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Need help!

October 10th, 2008 at 04:42 pm

Ok, I posted on Craigslist saying I found a dog and he needs a new home. I was planning to take him to the shelter today when I just got a call from a young woman saying she is looking for a companion dog for her female dog.
The woman is driving almost an hour to get here and take this dog. However- I am worried because I have heard that dog fighting rings will pick up free dogs to use as 'bait' dogs in dog training. Now I am worried.

How can I scout this woman out to be sure this dog will be going to a safe home?

I was posting mainly to find the owner and posted almost nothing about this dogs tempermant or personality. This woman asked no questions about the dog just asked if he is still available and where do I live.

12 Responses to “Need help!”

  1. monkeymama Says:
    1223657438

    I'd take the dog to the shelter. They are better equipped to evaluate people. I wouldn't give the dog to her.

  2. merch Says:
    1223657981

    You should do what you feel is right. If this person feels off to you , do not let her bully you. Trust yourself. You have a good heart in the right place.

  3. scfr Says:
    1223659227

    Good for you for being suspicious.

    First of all - While the odds are slim, his owner could be looking for him, so it's too soon to give him to a stranger..

    You mentioned he's not neutered ... Hopefully she's not looking to breed him to cause an even greater pet population problem.

    Be paranoid about this; it's okay.
    As you said, she could be looking for a dog for a fighting ring ... Or for medical experiments.

    Having the shelter deal with it is a great idea.
    If you decide you want to screen her on your own, ask for references, including her current vet. Make sure the vet is legit, and ask how she cares for this female dog that she supposedly has.

    Go take a look at her house and yard, and check out that dog she has.

    Don't turn that doggy over unless you are sure it's going to a good home. If you get the heebie jeebies, you can always tell her that a friend just spoke up and asked for the dog, so you're sorry but he's no longer available.

  4. scfr Says:
    1223659348

    Oh - And if he is being kept in an unsecured area (you mentioned a screened porch), I'd get him in to a secured area if you gave that woman your address.

  5. anonymous Says:
    1223659627

    I found a dog a home by newspaper ad and have regretted it for about 15 years. I don't know if I was just too influenced by those stories about people picking up dogs to sell to research facilities. When I gave the dog away, I felt okay about it, but soon I started hearing those stories. I felt like I was too trusting and maybe sent the dog to his death. I'll never know. "They" say to always charge something for the dog so that you do not get the sickos coming for it for free. I wish I had at least done that.

  6. gamecock43 Says:
    1223659920

    Ok, she's on her way. I am going to feel her out- medical experiments, I never thought about that! I will check this woman out and if I don't feel comfortable then he's going to the shelter.

  7. scfr Says:
    1223660195

    Don't let her charm you or bully you or guilt trip you, as in "but I drove a whole hour ... wah!"

    If you're not comfortable saying NO outright, you can stall her. You could tell her you need time to think and you'll bring the dog to her if that's what you decide.

    Good luck!

  8. dmontngrey Says:
    1223666313

    I've heard too many horror stories about folks looking for dogs on craigslist. I got MY dog on there and he was 10 years old at the time. The girl giving him away got a ton of replies. Really? For a 10 year old dog? People just basically asked if he was available and said they'd come pick him up. You really HAVE to do a home visit yourself to "ensure" he's going to a good home. There is absolutely NO WAY I would even just hand a dog over to someone without visiting their home, and even then I'd still be hesitant. If she really wants this dog, get references!!!!! Vet and friends and family.... If she wants this dog, she'll happily comply. I sure hope she's just coming to meet the dog and doesn't expect to take it home today.

  9. gamecock43 Says:
    1223666883

    Well- it's done. It was a college age girl, a college age boy and a Chihuahua. My found dog tried to eat the chihuaha. So within seconds they were gone- very traumatized. I immediately took the dog to the shelter. He's to much for me to handle and the whole incident used up the last bit of patience and energy I have left for the dog.
    So he's gonna get neutered, and find a nice family and I can stop worrying about him digging holes in my backyard.
    I also took Casey with me so she could visit with the vollunteers and they were happy to see her.

  10. monkeymama Says:
    1223668712

    Well, I guess it's decided then!

    Sorry to hear about all that trauma.

  11. scfr Says:
    1223673750

    Glad to hear they were legit, and glad it all worked out well. You are a good person.

  12. fern Says:
    1223760204

    It's just as well they didn't take the dog, though it appears they were legit. I mean, why would someone say they want the dog without asking anything about it? There are so many dog shelters around locally, for someone to drive an hour for a dog they nothing about strikes me as very odd. Oh well. I hope your found dog finds a good home. He could have grown protective of you in the short time you had it.

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