the right to have a stange dog removed from your property.

If you have a local 'prevention of cruelity to animals society', call them and hand the problem over to them.

If I were you, that dog would be "mine". You are the one who is caring for that dog, and apparently your neighbor doesn't want or care a thing about that dog. He should not even have a pet. Thank you for being so kind to that poor dog.

Gosh how terrible this is!
I would say I'd just take her in Trin, as long as someone is paying your vet will treat her. Around here, who ever brings the animal in pays.
My Doxie had a lump the size of a grape on her rear end. We only have a vet MWF and I took her in the next day after I'd noticed it (saw it on a Tues afternoon) it had already ruptured. He told me this is very painful for the dog.

God bless you,Trin for looking after her.I would mention the situation to the vet,and maybe he could offer you a reduced rate.Keep us posted.

Shelley

It sounds like Larry has written her off, and I'd do the same to him. It's a safe bet he won't come looking for her. Sooo...you've got yourself a dog. And Buffy now has a loving owner. I wish you both the best, and that the vet can help poor Buffy.

Trin- Vets don't care who the animal belongs to. I would tell him the truth. It looks like you have a new furbaby. Buffy is so lucky to have you for a mom! Larry is not interested-

Trish

trinitytx, I sent you an email. Let me know if you got it.

Mona

Thank you all for your concern,
You just don't know how much this means to me. I feel like I could just cry about her situation, and want to spit nails at Larry too.
I am not going to even try to attempt to speak with Larry today. I am just going to take her to the vet in the morning.
The note I left on the door has not been acknowledged, so any further action might only prolong her care. I would be afraid he would tell me he would take her, and I know for certain that he would not. Larry has been a long time neighbor, and I want to keep our relationship as it is with no hard feelings.
I apologize for my post in saying that I might lie to the vet, I think I was in a panic, but honestly, I could never do that.....not only have all my animals been treated by him for decades, he will be fair with me and the costs I know for sure. He never charges for an office visit, just whatever medicines, shots or care is given. He is wonderful.

Mona, thank you so much for offering your help in the costs for Buffy's care. That is so kind. I hope I can handle it myself. I will post tomorrow her outcome.

My DH just walked in, and as I was typing this post, I told him I was taking Buffy to the vet tomorrow. He paused.....then just said OK! WHEW!
I thought he might try and talk me out of it, but he knows I am worried about Buffy.
So with his blessing and all of my friends here, I feel much better about tomorrow.

Thanks for all your help, suggestions and caring.

Trin

I think you could get in trouble if you took it to the vet. I would call the humane society and tell them the dog needs attention now.

Personally I think you're doing a great thing taking that poor dog to the vet. It sure doesn't deserve to suffer. I'm sure your vet would vouch for what kind of condition she was/is in. I'd be afraid if you contacted the humane society the outcome wouldn't be that great for Buffy. Good for you.

It may depend on the vet, awhile back, we took our neighbors little pup to the vet when they couldn't afford it. Turned out it had parvo, so much that they said they needed to put him down. We told them the situation - that the neighbors couldn't afford it and would just let it die, so they let us pay for it and went ahead - it's worth a shot, especially since you're familiar w/ the doc. Here's what I'd do - I'd just tell him you've left a note on the guys door that you're going to keep and care for the dog, unless he comes to get her back (and actually do that). I hope it all works out, you're awesome to do this for Buffy.

At this point the dog would be mine.
Take it to the vet to get care.
Don't lie to the vet.
In fact, tell him the whole story.
He can be a witness if the neighbors get angry.

The only other recourse, best for the dog that is, is to call the humane society or take him to the pound. Of course the dog most likely will be euthanized but it doesn't sound like, at this point, it's life holds very little quality.

Lori

I think that you should take the poor dog to the vet as you seem to be able to afford the cost of helping him or her.
I would then keep the dog at your place, from the sounds of it Larry won't even notice the dog is missing.
I would also write a letter about the poor care this dog has received, maybe get the vet or another neighbour to sign it as a witness. Then if Larry comes back wanting the dog back once it's nursed back to health by you, you can say no, you had your chance and I am keeping the dog now.
Let him try and get the dog back...which I seriously doubt he will do.
Bless you, Trinity for helping this poor creature and double shame on him for letting the poor thing suffer like this. In my opinion, he should lose his right to own an animal of any kind.
Suzan J

"Larry has been a long time neighbor, and I want to keep our relationship as it is with no hard feelings."

Larry just might be going through some personal problems and can't deal with any more. I'm sure there could never be hard feelings for taking care Buffy, which he can't seem to do right now.

Getting some type of letter signed by the vet stating her condition-not only the infection, but the matted hair is a very good idea. If Larry at some point tries to get the dog back (which I doubt) it would be tough to do with that witness. If he tries to force the issue, I would tell him to pay the vet bills (maybe the vet would be willing to give you an inflated bill if you needed one) and the groomer fee. I can't see why he would persue keeping the dog though. I'd hate to live on pins and needles about this though. Only you know Larry. Maybe you could clear the air and tell him you took the dog to the vet, and since he has enough to deal with, you are willing to take over. Include how much his mother loved the dog, and how you feel she would much rather the dog be safe and cared for. I'm sure he's avoiding you because he doesn't want the expense of the grooming you referred to in his note. I think the vet will treat any animal that needs care. it sounds like Buffy's condition will get very serious very fast.

Larry does not deserve to have a pet. I hope he never marries and has kids, can you imagine him as a Dad? Buffy turns to you for help, definitely take her to your vet. He will not worry about whether you are the "rightful' owner. Your concern and paying the bill are his only interests. Thank God you are there for poor Buffy. Please let us know what happens!

I just spoke to one of my neighbors, and at some point when Buffy was in better health she asked Larry if she could give Buff to her daughter, and he said no. So for some odd reason, he wants to keep her, probably out of guilt, as she belonged to his mother who has passed.
I have spoken now to several of my neighbors about the vet visit tomorrow, and they will not hesistate to vouch for me if for any reason Larry becomes upset. I hope he won't.
Evryone who lives on my street knows Buffy.
One of them loaned me her doggie carrier to transport with. If he really cared about her, she would have had proper care months ago. Depending on the vet's diagnosis of her condition, I will need to decide tomorrow how I will keep her her at my home. My back yard is angled to Larry's house, as he lives next door to me, so if she is out back to potty in the fenced yard, he could see her easily. I am pretty sure she will need some healing days in a nice air conditioned house after tomorrow, so we will see if he comes knocking on the door looking for her. I don't have any intention of stealing his dog, but rather just getting her healed up and back in happy dog status.

Trin

I agree wih everyone on what needs to be done, but I'm really afraid that you may get yourself into legal trouble.
I sure don't know what the answer is. You're wrong if you don't do something, and may be in trouble if you do. What a mess.

Another point to make to Larry-He can see Buffy any time he wants and bring her to his house, play with her, etc. Although you can't 'make' him give her up, at least either way, she will get the medical care she needs.

While I was visiting my sister last year, a baby kitten had taken refuge in her garage...tiny little thing that looked too young to be away from its mama. It was really cold outside so she put a bed and food down for him. While he ate he growled like he was starving, poor little guy.
A couple of days later another cat showed up...older. A dog too. Since she lives in the country we thought someone had just dumped the animals.
A friend and neighbor took the dog and older cat in, my sister took the kitten. She took the kitten to the vet, had it shots, etc. Lo and behold 1 1/2 months later the neighbor across the street sees the kitten and lays claim to it!
My uncle is an attorney and told us that it didn't matter that the kitten "appeared" to be abandoned, that if it were the neighbors cat she had to give it back, but could charge for the money she'd put out. Sis inflated the price of the care and told them they could have it back when she got paid. The neighbor never pursued, and my sis still has the little guy.
I was just told this week that her "bad" neighbor now has a tiny puppy howling, skinny and left outdoors at all night!
There is no one to call for help where she lives. Isn't that just sick?!

I was just told this week that her "bad" neighbor now has a tiny puppy howling, skinny and left outdoors at all night!
There is no one to call for help where she lives. Isn't that just sick?! Call the sheriff. I called ours when our neighbors left their puppy tied up without shelter in the snow. Neighbors are just now forgiving me and it's been probably 3 years. I don't care... I can't stand animal cruelty.

I would report it, get help for it but not let it go but talk to Larry and ask if you can have it and find it a good home where someone will take it in their home and love it.

That is awful what he is doing to his mom's dog.

This is why I ask if people have made arrangements as I hear over and over that family members don't want parents pet/s and they either take them to SPCA or Pounds or just neglect it like Larry is.

Its the poor pet that suffers.

They had loving homes with elderly owners that got sick, went into homes or died and left alone. And then the abusiveness that begins in their poor last life.

I can't stand people like Larry. I wish that they could be put through the same torture that they put these pets through. That poor dog will have damage done to it and die painfully.

Trin - you should probably take pics of Buffy from all angles (especially of any trouble spots you mentioned) before you go to the vet, then after she is clipped and cleaned up.

Being as anal as I am about paper trails, I'd also print out these posts. I doubt they would carry legal punch, but it can't hurt to keep them for awhile. JMHO.

Trin, that is so sad for little Buffy. Bless you for being there for him and getting him treated.

I hope this baby has a happy outcome for the duration of his life.

Linda

I had a neighbor who "tried out" three pets. The firsty, a Basset Hound,, "smelled bad" so she returned it to the breeder. The second, a mini poodle, was locked outside in a 7 degree ice storm. Another neighbor broke in their back door and put the dog inside. Didn't see that puppy again. Then a cat "Martin". He was very friendly, wandered the neighbor loose, then he disappeared. The neighbor put up posters. Never seen again. My hope is that someone across town took him in. He was nice. Then another cat appeared, "Indian" Allowe to wander, I haven't seen him in about three years. Some people don't deserve pets.

Poor Buffy! I hope the Vet can get her on the road to a full recovery! Neighbor or not,Larry I have an opinion of him that can't be printed here!

Can you post a picture of Buffy?

I'd take Buffy to the vet and then keep her. I can't see any point in getting her better and then returning her to someone whose track record is to neglect her to the point that she gets seriously ill and then continues to ignore her. If Larry enquired I'd tell him he could visit but unless he wanted to be fielding a suit from the animal welfare people for animal cruelty he could leave her where she was loved.

I didn't read your first post on purpose so I don't know the full story. But judging from above you've made up your mind to help the dog. I've had a few cases where it tore me up not to get involved in neighbours' dogs. One where it seemed like the dog was tied up all the time while the family went on vacation. It was a pit bull but she had this forlorn look in her eyes when she saw me. So the next time the sitters came I yelled over that she was tied up too much. That evening, by chance, I happened to look out and see the sitter trying to walk the dog. I'll stop here but when the owners returned (we don't get along too well), I told the husband and mentioned that I couldn't trespass in his yard to take the dog and not once did he say that it would be okay in the future to do it. But I will do it next time because she's escaped a few times and charged over to my house to see me. She's been in my house so I can go in her yard, lol.

The other was when another neighbour's dog became temporarily paralyzed in my yard and I rushed to call my vet. I couldn't get through and soon his owner came and the dog jumped up and ran home with him. Later when I talked to the vet he flat out told me that he wouldn't have treated the dog without the owner's permission.

So you have a tough decision to make, but if I were you I'd get help for the dog and deal with the consequences, if any, later. Hopefully you can work out a long term solution. Wishing you the best.

Well the vet trip has been made. If I catch He// for it, too late now.
Bump, I posted some pictures of her on a separate thread about her trip to the vet earlier today.
The vet is keeping her overnite, so I am going to have to tell the owner what I have done. Not sure how I am going to handle it.
He has been a long time neighbor, so I hope it will turn out well. So I guess the saga continues.
I was no sweat getting Buffy this morning as she spends her entire day sleeping in my front yard in the grass.
No trespassing going on there....lol

Trin

Trinitytx, I can't seem to find any pictures in any of your posts. I hope things go smoothly for you and Buffy.
He doesn't deserve to own a dog.
Leslie

No sooner did I post this then went back and there was your latest post. I swear it wasn't there earlier when I looked.
Leslie