What to do with Coco?

[wolf_Q]

When my next door neighbors brought home a cute puppy a few months ago I said to myself "That dog won't last a year..."

And do you know what? I was right! They've never had a dog before, and always kinda seemed like they didn't like my dogs. I have no idea why they got a dog in the first place.

Coco stayed outside 24/7. They had a fenced yard with grass at least. He had a crate for shelter. The kids loved him, but teased him endlessly.

Well, now they moved...to a house without a yard or grass. Poor Coco is just tied up in the mud all the time. Before they moved they talked to me about training suggestions and such. He has ruined things in their yard and barks a lot day and night. I suggested many things, especially bringing him in the house (at least at night)...I even copied a training book for them. I told them to neuter him.

I received a call tonight...they want to get rid of Coco. They talked about it previously, and I told them to contact me before they did. I didn't want them to just dump him off at a shelter or something.

But now what do I do? I can't foster him, my parents would never let me. I emailed two rescue organizations tonight. Any other suggestions?

I'm guessing he's around 7-10 months. He's only 30-40 lbs. Any guesses on the breed mix? I see a little bit of Aussie in his face, and his ears remind me of a terrier, but I don't know. Anybody want a really cute dog? ;) :D (see attached pic)

[delidog]

Coco is Beautiful...How Sad!!!!!
Stupid People!!!!!
Did you call Best Friends...They are Near You.....at least in same state...they have contacts all over....
Poor Baby....Wish You had room at your house....Nebo would Love another Playmate,I'll Bet......
Please let us know what happens

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Hey Amy!

Sucks that your neighbors would do something like this. Why get the dog in the first place?

How long are your neighbors willing to hold on to him? Do you have any friends or coworkers that would be able to foster him until you can find him a home?Have you tried contacting rescue groups in your area? Perhaps see if anyone can foster him? You work at Petco; don't they have a board where people can post pictures for adoptable pets? If so, why don't you put one up. I would also post his picture and info at the local vets in your area. Try Petfinder.com. Post him in the classifieds as an adoptable pet.

Hope some of my ideas help.

[ramanth]

Aww! Coco is so sweet. You've got some great suggestions Amy. Could you put up flyers at work?

[wolf_Q]

Sorry, I didn't see any of your replies until now...

I contacted several rescue groups but none of them replied to me. So I talked to the lady that comes to Petco all the time and runs Australian Shepherd Rescue. She can't take in any more dogs, she runs it from her home. She said that most of the groups around here don't take owner surrenders.

There is a board at Petco but it's for Lost and Found pets only. I've asked co-workers and friends, but nobody wants him.

I sent an email to Coco's owner telling her what I found out but I haven't received a reply. I don't know if they still have him or not, otherwise I'd try the classifieds at Petfinder.com

[leslie flenner]

I've sent you a post about coco but got notice that there is no more room for messages for you so they won't accept mine?! Any word on Coco, please let me and us here know, ok? She's a doll!

[wolf_Q]

I've deleted some things so you should be able to send me a message now.

[EssTer]

I´m really sorry to hear it :( It´s very sad... What a stupid people.. Coco is very beautiful ... uhhh, why people are doing things like this? :(

[leslie flenner]

what's the latest on cute coco? If he's part aussie, there may be an aussie rescue somewhere..

[wolf_Q]

There's an Aussie rescue in Utah. I know the person who runs its personally, and I've talked to her. She can't take him.

Coco's owners called and left me a message...they want me to get a kong for him and some other stuff. So I guess maybe they are keeping him?

[leslie flenner]

Well, so sounds like they might have become better owners? or I suppose you shall soon see? Did the Utah aussie rescue know of any others?

[wolf_Q]

I'm not sure what exactly is going on.

I've posted an ad on petfinder.com and emailed several more groups. Not much response yet.

[pit chic]

I was thinking he had some Australian Cattle Dog in him. Try finding a rescue based on that. www.akc.org has listings of breed rescues also.

http://www.wonderpuppy.net
http://www.canismajor.com

These are really good websites that give a lot of advice on responsible dog ownership, crate training, housebreaking, etc. I'm having trouble with my internet access again...but there are websites dedicated to "the outside dog". Try typing in "Unchain your dog" and another "Dogs deserve better". These are informative sites on chaining/tethering/penning dogs and why it's a better idea to bring them inside. For some reason people believe things better when they see it on paper so print out all that you can and give it to these people. Good luck and if my internet starts acting any better I'll try to find this stuff for you. If I lose access again, then it was nice chatting with you guys again, hopefully I'll be back.

[Logan]

He looks totally "hound" to me, Amy. :o Beagle/hound mix??

What about Best Friends? Have you tried that route yet? I sure would love to know if you can get him out of there. Sounds like he needs a new home, for sure.

Thank you for caring enough to do something about his situation.

Logan

[wolf_Q]

They had me get him a kong and some other supplies, so I'm not sure what they are doing now. They may have changed their mind about getting rid of him.

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by pit chic
I was thinking he had some Australian Cattle Dog in him.
I think so too! I see maybe a ACD/Greater swiss mountain dog mix?

Have you tried talking to your parents about it? Are there any no-kill shelters in the area that could take him in?

[wolf_Q]

I think so too! I see maybe a ACD/Greater swiss mountain dog mix?

Yeah, I thought Aussie but he could be part ACD too. The GSMD works with his coloring, but he's quite small, so I'm not sure, as those are huge dogs.

My parents wont do anything...we can't foster him or anything. We're already illegal with 4 dogs living here (2 is allowed), and since Coco is a barker, I can't draw more attention to us.

The only no-kill shelter here is Best Friends, which is a 6 hour drive away. I'm going there this summer, so maybe if they still have him by then I could do that, I don't know.

[leslie flenner]

What is going on with coco? anything at all? Is he too far away to check on. I truley wish I could have him. maybe I could take him and get him a home through the many shelters here? I dunno... I want to help...still. I have 9 cats and am gone from home 10 hours a day (commute to boston is one hour..). But maybe I could get my neighbor to dog sit? until we find him a home?
I just don't want to see this cutie neglected.. (nor do you, I know..)