What to do!?

You know, there is nothing that's been said in response to my post, that I haven't already thought about.  It's very easy for people to have opinions and throw them out there, and I do appreciate hearing your thoughts.  It's also easy to be judgemental towards me.  All I can do is what I feel is best and what I am able to do.  The emotional and financial cost of this is difficult, yes, but I am committed to it to the extent that I can be.  The situation has been heartbreaking and it's infuriating.

Enabling them? Yes, in a way we are. But the alternative is to turn a blind eye and let the dogs go through whatever they go through and forget it. 

Turn them in?  Easy to say. Life isn't always that black and white. Family is still family and there are complications.  I have talked to authorities already and guess what - the dogs are fed and watered, kept in the house, and they 'look' fine. It is not as easy as some of you seem to think to get the authorities to step in. Believe me, I have talked to many people already about this.  

For the record, their kids are well taken care of and loved.  These are not abusive people to their kids.  And they do not think of themselves as abusive or neglectful in their treatment of the dogs.  They are uneducated as far as what a dog is and should be - and I am doing my best to change that. I check on this situation constantly.  I personally do not think they should have a dog.  However, our society being what it is, they do have that right. I think an older, well trained dog is working out much better for them.  She is as sweet as can be, she's quiet, she's affectionate but not an 'in your face' type of dog, which is a good thing.  They are using the crate, which is a first, and they understand the value of it.  They are teaching the kids that when the dog is in the crate, it is her alone time and they have to leave her be.  They are feeding her a good dog food. They are walking her every day. They are interested in learning about her breed.  So there have been some major improvements and that is all I can hope for. 

So yes, perhaps I am in the wrong in how I am handling things, but this is all I can do.

The worms, by the way, were ascaris (round worms). None of the dogs had fleas (thankfully) and the carpets were professionally cleaned before the Boxer came into the home.

One other thing I should mention - after the sick pup with the heavy infestation of round worms came to my house I did give them some information about round worms and what happens to children who get them from dogs.  Scared them to death.  They took the kids to the doctor the same day and the doctor was very blunt with them.  Both kids ended up having to be treated 'just in case' of infestation. I think this made a huge impact on them and did go a long way in helping them to listen to me.  Our vet also gave me quite a bit of information to give them about dog care, worms, etc. 

Then, it sounds like you are making progress in educating them.  That's really good...I'm glad to hear that. 

You have to know, though, when you post about general abuse (neglect and tossing an animal is abuse) you are going to get defensive "opinions" from people, especially from the many rescueers (sp?) on the board.  I think you got some good advice here and I wish you continued success in educating your relatives on the proper way to care for their dog.

Kudos for what you have accomplished thus far.

I am SO glad to hear about the improvements.  I think you have done some amazing things for these people, not to mention the poor dogs that "didn't work out".  I really hope things continue to improve.  And don't put yourself down for what you haven't been able to achieve - you've been like an angel for these people and those poor dogs.

Poodle_luvr

One other thing I should mention - after the sick pup with the heavy infestation of round worms came to my house I did give them some information about round worms and what happens to children who get them from dogs. 

Just be sure that everyone knows, here are a few basic facts about roundworms:

• Roundworm eggs are abundant in the environment especially in areas with f*e*c*e*s (carnivores or rodents).
• Roundworm larvae may encyst in the tissues and can remain there for years. 
• Worming treatments do NOT eliminate these encysted larvae from dogs.
• Most puppies are infected in utero (before birth) and via the mother's milk.

Dams should be treated before being bred.  After birth the puppies and the dam should be treated as follows:

Initiate treatment at 2 weeks; repeat at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. For a puppy at increased risk, also treat at 10 and 12 weeks, and then monthly until the puppy is 6 months old. Thereafter, use a heartworm preventive medication that is also effective against hookworms and roundworms.

It is not so easy to break the cycle in dogs. That requires isolation of animals and repeated treatment of bitches through multiple generations to prevent reinfection and reduce and finally eliminate larvae in the tissues.

Take care of the dog yourself and try to push them to find the dog a new home and maybe get a ferret.