Family disagreement over puppy

Sounds like you're on the right track, Ashland. Not to veer off topic too much (off of dogs too much) but about 10 years ago I intervened anonymously in a family deal and I've never regretted it. Ever. I've also never told anybody, either. I've been asked a lot and I just play dumb and say, "Why would you wonder why things rolled out the way they did? It's over now." Sometimes that's what we do.
 
And my heart breaks for the kids. It really does. I feel bad for everyone in that situation, but I can't imagine standing by and watching it all. Hurrah to your mom for thinking of the little ones and hurrah to you for thinking of the voiceless one(s).
 
You've got my admiration.

This IS heartbreaking, ITA with everyone please report this situation to AC or Police. If you don't this pup will have a very short life.  Keep us posted.

I agree with spirit dog wholeheartedly!!!!
 
Get real and stop kidding yourself.  This guy is abusive and children act out what they see.  That pup is not having a nice life.
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I agree and please let us know how things go...  poor puppy...

I doubt AC will do a thing, unless you can get them on the "puppy in hot car" thing. If the dog has food and water and isn't being brutally tortured they really can't act.
 
Where are you? if you "rescue" the pup, we can help set up a foster/adoptive home some distance away so no one in your family will know it was you.

i agree with mudpuppy. if the boyfriend always takes the dog to work and leaves him in the truck while he is working, call animal control and have them go by where he works during his shift. if they see the dog locked in the car they will most likely take the dog then and there, even if it isnt hot weather yet.

That poor pup.  I agree with the general concensus here.  Definitely call the AC.  Even if they don't take it away, maybe the will at least talk to them and scare them into straightening up.  I know that's just an optimistic outlook, though, because with the other things that are involved here it sounds like their whole lives need to be straigtened out.  I'm sure the puppy would take the back seat.  This is the worst situation ever, because like someone mentioned, the children are learning that this is how to treat animals.  *sigh*  So sad. 

Well, in answer to if the puppy is in the truck or the cab, he's in the cab. The bed of the truck has a camper shell over it and there's all kinds of tools in it. So the puppy stays in the front of the truck.
 
Last night, I tried to find out where the boyfriend is working, but since he's in construction no one can tell me exactly because we don't know. It's always different. I was gonna call APS and tell them about a puppy in the car, but I don't know where to tell them to go look. I really don't want my family to know I'm calling because it create SO much resentment and anger. How should I do this? I even thought about following him to work or something. I know that sounds insane, but I can't think of anything else and I want the puppy out of there ASAP. I might just take it. I don't know.

ORIGINAL: ashland

I want the puppy out of there ASAP. I might just take it. I don't know.

ITA I know I shouldn't say this but.......  I would get the pup and take it to the SPCApreferably in another town immediately as a 'stray'.  Flame me if you will but I don't see any other way, no one in your family is listening to you now. This will save the pups life.

ORIGINAL: patt_b

ORIGINAL: ashland

I want the puppy out of there ASAP. I might just take it. I don't know.

ITA I know I shouldn't say this but.......  I would get the pup and take it to the SPCApreferably in another town immediately as a 'stray'.  Flame me if you will but I don't see any other way, no one in your family is listening to you now. This will save the pups life.

I agree obviously these people have other issues to deal with and don't really care about the puppy.

i didnt realize he was in construction. i thought maybe he worked at a factory or office or something similar where his truck would be parked all or most of the day. if he works for a specific construction company or works on a big, on-going project, then it would be easier to find him. but if he is a house contractor then he could possibly be in several places through-out the day.

if you know any people that work for a rescue organization they may be willing to go talk to your counsin and her bf about either how to better care for the puppy or talk them into surrendering the puppy to them. could be another option if animal control doesnt solve the problem.

If he is in and out of the truck through the day and the pup is in the cab, and the weather is decent, there may not be anything animal control can do. In their eyes it's not *that* horrible of conditions and it's your word against his about letting the dog out for potty and walks at proper intervals.
 
 

You're right, which is why I'm thinking about taking it. I've never done anything like that though. I don't know how I would feel about it. The kids hearts would be broken, but at the same time, I don't want that puppy growing up in that environment. It can end up being an aggressive dog or go the opposite way and become a scared dog. One of those dogs that flinches and shuts it eyes when you go to pet it too fast because it's used to being hit. I hate it when I see a dog do that! I am seriously thinking about taking it though.

Ashland - I hope everything works out. I'm sure when someone is addicted to drugs they would rather spend their $$$ on their bad habit than feeding the dog. As far as the training, the up will grown up with his tail between his legs.
Maybe they wouldn't get upset if someone offered to keep the puppy with the kids, if the person watching the kids wouldn't mind. I think that is your Mom, but your Mom might have too much on her plate with everything else.
Hard situation - I hate seeing dog abuse when I don't know the owners never mind being a relative and seeing this all the time. Good luck - If there is a will there is a WAY - don't give up.  

As someone who does foster care and sees these kinds of things all the time.  You need to step up.  It is going to cause problems in your family and you are going to look like the bad guy, but honestly if your mom thought they were doing well, why does she have the kids? My dogs are more helpless than my kids at times.  You should just tell your cousin, you know I am willing to take the puppy and take care of it until you guys get it together.  If the bf was taking things out on the kids, I can guarentee with the kids gone he is taking it out on the dog.  Not fair.  They may hate you, but seriously people need to do what is best for those that cannot speak and act for themselves.  I hear things from kids about what their drug and alcohol influenced parents have done to animals and it is horrible.  At this point I think you need to just do it and be prepared to take the heat, it is not fair but it is what is best.  Maybe you can offer to adopt them another puppy when things are good.
This is totally my opinion, but I really think you should do something. I took my cousins kids for 4 months once and my whole family thought I was evil, until I told them all what was really happening in that home.  Those kids are now living with another cousin in another state to protect them.
I hope you can get this done and feel relief.
 
Julie