Dog Community

Remember a long time ago....

Posted : 5/15/2006 9:17:11 PM

...when I posted about my brother-in-law trying to talk me into taking his GSD when he moved in with his new "friend", into an apartment where large pets weren't allowed? It was quite a while back, and I vented about how he always babies his pets and they're his best friend until someone new comes along and then he no longer has time for them... thus he gives them up, finds them new homes and forgets they ever existed. Back then he tried to guilt me into taking her and got very irrate when I wouldn't and asked him to own up to his responsiblity. He supposidly made arrangments for the dog to go live with his "ex" but that didn't pan out so he left the dog with his old room-mates when he moved out.
She's been with them (the room-mates, their greyhound, and a one year old pitt mix) for several months now. We were under the impression the dog was doing fine. He was supposidly making sure they were taking proper care of her and so forth. WElllllll.... my husband had to go over to their house (which BIL still owns and the old room-mates are renting from him) a few days ago and saw the dog chained outside behind the house so he decided to go back and check on her, love on her and give her a good belly rub.
What he found was disgusting and made him furious. The poor dog was filthy, matted with hair, bones showing and had no signs of food or water. He called his brother who said "We think she has heart worms, I'm going to take her to the vet when I get a chance." Hubby told his brother that we would take the dog... she was sick and suffering. He said he'd talk to his old room=mates and let uys know. We didn't hear back from them. So today, Hubby went back by the house to check on her... she was in the same place, same situation as before. So... he loaded her up and brought her home with him. She's been gone from that house for 8 hours now and they STILL don't know she's missing.
So, I feel terrible. We should have taken her back then... but???? How were we to know she would end up neglected and forgotten?
I gave her a good brushing, some nice cool water and some warm canned food mixed with a little dry. She scarffed it down and to my surprise didn't throw up. She's now laying on the porch, next to her new best friend, our lab Dusty, who took her under his wing right off. Her belly is full, she's brushed, and she seems to be happy.
I'll keep you guys updated on what happens and how everything goes.
Just wanted to give you an update.

sooner

Posted : 5/15/2006 9:31:09 PM

Oh wow, I remember the story, and as much as I detest what ended up happening, I think you did the right thing in at least trying to make him take responsibility.

So glad to hear she's now safe and happy. Best of luck with everything!!!! You and DH are angels!!!!

huskymom

Posted : 5/15/2006 9:36:04 PM

Yes do not blame yourself. You are doing what you can now and that is what matters. Your BIL on the other hand and those old roomates of his should be for lack of a better idea, taken out back and shot. I hope all goes well for you and your new housemate.

swamper

Posted : 5/15/2006 9:51:18 PM

I remember the story. I thought you were doing the right thing by not facilitating your brother in law's irresponsiblity. But the dog is ok now. I'd take some pictures and show them to the brother in law so he can see how bad it was and feel guilty.

mehpenn

Posted : 5/15/2006 9:55:07 PM

She was very unsure of the situation (and mostly Dusty) at first. She snapped at him and growled at him everytime he'd come within ten feet of her... but now, they're acting like they grew up together, lol. It sure didn't take them long to adjust! Dusty was determined to make her fit in and to treat her like one of the guys, lol. After about an hour of Dusty trying to force her to lighten up, she dinally gave in and let Dusty lick her ears, lol. And she's just the sweetest dog.
I hate what happened, and do feel somewhat responsible.. but my hubby has reminded me that I'M NOT THE ONE WHO NEGLECTED HER... that is a weight on the shoulder's of BIL and his former room-mates.
What a shame... I hate to imagine how she felt, being chainecd outside with no food or water, while the room-mates, pranced in front of her with "their" dogs, the greyhound and the pitt mix. And I hate to imagine how they treated her (humans and dogs alike).
Well, hopefully she'll get to spend the remainder of her days here with us. She's an older girl... somewhere between 7 and 10, I think... I hope we can make her life what it deserves to be.
I brought her and Dusty in for the night... Dusry is in the bedroom, asleep already. Delilah is laying her next to me, looking like a regal statue of a honorable GSD... very proud, very strong, and the picture of loyalty. Such an awesome dog doesn't deserve the treatment she's recieved.... I hope BIL and his room-mates get what they deserve.

jensw

Posted : 5/15/2006 10:03:52 PM

but my hubby has reminded me that I'M NOT THE ONE WHO NEGLECTED HER... that is a weight on the shoulder's of BIL and his former room-mates.

But of course, isn't it just typical that it's not your fault, and you feel the most pain over the situation?? The ones who should be feeling awful probably couldn't care less. [:@]

Good for you! I'm glad she's out of that situation.

boneyjean

Posted : 5/15/2006 10:10:48 PM

You can't look back at what you didn't do then...you have to focus on what you are doing now. You can give this girl a better life and that is the best thing you can do.

It sounds like Dusty is trying to make sure she feels welcome and secure. Isn't it great to know that your dog is secure enough in her home that she will welcome another one. She is a lucky girl that someone found her and will now give her a better life than she had. It is not your fault. Just give her what you can from now on.

mehpenn

Posted : 5/15/2006 10:13:44 PM

We know, they will know we have her... but still, don't you think SOMEONE would call to make sure? I can't believe they haven't even called to PRETEND to be interested... but ya know, they probably don't KNOW she's gone yet.
Hubby thinks BIL will pretend to be mad about us taking her... but he told me "*brother's name* is not man enough to get through me to take that dog. It's been a long time since I had to whip his a$$, but if he tries to start trouble over it, that's what'll happen,,,nobody has the right to treat an animal that way... and it makes me sick to have to call him my brother." He's talked a good bit this evening about how they were raised... and how things like this just aren't acceptable.
(And let me add that my husband is one of the most "mind your own business" men I know.. he's usually one of those who says to stay out of it, don't try to stir up trouble, it's not your problem, let them deal with it....types. So that should tell you how bad the situation is. I've seem a side of him the last several days that I didn't know he had, even after the ten years we've been together.)

pumaward

Posted : 5/16/2006 7:43:28 AM

You should also report the condition of the dog to AC. I know you've brushed her, but take some pictures that show how malnourished she is. Also, if you can, go back and take pictures of the conditions she was living in. The room-mates are ultimately at fault for her condition and should not be allowed to own pets, period.

glenmar

Posted : 5/16/2006 7:47:46 AM

Despite the fact that the roommates didn't do what THEY were supposed to do, the ultimate responsibility for this girl is the BIL. She is HIS dog, his responsibility.

Sadly, there isn't some master list floating around somewhere that these guys can be "added to" and never allowed to own dogs, so calling AC does nothing but cause some minor irritation for BIL. The dog is NO LONGER living in those conditions so AC won't seize her and they aren't even likely to fine BIL for improper care. I'm afraid that ALL that will be accomplished by calling AC is to stir the family pot.

twelvepaws

Posted : 5/16/2006 8:44:38 AM

The mental picture of Dusty and the GSD is delightful. Don't blame yourself. And THANK YOU for taking her in. Thankfully, your DH isn't like his brother.....

fizzlbriches

Posted : 5/16/2006 10:18:06 AM

While I agree Glenda that calling AC won't do much good as far as not allowing them to own dogs it may do a lot to protect the OP from charges of theft if the BIL or roommates decide to get pissy.

willowchow

Posted : 5/16/2006 11:21:58 AM

I know how you feel, for the longest time I was mad and upset that Willow had to live the way she did (which was quite similar to your girl).

But, then I realized they live in the moment and to them everything is great now. So, no looking back anymore. [

]

sharismom

Posted : 5/16/2006 12:35:52 PM

Such an awesome dog doesn't deserve the treatment she's recieved.... I hope BIL and his room-mates get what they deserve.

They will.

schleide

Posted : 5/16/2006 3:27:27 PM

I remember this story too... You did the right thing then (trying to make sure your BIL owned up to his responsibility) and you are doing the right thing now - and bless you for it... Lori is right - dogs live in the moment, she isn't thinking about how awful it was to be chained up; she is thinking about how great she has it now!