Alright...seriously thinking about taking my mom's dog...should I?

Poor girl, in the close-up she looks AWFUL! Her fur looks dry, clumped and possibly bloody in places. That's a prime breeding ground for maggots once the weather gets a little warmer. [] I see they leave a choke chain on her; it's a wonder that she hasn't goteen it caught at the bottom of the chain link fence.... then again, maybe that's what your parents want. [:-]

She looks really sweet. For her sake, PLEASE take her from your parents and fix her up. I really don't think you'll ever forgive yourself if you don't.

I have no words for your parents and the fact that they can afford to take her to the vet and get her a better food, but just don't. It makes me so sad and sick to my stomach. [&o]

Is there any way you could get her to a rescue? Maybe they would sponser her and get her into a new home.

I personally don't know what I would do if I were in your situation regarding you parents though.

Aw!  What a sweetie!  So sorry you have to get stuck in the middle like this.  Too bad you are far away.  The Humane Society I work at isn't no-kill, but they rarely kill (only for illnesses that diminish quality of life or failing temperament tests, never because of space) and co-operate with the county shelter and other rescues.  A dog like her would go in seconds!

If I were in this situation, I would do this:

-Take her, clean her up, feed her better, start reinforcing her training and getting her socialized.
-Look for another shelter or rescue group that is willing to work with you and not just euthanize for space.
-See if your vet or another vet will give you a discount or even bill you later for vet care.  Or, if you find a rescue group who can help market the dog, agree to continue fostering her if you can have access to their vet care.
-See if there is a behaviorist that can assess her and do a temperament test.  Based on your original thread, it sounds like she's suffered years of abuse and neglect and may have very deep issues.  It would be good to know right away, before spending a lot on her.  If euthanizing her is the best option, at least you can get her happier and healthier and she'll have some time to enjoy herself first.
-Maybe you will decide to keep her, maybe you will find her a home or a better shelter option.

Callie, THANK YOU for your help...my e-mail is on the fritz and has been for months, but I just PMed you!
 
Guys, I've pretty much decided that she's going to come home with us tomorrow. I can't leave her here. I'll do what I can for her, see about getting what vet care I can for her and save up for the rest, and work on some training and socialization with her. She does have a few minor issues, but not nearly as badly as you would think for a dog in her situation. She is INCREDIBLY smart, and a super sweet dog when given half the chance. She does have some slight issues with men (she barks at them until she gets to know them) because she was often beaten by men...but its very mild, and with the a teeny bit of attention, training, and socialization, she should be fine. She already knows basic obedience and I'm willing to bet she's still partially house trained. She's a pretty smart cookie. []

Yea Brittany! You are officially "Hero of the Day"! 

Aw Brittany that is so nice of you to take her in. She really is a pretty dog, and especially once she is well taken cared for she will look even better!
 
Maybe you could find a Golden Retriever Rescue or some Retriever rescue that would be willing to take her in, or at least post her on their website to help out a bit. 
 
I cant belive they don't even have a blanket or anything in her dog house...poor thing. Also on the thread about Raja having heartworm, someone (I am thinking Stacia sp?) gave me a link to a Care Credit Card, it sounded like a great idea to help pay for medical costs

I am so happy to hear that you will be taking Maddison home with you. What a sweet looking dog. The last picture of her sealed that. I hope everything works out for both you and Maddison. As saveastrat2day said You are a Hero.

Hi Brittany,

That's great you've decided to rescue Maddison. She has an incredibly sweet face, and despite her skin condition, you can see she's a beautiful dog. I am sure once she's recovered a bit, you'll find a home for her with no problems. You are doing a great thing. Please keep us updated!

What a horrible situation! I dont think i couls speak to my parents if they did this! It will be alot of work but your reward will surely been seen in her eyes.You are her savior! Cant wait to see "after the bath" pics!

Just PM'd you.  Let me know what you need.  Give Butters a scratch on the head for me.

YAYAYAYAYAY!!!! I am soooo glad you are taking her home. Keep us posted on this sweet baby. 

She's beautiful. She looks sooo old, poor thing.

Can we help you out with a bag of dog food, or some fish oil, or something? I'm also absolutely at my MAX for dogs, and vet bills, but I could buy a bag of food, for you. That way, you could save more money for the vet bills.

Yeah Maddison is a really lucky girl to have YOU in her life! Please let us know how she does?!   Good luck- []

Good luck with everything......
I have 5 dogs, and it is quiet a bit of work, but very rewarding.[]

Thank you so, SO much for all of your replies and offers to help, everyone...we JUST walked in the door, getting her home has been an all day trip. First we had to pick up our car, then take all of our own dogs home, and then go BACK to Columbus, and pick her up. So all in all, we've driven 8 hours back and forth today. My parents could have brought her over to our house, but they couldn't be bothered to get off their arses for anything, so we had to make two trips. [8|]
 
Maddison is staying in our basement for the time being, to keep her from giving anything to our dogs. I'll probably still bathe my dogs regularly until she's better just in case. She's all set up with lots of warm blankets, some toys, and she just had the best dinner in her life. She seems SO happy and grateful. She ran out of that pen so fast and hopped into our car and didn't look back. I don't think she knows WHAT to think right now.
 
I am EXHAUSTED, this has been an all day process, and I gave my parents some pretty choice words so there was alot of animosity on top of all the stress. Right now, I just want to sleep.
 
I will update as soon as possible...to everyone who has PMed me, and offered to help, THANK YOU SO much...I will respond to EVERYONE's PMs first thing in the morning, and I will probably set up a PayPal account for all of the wonderful people who have offered to help pay for some of her expenses. Thank you, thank you, thank you SO MUCH. You are all amazing.
 
Callie, I'm reading your PM's as I speak and taking notes. Thank you SO much. I'll PM you my number in the AM, and respond to your PMs, so we can talk. I am just beyond exhausted emotionally and physically right now..I got into a huge fight with my parents, and I just need to rest for a bit. Sorry for taking so long to reply. []
 
Thank you so much again, everyone. Will update, with pictures, as soon as I can.