Stray Dog question....help?

[mariem]

So there has been a dog hanging out outside my door...I mean...right on my doorstep...for about 4 days now. It is the friendliest dog ever and looks like it is in good health (mostly)..and has a collar. I've spoke to the owner who admits to letting the dog roam where it wants. And I have seen it "roam" in the 2 years that I've lived here. However, it has never been so intent on getting in...or staying...and waiting...on my doorstep for someone to go outside and give it attention. So I am wondering if it "really" has access to food, water, warmth. My neighbor (apartment complex) has been feeding it, and giving it water. But now it is like 40 degrees outside, raining, windy...etc. Also the dog is now limping, and constantly crying. I can hear it through my door. I want to let it in, but I have a cat. It doesn't show any obvious signs of parasites, but just wondering, if I let it in...is it likely to give my cat worms (if it has them.)? Also, is 40 degrees w/ rain and wind too cold for a dog? Its medium sized, and has quite a bit of fur..but I don't know anything about dogs. Other than this one is sad. I am so weak!

[Licchl05]

Since you know the owner I'd be marching over to his house with the poor dog and let him know that if you see the poor thing in such a condition in the future you'll be calling the authorities!

[Airbuswife]

Since you know the owner I'd be marching over to his house with the poor dog and let him know that if you see the poor thing in such a condition in the future you'll be calling the authorities!

absolutely agree!!
and also say that you would rather take the dog in than have it outside cold and begging for food.

[Anniston]

Ohh, that is rough. While I can't give you advice on the worms thing, I would suggest either calling the Humane Society for advice on this. It is strange that the dog is now seeming to seek shelter. That is scary and sad.

[tarasdream]

i would just take it in im a big softie and if it did have worms its easy to treat. im a softie and all the animals always show up on my doorstep and i take them in and take care of them and some when they are ready to move on they let me know.

[Quaker_Parrots]

If the owner lives in the apartment complex too, report them to management as well.

[1luckylady]

I'd take him in in a heart beat. If it is someones pet than it probably doesn't have worms as long as they keep it vetted. Its to cold for the poor guy.

[sunniekiss]

I'd take the dog to my vet, have it checked for worms & get shots & keep it but then I am a sucker for strays.
The dog & cat will learn to co-exist. Poor baby.

[janelle]

Maybe the owner moved and abandoned the dog, It happens a lot now with the economic condition. The owners think others will take care of their problems with their animals---stupid I know. That is how we got a dog, my brother brought him home after his owner left him.

The dog needs help either way though. You can go to www.dogoftheday.com and they will give you ideas. Someone needs to take the dog in or find out about the owner. Good luck and I hope the dog gets the help it needs and finds a good home.

[3lilpigs]

40* is not too cold for a dog, but I would still call someone who is able to give him shelter and food/water. Just make sure they are a 'no kill' shelter.

The dog senses that you care about it, that's why he keeps coming back.

[jasmine]

The dog senses that you care about it, that's why he keeps coming back.

awwww
how sweet
the dog knows you care!!

I would def. be talking to the dogs owners!! And the apartment manager.

[buglebe]

The dogs owners have already established their lack of care and feeling for the dog.
I would take it in.

[msmom79]

i'm a softy too,so the puppy would be taken in by me
if you have a fear of parasites you can deworm the puppy yourself,or take him to the vet,if he is limping like you said,he should be checked out
good luck on your decision

[MistyWolf]

Obviously the owner doesn't care about the dog or else he wouldn't let it roam! .. If it were me, I'd have a new dog, unless I took it to a shelter, which would have to be a no kill one.

Yes, other animals can get worms if around one that has them. Deworm him and see a vet. I took a stray cat in a few years ago and she had worms .. took her to the vet and I still have her to this day .. she is my baby and I love her.

I couldn't imagine my dog alone, cold, hungry and scared with no-one loving him :( .. he is laying right by my feet and I would never just let him roam uncared for. The "owner" should be ashamed of themselves!

[buglebe]

So it's been a couple of days, what did you do?