Don't know if this dog is a stray or not

I'd call AC definitely and likely leave food for the dog in the meantime.

Ok, that's likely what I'll do.

I second that, call AC right away.  Even if it is someone's dog, it's obviously in danger by being allowed to run loose.  Plus, the emaciation would have me concerned about the poor little guy's health.  If it's a puppy, it's a lot more likely to find a home, but if your willing, let AC know that you'd be interested in the dog if they have trouble placing it.  If you did end up taking it, maybe you could just foster him for awhile?

rwbeagles

I'd call AC definitely and likely leave food for the dog in the meantime.

Agreed, but make sure the food is identified to the AC as food you left.  Otherwise the AC might not be able to take the dog.
 
ETA:  Don't leave very much food or the pup may gorge and make himself sick.

I went back - she is definitely a stray. The trailer is beyond abandoned. Someone had left a bag of dog food, the whole bag, opened and laying out for her and it was crawling with ants. There was no water anywhere (cept the lake) and it is 95 degrees today. I tried to get her in my van, but although she is friendly in that she is coming up to us and following us, she is skittish and cowers when we try to touch her. No signs of aggression, but I didn't want to push her past her comfort level so I didn't try to grab her or anything.

I am about to call animal control and see if they can help me catch her and get her to my house. I don't know where to put her though to keep her away from my dogs until I can vet her and de-flea her. Maybe AC will do all that and then I can have my name down to take her if no one else adopts her. I don't know, I don't know. Is there hope for a dog like that to make a good family pet? She's so scared. [&o] And my son has named her Penny. [&o]
 
*Just called AC - lady on the phone said she could send someone out but it would be a while. Also said if they pick her up there is a good chance she would be euthed right away. She didn't know if they could leave my name with the dog or not. I'm going to try to catch her before I have ac come out. [&:]

2shelties

I'm going to try to catch her before I have ac come out. 

AC may be willing to loan (or rent) you a trap that you can set up yourself.  You can get some Capstar(link) tablets online or from your vet that do a very good job of killing fleas.  They only last about 24 hrs and are about $3 a tablet, so they are not practical to use all the time.  You could also get some Safe-Guard(link) and start worming at the same time (3 once-a-day doses).
 
You could go out with a large pie pan (if your aim is as bad as mine   ;).  Toss a ball of canned food with the Capstar into the pan making it clear you have more food.  When she eats that food, toss in more with the Safe-Guard.  After she finishes that just give her a little more of the food.  You don't want her to throw up so do not give a lot of food.
 
The next day you could repeat the above and set up the trap.  The 3rd day the trap will probably hold a dog with few fleas and almost no worms.  A third dose of Capstar and Safe-Guard should give you a dog with no fleas or worms.  Safe-Guard is also effective against Giardia(link), but she could still have Coccidia(link) since she is stressed.. 

2shelties

Is there hope for a dog like that to make a good family pet? She's so scared.  

There is a good chance she will be fine since she obviously wants your attention.  It may just take a little time before she completely trusts you.

Oh, I'm super curious, and am hoping that you were able to catch this girl!! Considering that AC suggested immediate euthanization, I'm really hoping you were able to get her back to your house in time. Keep us posted!!


By the way, thanks for trying to take this little girl in, even if it is only temporary until you find her a home. I can't believe someone just left the poor dear there to fend for herself. People are simply ignorant...[:@]

If you immediately put Frontline Plus(link) on the dog after capture, please wait 48 hours before the first bath.  That will give the Frontline a chance to spread first since it uses the dog's natural oils to do so.

I got her. It was easier than I thought. I went back and put some food out and sat down behind it. She took about one bite and backed up, and I was afraid she was going to be too scared, but then she came around to the side of me, crawled in my lap, and started licking my face. I took a chance and picked her up and put her in my van.

I passed some people walking on the road on the way out and asked if they knew if anyone lived down there, just to be sure, and they said people went down there and did drugs and that someone had dumped a dog there before, so I think I am pretty safe in guessing that no one is looking for this little girl.

Anywho, she is in my garage. Not ideal, but she is covered in fleas and her belly is round even though you can see her ribs. I really hope she is not seriously ill or pregnant. I think she is too young to be pregnant, but I can't really tell. Her teeth look good. I did put a Frontline on her. She is about the same size as my smaller sheltie. I'm going to take her to the vet tomorrow and then go from there. DH wants me to try to find a rescue group that will take her. I may try to foster her, or we may fall in love, who knows. She is very sweet and friendly, and I she seems to have really attatched herself to me already. I have no doubt now that she will make a nice pet. She will need more work than if she were socialized earlier though. She startles easily and freaked with a capital F over the leash.

Luckily I have been planning on a third dog, a rescue that is not definite yet, so I have an extra crate, and even a pink collar if need be. [&:]

So without further ado, here's Penny...and her ears don't stand up like that, she just had her head back.

She is adorable!  I'm so glad you were able to catch her.  I was really rooting for the both of you. 

It's so great of you to help this adorable 'lil girl! She really is a cutie!
Janet

2shelties

Not ideal, but she is covered in fleas and her belly is round even though you can see her ribs. I really hope she is not seriously ill or pregnant. 

I am delighted that you got this little one!  The swollen belly may be just worms.  With all the fleas she probably has a bunch of tapeworms.  However, at 6 months she could be pregnant.
 
Your vet will probably recommend a Capstar to help get rid of fleas.  He/she will probably also provide you with a one-dose de-wormer.
 
You do not want her to defecate where your dogs do until after she is wormed.  Wherever she defecates, pick it up ASAP to avoid spreading worms.  Some worms can be picked up by people - especially children. 
 
Do not bathe her for 48 hrs after the Frontline application.

Yeah, I was worried about the poop. I'd be shocked if she didn't have worms. If my dogs are on interceptor, they are protected against several different kinds of worms, right?
 
I'll wait to give her a bath, but she may have to stay in the garage or outdoors until I do. I really can't have a flea infestation with my house being for sale. Anyone know how long it takes for frontline to start to kill fleas?

What you did was so caring and I'm so happy she found someone like you who was willing to save her. She is so adorable! [sm=happy.gif]