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

Ritz459 · 10-14-2006, 06:39 PM

Ok....I've posted before (a long time ago) about how some neighbor's moved in and they kept their dog chained up in their yard with only a rickity old dog house for protection from the elements. They dog was unspayed and was never off the chain. Then they booted that dog out and aquired a puppy...the puppy was transfered to a kennel with the same rickity old dog house...a shade tarp was put up...the dog is hardly ever out of the kennel. It isn't a puppy any more, probably around one or two years.

Well, my younger brother put out Pet sitting flyers around our country neighborhood and the people with the "neglected" dog replied. They were going on a trip and needed someone to feed and water the dog for three days. Wesley went over to the house to see where the food was and everything (my older brother drove him) and the dog tried to attack Wesley through the kennel. So, needless to day, when he went over to feed the dog later that day, I went with him.

The poor dog was TERRIFIED. She (for she is an unspayed female named Pretty) had her tail plastered to her belly, her hackles raised, and ran and hid at any sudden movement. After lots of treats and when she saw we were bringing her food and water to her, she warmed up quite nicely.
Pretty looks to be a Lab/Whippet mix. Her body is Lab, but her coat and ears and legs are some kind of sighthound. Her living conditions are...not very good. She has a wooden dog house that she can barely fit into. The kennel is just frozen dirt, her water bowel is an old metal bowel that doesn't hold enough water for her (there is no WAY that thing will stay unfrozen during the winter time), and she doesn't have a food bowel. The owners just said, "throw it in her doghouse or on the ground over the kennel gate."

When Wesley asked them when they wanted him to feed her durning the day, they just said, "Whenever. Sometimes she is fed in the morning, afternoon, or evening. It doesn't matter."
She is going to freeze this winter, because her coat is about as thick as a Greyhounds. She is also borderlining too skinny, so she hardly has any fat at all.
Her "toys" consists of old milk jugs that held her water once upon a time.

Wesley was at a friend's house today, so I was the one taking care of Pretty. She snarled at me at first, but then she warmed up and just wanted loving. I took her for a walk/jog and she was sooooooooooooo excited to get out of her kennel. She freaked out at the cars going by and at big rocks, basically anything out of the ordinary that you don't see in a yard. You could tell she has never been outside her yard, like ever. She shied at a foam thingy that had blown into a corn feild, but I just started talking to her and encouraging her and she finally checked it out. I was so proud.

When we got back from the walk, I just sat in their driveway and loved her. She sat on my lap and gave me kisses and kept trying to play with the leash. When I had to leave and kennel her again, she started crying like her little heart would break. I felt so bad.

Now that I actually know the dog, I'm going to feel even worse than I did before....I almost feel like crying everytime I really think about her situation. Her owners come back Monday....

What would be the politest way to help the dog out?
We have some straw loafing around here somewhere for our dogs' doghouses, so I'm thinking that I'll use some of that and stuff the Pretty's dog house. My excuse will be, "I saw that you had some straw in the kennel [it is all over the floor] and we had some extra from our dogs, so I thought I'd just give you the extra."
I just bought some bones for Rose (she turned eight this month) and since I have four of them, I was going to give one to Pretty...give her something to chew on besides plastic. *shakes head* If they ask, I'll just say I thought she was really cute so I gave her a treat.
And then I can probably scrounge up an old bowel that I can use as a food dish...hopefully they'll take the hint and keep using it.
When they come by to pay Wesley, I'm hoping to talk to them and I'll say something along the lines that Pretty was such a sweet dog and how much a liked her, and then I'll ask if I can continue to jog with her, because I want to start jogging, but both of my dogs are too old to jog with me...
Does any of that sound too offensive? I don't want to push them away, I want to help the dog. I don't think her situation is bad enough for animal control to care, so....
She is such a sweet little baby once she gets over the fact that you are a new person and you aren't going to hurt her...and I just feel so bad for her.

Any thoughts.....?????

tessa_s212 · 10-14-2006, 06:47 PM

Ritz, you are an absolute sweethard. God bless you for caring and going out of your way to help this dog. It may "only" be one, but that one dog can make all the difference.

None of that sounds too offensive, but they might be suspicious and even defensive tothe fact that you are giving their dog all this nice stuff when they don't. I urge you to stil try, but spread it out over time. Don't come on too strong.

calgal · 10-14-2006, 06:55 PM

It's going to be very difficult on the dog once she gets a taste of attention and getting out if the owners don't want her to run with you. Also, your feeling very bad for this dog, and that's understandable, so if they let you take her out, feed her treats and so on, your going to end up taking care of this dog for those people and you won't be about to quit. My suggestion would be to ask the owners if you can have her. You could certainly give her the love and attention she needs and of course a warm home. Even if you didn't want another dog, you could either find her the right home or let the rescue spay her and find a loving home.

***Cassiepeia*** · 10-14-2006, 09:52 PM

I think your idea is great Ritz. I don't think many people (even people who take fantastic care of their dogs) would knock back a bit of help as far as exercise goes.
If they didn't mind your brother looking after her while they were a way they probably wouldn't mind the occasional walk etc... The way you're thinking of going about things sounds good.

I also agree with Calgal though, it might be a good idea (for the dog in question) if you worked your way up to asking if you could keep her for yourself. If you joked about it at first "Oh she's such a great dog. I wish I could keep her for myself!" (something like that

), you might be able to find out how eager they are to keep her.

Whatever you do I know you'll try your best to do right for the dog.

Keep us updated and try and sneak us a few pictures.

You know how we LOVE pictures.

Cass.

keekers · 10-15-2006, 07:31 AM

you have a great heart. it is so hard to see neglected animals. i think you have the right idea though with your suggestions, straw, treats, bowl, jog, etc.. slowly not to overwhelm them. just to show you are concerned. people are very different with animal rearing. we live in the country & it is a different mentality. most are outside all the time in their kennels. not neglected just not treated the way we all do -like me and lucy just cuddling in bed (after an invite of course!). : ) keep us posted. poor thing..

Novel · 10-15-2006, 07:54 AM

Ritz, I'm crying just thinking of this poor pup! Thank God that you are there are able to express some kindness.

Just an idea, Say that you really enjoyed the dog when you helped your brother care for her while the family was gone and you would love to spend some more time with her. I can't imagine that the famiyl would turn you down. Inevitably, you will get to know this family as you spend more time with their dog, and in time, perhaps you will be able to educate them, subtly, about the proper care of a dog.
There are bad owners, yes, that choose to be bad, but for the most part, owners that do not properly care for their dogs, simply do not know that they are providing inadequate care. Most people would not intentionally cause an animal harm, they just simply have not been educated.

You will be able to brighten your corner of the world! Have fun!

mrsgrubby · 10-15-2006, 10:35 AM

you are so sweet. Thanks for helping this dog

gaddylovesdogs · 10-15-2006, 01:18 PM

That is so sweet of you

. I don't think they'll reject you - free bedding, a bowl, and exercise for their dog - they don't have to do anything.

wehkah · 10-15-2006, 01:58 PM

This dog is happy to have you as a friend! What a sweetheart you are!

Suggestion for you if you go over today and if you have the resources. You could hang a buckets in the kennel for food and water. When the owners come back just let them know you didn't feel comfortable throwing the food on the ground and thought it should be in some kind of container. The water bucket is so that she doesn't loose the water she has like if she were to dump over the bowl. If you don't want to buy these things suggest them when they come back. They are a really inexpensive addition to a better quality of life for the dog.

Ritz459 · 10-15-2006, 05:08 PM

We went over today and she was a happy girl to see us. She still acted snarfy, but I think it was because of Wesley; when I told him to back of and squat down, she was fine.
We took some straw over and we stuffed her dog house with it. I also gave her the rawhide bone/ring thing to chew on. She was happy to have it, although I think if we had tried to take it away, she would have gotten snarfy again. Poor little thing...She is so undersocialized it isn't even funny. She is like Rose times ten. So fearful and fear aggressive...She would make a mighty mouser though. lol While we were on the walk, she kept going over by the feilds and sniffing around like, "Ok, I smell the mouse, but where is it?" lol
Since I don't know if I'm going to see the owner's face to face (they will probably come by to pay Wes while we're at school) I'm planning on writing a note and sticking it in their mail box. If I do see them, then oh well.

I'll tell them to ignore the letter. lol
I finally figured out how to download pics, so here are a couple (well, a lot) of her (if I don't grow impatient with this stupid computer downloading the pictures!!!!!!! God I hate dial up.

Ok....so if I can even get on picutre loaded, you'll be lucky...so I take it back, there will only be one or two pictures of her, more to come later when I have more patience! lol

Thank God, once finally loaded!!! YIPPEE!!!! Here she is!):

This is Pretty...and she knows sit, so that is how I got such a good picture! lol

And another has loaded!

Here is a side view. (That's Wes petting her.) As I said, she isn't too skinny, but if you look closely you can see her ribs. Not enough for alarm, but it is getting there.

Now I'm getting brave and I'm trying to upload two at the same time...and I keep losing at my Solitare game, so that isn't helping my mood any. lol Yey, they uploaded!!!

Here she is sitting in the driveway getting loved by Wesley.

Here is her in her kennel. She looks so sad because we were leaving...we had just put straw in the dog house, although it doesn't look like much. Anymore and she couldn't have fit inside. That and we ran out. There is probably a good five-six inches of straw in the house now...which is better than none. Her water bowl is the tin bowel that her tail is bisecting. Her food is on the ground near the dog house and her "toys" are the water jugs. *gag* The rawhide we gave her is the circle thing right in the middle. And the are latching the kennel door with their old dog's chain. Kinda ironc.

I'll mention the food bowl to them, but I'll say it for health reasons. Like, "That way you can tell how much she is eating and it will keep bugs out" and stuff like that. I couldn't find any type of bowl for her out our house, or else I would have given her one.

Poor baby....

TinyAlbinoDancer · 10-15-2006, 10:34 PM

Such a sad environment for such a lovely girl.

I do hope they let you help. You make all the difference in her life, Ritz. All my best wishes for your success, and for her!

wehkah · 10-15-2006, 10:53 PM

Such a cutie pie! I hope that the things you mention to the owners will help her quality of living! Koodos to you and your brother for taking such good care of her!

***Cassiepeia*** · 10-16-2006, 02:15 AM

She's gorgeous!

Glad she has you to watch over her.

Cass.

brandysmama · 10-16-2006, 09:38 AM

Good for you to watch over this dog. I've seen situations too familiar to yours around here. Heck, I could have typed your first two sentences in your OP--only difference being that a pet taxi was being used instead of a rickety doghouse.

You've had some good suggestions presented to you. Do be careful, though; you'd be surprised how quickly people get defensive even if you sugar-coat your words.

c0_re · 10-16-2006, 11:30 AM

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.

10-14-2006, 06:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ritz459 "Nothing is ever easy" Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 5,735 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 235	Mildly neglected dog...what to do? semi urgent Ok....I've posted before (a long time ago) about how some neighbor's moved in and they kept their dog chained up in their yard with only a rickity old dog house for protection from the elements. They dog was unspayed and was never off the chain. Then they booted that dog out and aquired a puppy...the puppy was transfered to a kennel with the same rickity old dog house...a shade tarp was put up...the dog is hardly ever out of the kennel. It isn't a puppy any more, probably around one or two years. Well, my younger brother put out Pet sitting flyers around our country neighborhood and the people with the "neglected" dog replied. They were going on a trip and needed someone to feed and water the dog for three days. Wesley went over to the house to see where the food was and everything (my older brother drove him) and the dog tried to attack Wesley through the kennel. So, needless to day, when he went over to feed the dog later that day, I went with him. The poor dog was TERRIFIED. She (for she is an unspayed female named Pretty) had her tail plastered to her belly, her hackles raised, and ran and hid at any sudden movement. After lots of treats and when she saw we were bringing her food and water to her, she warmed up quite nicely. Pretty looks to be a Lab/Whippet mix. Her body is Lab, but her coat and ears and legs are some kind of sighthound. Her living conditions are...not very good. She has a wooden dog house that she can barely fit into. The kennel is just frozen dirt, her water bowel is an old metal bowel that doesn't hold enough water for her (there is no WAY that thing will stay unfrozen during the winter time), and she doesn't have a food bowel. The owners just said, "throw it in her doghouse or on the ground over the kennel gate." When Wesley asked them when they wanted him to feed her durning the day, they just said, "Whenever. Sometimes she is fed in the morning, afternoon, or evening. It doesn't matter." She is going to freeze this winter, because her coat is about as thick as a Greyhounds. She is also borderlining too skinny, so she hardly has any fat at all. Her "toys" consists of old milk jugs that held her water once upon a time. Wesley was at a friend's house today, so I was the one taking care of Pretty. She snarled at me at first, but then she warmed up and just wanted loving. I took her for a walk/jog and she was sooooooooooooo excited to get out of her kennel. She freaked out at the cars going by and at big rocks, basically anything out of the ordinary that you don't see in a yard. You could tell she has never been outside her yard, like ever. She shied at a foam thingy that had blown into a corn feild, but I just started talking to her and encouraging her and she finally checked it out. I was so proud. When we got back from the walk, I just sat in their driveway and loved her. She sat on my lap and gave me kisses and kept trying to play with the leash. When I had to leave and kennel her again, she started crying like her little heart would break. I felt so bad. Now that I actually know the dog, I'm going to feel even worse than I did before....I almost feel like crying everytime I really think about her situation. Her owners come back Monday.... What would be the politest way to help the dog out? We have some straw loafing around here somewhere for our dogs' doghouses, so I'm thinking that I'll use some of that and stuff the Pretty's dog house. My excuse will be, "I saw that you had some straw in the kennel [it is all over the floor] and we had some extra from our dogs, so I thought I'd just give you the extra." I just bought some bones for Rose (she turned eight this month) and since I have four of them, I was going to give one to Pretty...give her something to chew on besides plastic. shakes head If they ask, I'll just say I thought she was really cute so I gave her a treat. And then I can probably scrounge up an old bowel that I can use as a food dish...hopefully they'll take the hint and keep using it. When they come by to pay Wesley, I'm hoping to talk to them and I'll say something along the lines that Pretty was such a sweet dog and how much a liked her, and then I'll ask if I can continue to jog with her, because I want to start jogging, but both of my dogs are too old to jog with me... Does any of that sound too offensive? I don't want to push them away, I want to help the dog. I don't think her situation is bad enough for animal control to care, so.... She is such a sweet little baby once she gets over the fact that you are a new person and you aren't going to hurt her...and I just feel so bad for her. Any thoughts.....?????
	__________________ ~Blackie, Rose, Chloe (dogs), Pheobe (cat), Casey, Dameon (ferrets), Joey ('Tiel), Dot, Louie (cavies), Pickachu (hamster), Rush (R.I.P. 15yrs), Lucy (R.I.P. 4yrs)~

10-14-2006, 06:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
tessa_s212 animal rescue advocate Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stryker, Ohio Posts: 646 Rep Power: 82	Ritz, you are an absolute sweethard. God bless you for caring and going out of your way to help this dog. It may "only" be one, but that one dog can make all the difference. None of that sounds too offensive, but they might be suspicious and even defensive tothe fact that you are giving their dog all this nice stuff when they don't. I urge you to stil try, but spread it out over time. Don't come on too strong.
	__________________ I dream of the day that no animal must lose its life due to human irresponsibility and negligence. Stop animal overpopulation! Spay & Neuter your Pets!

10-14-2006, 09:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,281 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 284	I think your idea is great Ritz. I don't think many people (even people who take fantastic care of their dogs) would knock back a bit of help as far as exercise goes. If they didn't mind your brother looking after her while they were a way they probably wouldn't mind the occasional walk etc... The way you're thinking of going about things sounds good. I also agree with Calgal though, it might be a good idea (for the dog in question) if you worked your way up to asking if you could keep her for yourself. If you joked about it at first "Oh she's such a great dog. I wish I could keep her for myself!" (something like that ), you might be able to find out how eager they are to keep her. Whatever you do I know you'll try your best to do right for the dog. Keep us updated and try and sneak us a few pictures. You know how we LOVE pictures. Cass.
	__________________ Say NO! to animals in pet shops. Rescue a friend instead: Petfinder Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Book Club ~ Blogs ~ Art Classes ~ Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

10-15-2006, 07:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
Novel Mush Face Lover Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 4,991 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 220	Ritz, I'm crying just thinking of this poor pup! Thank God that you are there are able to express some kindness. Just an idea, Say that you really enjoyed the dog when you helped your brother care for her while the family was gone and you would love to spend some more time with her. I can't imagine that the famiyl would turn you down. Inevitably, you will get to know this family as you spend more time with their dog, and in time, perhaps you will be able to educate them, subtly, about the proper care of a dog. There are bad owners, yes, that choose to be bad, but for the most part, owners that do not properly care for their dogs, simply do not know that they are providing inadequate care. Most people would not intentionally cause an animal harm, they just simply have not been educated. You will be able to brighten your corner of the world! Have fun!
	__________________ ~~~My Blog~~~

10-15-2006, 01:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
gaddylovesdogs don't have a cow! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 153	That is so sweet of you . I don't think they'll reject you - free bedding, a bowl, and exercise for their dog - they don't have to do anything.
	__________________ Looking for a new pet? Search www.petfinder.com for your next love. If you have a heart, please help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. www.redcross.org

10-14-2006, 06:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,807 Rep Power: 232	It's going to be very difficult on the dog once she gets a taste of attention and getting out if the owners don't want her to run with you. Also, your feeling very bad for this dog, and that's understandable, so if they let you take her out, feed her treats and so on, your going to end up taking care of this dog for those people and you won't be about to quit. My suggestion would be to ask the owners if you can have her. You could certainly give her the love and attention she needs and of course a warm home. Even if you didn't want another dog, you could either find her the right home or let the rescue spay her and find a loving home.

10-15-2006, 07:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
keekers Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 231 Rep Power: 47	you have a great heart. it is so hard to see neglected animals. i think you have the right idea though with your suggestions, straw, treats, bowl, jog, etc.. slowly not to overwhelm them. just to show you are concerned. people are very different with animal rearing. we live in the country & it is a different mentality. most are outside all the time in their kennels. not neglected just not treated the way we all do -like me and lucy just cuddling in bed (after an invite of course!). : ) keep us posted. poor thing..

10-15-2006, 10:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
mrsgrubby Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,476 Rep Power: 144	you are so sweet. Thanks for helping this dog

10-15-2006, 01:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
wehkah Proud mama of 3 weimies! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Waukesha, WI Posts: 405 Rep Power: 61	This dog is happy to have you as a friend! What a sweetheart you are! Suggestion for you if you go over today and if you have the resources. You could hang a buckets in the kennel for food and water. When the owners come back just let them know you didn't feel comfortable throwing the food on the ground and thought it should be in some kind of container. The water bucket is so that she doesn't loose the water she has like if she were to dump over the bowl. If you don't want to buy these things suggest them when they come back. They are a really inexpensive addition to a better quality of life for the dog.

10-15-2006, 05:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
Ritz459 "Nothing is ever easy" Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 5,735 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 235	We went over today and she was a happy girl to see us. She still acted snarfy, but I think it was because of Wesley; when I told him to back of and squat down, she was fine. We took some straw over and we stuffed her dog house with it. I also gave her the rawhide bone/ring thing to chew on. She was happy to have it, although I think if we had tried to take it away, she would have gotten snarfy again. Poor little thing...She is so undersocialized it isn't even funny. She is like Rose times ten. So fearful and fear aggressive...She would make a mighty mouser though. lol While we were on the walk, she kept going over by the feilds and sniffing around like, "Ok, I smell the mouse, but where is it?" lol Since I don't know if I'm going to see the owner's face to face (they will probably come by to pay Wes while we're at school) I'm planning on writing a note and sticking it in their mail box. If I do see them, then oh well. I'll tell them to ignore the letter. lol I finally figured out how to download pics, so here are a couple (well, a lot) of her (if I don't grow impatient with this stupid computer downloading the pictures!!!!!!! God I hate dial up. Ok....so if I can even get on picutre loaded, you'll be lucky...so I take it back, there will only be one or two pictures of her, more to come later when I have more patience! lol Thank God, once finally loaded!!! YIPPEE!!!! Here she is!): This is Pretty...and she knows sit, so that is how I got such a good picture! lol And another has loaded! Here is a side view. (That's Wes petting her.) As I said, she isn't too skinny, but if you look closely you can see her ribs. Not enough for alarm, but it is getting there. Now I'm getting brave and I'm trying to upload two at the same time...and I keep losing at my Solitare game, so that isn't helping my mood any. lol Yey, they uploaded!!! Here she is sitting in the driveway getting loved by Wesley. Here is her in her kennel. She looks so sad because we were leaving...we had just put straw in the dog house, although it doesn't look like much. Anymore and she couldn't have fit inside. That and we ran out. There is probably a good five-six inches of straw in the house now...which is better than none. Her water bowl is the tin bowel that her tail is bisecting. Her food is on the ground near the dog house and her "toys" are the water jugs. gag The rawhide we gave her is the circle thing right in the middle. And the are latching the kennel door with their old dog's chain. Kinda ironc. I'll mention the food bowl to them, but I'll say it for health reasons. Like, "That way you can tell how much she is eating and it will keep bugs out" and stuff like that. I couldn't find any type of bowl for her out our house, or else I would have given her one. Poor baby....
	__________________ ~Blackie, Rose, Chloe (dogs), Pheobe (cat), Casey, Dameon (ferrets), Joey ('Tiel), Dot, Louie (cavies), Pickachu (hamster), Rush (R.I.P. 15yrs), Lucy (R.I.P. 4yrs)~

10-15-2006, 10:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
TinyAlbinoDancer Always room for one more Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,580 Rep Power: 166	Such a sad environment for such a lovely girl. I do hope they let you help. You make all the difference in her life, Ritz. All my best wishes for your success, and for her!
	__________________ ~Karen Missie~Trixie~Little Guy~Ollie

10-15-2006, 10:53 PM	#12 (permalink)
wehkah Proud mama of 3 weimies! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Waukesha, WI Posts: 405 Rep Power: 61	Such a cutie pie! I hope that the things you mention to the owners will help her quality of living! Koodos to you and your brother for taking such good care of her!

10-16-2006, 02:15 AM	#13 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,281 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 284	She's gorgeous! Glad she has you to watch over her. Cass.
	__________________ Say NO! to animals in pet shops. Rescue a friend instead: Petfinder Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Book Club ~ Blogs ~ Art Classes ~ Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

10-16-2006, 09:38 AM	#14 (permalink)
brandysmama OK, where's the snow??? Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Nashville, TN, USA Posts: 256 Rep Power: 64	Good for you to watch over this dog. I've seen situations too familiar to yours around here. Heck, I could have typed your first two sentences in your OP--only difference being that a pet taxi was being used instead of a rickety doghouse. You've had some good suggestions presented to you. Do be careful, though; you'd be surprised how quickly people get defensive even if you sugar-coat your words.
	__________________

10-16-2006, 11:30 AM	#15 (permalink)
c0_re Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Somerset Wi Posts: 488 Rep Power: 80	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.