Dog lovers thread continued..

CurlsNpearls12

So in regards to the sick lab we found that I posted about earlier... We took him to the vet and he's microchipped. The last thing I wanted to hear were those words. The microchip company that helps locate owners was closed so I have to call first thing in the morning to try and figure out what the owners info is. I have a lot of questions for these people such as why is he so skinny and sick? I hope he has only become malnourished because he's been gone for so long, and not neglect. Why didn't I find any info about a lost dog fitting his description after searching hours online, talking to vets and local shelters? I'm a little saddened that I only fell in love with him for such a short time, but I hope that if we get in touch with his family they are good people that aren't for animal cruelty. Wish me luck.

dumdumfroggie

Oh now! Hopefully it all works out for the best. Good luck!

CarolineandDean

I think you should go with your gut on this.  If you talk to them, and they don't seem too concerned with the welfare of this pup, I would absolutely keep him.  

As far as microchips go, just because he has one, doesn't mean it is actually registered to its previous owners.  Some breeders/shelters automatically give their animals microchips, but the owners who end up with them never register them to their own names. 

Thank you for what you are doing.  Many wouldn't have even given him a second glance, much less take him in.

tpender13

Oh, I hope you get to keep him! Please let us know how it goes.

Knittibell

I'd share your concerns with the vet, so if it seems that they've been neglecting him, you'll have someone in your corner if you attempt to keep him. There's no guarantee the current "owners" chipped him, as others said. x

[Deleted User]

Did the vet think he was in poor health?

NotARegAE

You'd be surprised how far a lost pet can wander, or how long some can survive after they've gotten out. Please do not automatically assume this dog was mistreated strictly because of his condition. The fact that you didn't find any sign of people looking for him could mean that no one is, but it could also very easily mean that he was lost outside of your county (or even your state) or has been gone for so long that the people you were in contact with didn't link that the dog you have is Dog X they were notified about being missing 2 months ago.

Did the vet feel the animal was mistreated? Or neglected?

Unfortunately, it's not always as easy as saying "go with your gut"; the dog is microchipped, so legally, his previous owners have the right to reclaim their "property" once you can get in contact with them if they choose to do so regardless of how you feel about their treatment of him.