Mildly neglected dog...what to do? *semi urgent*

[Ritz459]

Originally Posted by c0_re

good for you, the sad thing is there tens of thousands of sweet dogs just like this across the country, chances are if you live in the outer suburbs you have a dog like this on your block in someone back yard.

That is the sad thing. Most of everybody out here has outside dogs, but they are well taken care of. They are allowed into the garage or house, have squishy beds, are taken jogging and what not. Still not the best care, but better.
May as well help one dog, even though it may not seem like a lot compared to thousands!

Hmmmm...I'm going to try and talk to the owners in person, but if I can't, what would be good to state in a letter?
I was going to start out with how much fun Wesley and I had taking care of her and then I was going to say that we had saw she had scattered her straw everywhere and since we didn't want her to get cold on our account, we took the liberty of giving her some more. I was also going to say something along the lines of that we had an extra rawhide and since we didn't want our dogs fighting over it, we decided to give it to her.
What would be the best way to approach them about wanting to jog with her? I'm trying to pretend ignorance, in hopes that they will comply more.
I was going to close with something like how they have the sweetest dog and they are so lucky to have her. I can also state at the beggining of the letter that when we Petsit we will let the owner know how the dog did while they were gone.

What do you think?

(And I was thinking about it, and this pup is just that: a pup. They got her last summer, so she is only a year or two old. Poor baby.)

[keekers]

what a cutie.. let us know what happens.. : )

[wehkah]

I think you have the right idea Ritz. Just take it slowly at first and test the waters. I would from time to time just go over there and ask if you can walk or play with the dog. I'm sure they wouldn't mind since they know you. You could mention that it would be good social skills for the dog to learn. Let us know how it turns out for you guys!

[Vanilla]

Poor pup! I am happy you are helping the dog out somewhat!Let us know what happens!

[Ritz459]

I just sent the letter, so I'm just waiting for a reply....I would have tried to make the visit in person, but it seems like when I'm home they are never home, except for late at night. Hopefully they'll reply back, but I don't have high hopes.

[Ritz459]

Yey! The came over and paid Wes for watching Pretty a couple of days ago. They told Wes to just have me call them to figure out a time to jog with Pretty! I was pretty much gone the past few days, so I was only able to call them yesterday. I'm planning on heading over there around four o'clock and taking her for a jog.
Yey, yet again! lol This gives Pretty some more exercise and attention and it also gives me an excuse to say some helpful things like, "Oh, I noticed her water was frozen over this afternoon...they have heated water dishes at Petsmart for...". That and this will help me get in shape.

[mrsgrubby]

Hooray, just be sure not to "push" to hard or too fast.

It is great they are letting you jog with her and spend time with her, but just take it slow. I'd jog a few times and earn their friendship and trust before you start pushing a few other things like a heated water dish.

good job though for at least getting this far. Keep us posted on how it goes.

[rmci]

I'm glad to hear you'll be able to jog with her.
From your pictures it's hard to tell how thin she is, she doesn't look that bad.

[Ritz459]

Originally Posted by rmci

I'm glad to hear you'll be able to jog with her.
From your pictures it's hard to tell how thin she is, she doesn't look that bad.

She isn't too thin, but is just skinny, I guess. She reminds me of how thin a greyhound is; light bones, no fat, and ribs. It might be that I'm used to bigger boned dogs.

I've talked to her owner (there is a family living in the house, but it seems that the daughter, who is around 20, is the one that really takes care of her) and she is really nice. She loves her dog, but she just doesn't know how to take care of her, if you know what I mean. Sort of like a well meaning back yard breeder. They think what they are doing is ok, but it isn't.

Pretty is just over a year old and is a Lab/Coonhound/ACD mix. They used to have an older unspayed female dog that was chained up 24/7. They said she was pregnant, so it makes me wonder if a neighbor's Cattle dog didn't get to her, and thus, Pretty.

I'm going to be jogging with Pretty every other day. Mainly Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday and maybe some Saturdays, depending on my work schedule.
Her owner, Angela (I think...), is glad that I can jog with her because while she tried to walk her before, Pretty almost pulled her to the ground, so she gave up. If she says something about that again, I might mention a no-pull harness. That didn't even occur to me at the time.

I'm hoping to get a dog of my own to jog with (and compete with) once Sadie leaves, so what I really want to do is become for freindly with the neighbors, educate gentley over a period of time, see some changes, and then back out. But we'll see. I guess it all depends on what they are willing to do. When I told them that I wanted to start jogging I wasn't lying; I really do need to get into shape! Tell me to walk forever and I'll do it, but ask me to jog...no thanks!

I'm just glad they are letting me do this and maybe now that I have my foot in the door just a little, they might accept some advice later.

And I think we'll be watching her again this Saturday and Sunday. She mentioned it, but I'll ask again tomorrow.

[c0_re]

keep it up, just think that your jogging is all the dog has to look forward to a few times a week, it's so sad. thanks for doin what you can your a sweety