[lucy12345]

Just after some advice as I dont know what to do, a month ago a friend was at the pound and saw 2 gorgeous little maltese type dogs, one white a younger and an older black one. they were due to be put down at 12 the following day. They took the young pup and sent us an sms about the other knowing we would love it.The local ranger bought it over to us and said if we wanted to look after it for 2 days and see how it goes we could keep it if not return it to be pts. She is a gorgeous dog and my son fell in love with her so obviously she fitted in well and we said we would be happy to have her. We have registered her and had her vet checked (all fine).
Now a month later my mum has seen a sign put up (date stamped today) with a picture of her. I feel as though I should call them but the dog had been in the pound 1 month and a month has passed since we got her. She was advertised in local papers and the shire site. The ranger said she was in bad health when they took her in, very underweight due to malnutrition. She was riddled in fleas and had worms etc.
I am in 2 minds about what to do. She has a loving home here, great diet, walked 3 times a day, brushed and bathed regularly and very loyal to us, for example she jumped the back fence a few times (now fixed by adding height to it) but as soon as we notice she is sitting nicey at the front door, ready to be let in .
So in all honesty what would you do in this situation?

[niggles]

I'd say to myself 'It's just a photo. It might not be the same dog." Actually I don't know what I'd do. The dog being malnourished could be because it got lost, not because it was neglected. It's a hard position to be in but the dog does seem to be yours now and wouldn't be easy to let go.

[laridae]

Are your sure its the same dog? Might just look similar - and they are only just looking now?

I'd keep the dog....

[Iliketoflounce]

Now a month later my mum has seen a sign put up (date stamped today) with a picture of her. I feel as though I should call them but the dog had been in the pound 1 month and a month has passed since we got her. She was advertised in local papers and the shire site. The ranger said she was in bad health when they took her in, very underweight due to malnutrition. She was riddled in fleas and had worms etc.
So in all honesty what would you do in this situation?

why would the owner be putting signs up now if the dog was in the pound for 1 month and with you for 1 month that would mean she has been missing 2 months (maybe more if she was underweight). Are you sure it is the same dog? TBH I wouldn't know maybe call the old owner and ask what her name is and see if she responds

[againagain]

Ohhh that is a tough one. I would be worried the owners had been away or something and the person who was meant to be looking after the dog had been crap at it.

Was it microchipped or desexed or anything? Are there any tell-tale marks on the dog that you might be able to find out if it is in fact the dog in the picture?

It's very true that it might not be the same one. But I personally would probably feel bad if I didn't put effort into finding out.

Good luck deciding!

[tamietamara]

I would personally keep her. A month in the pound is a long time for her owner to not find her.

[fairyflossfart]

Normally I would say it is right to return the dog to its home. However you have had it a month and it was in the pound for a month before that. You saved its life, so I say keep it.

[MakeLoveNotBacon]

It might have been in that condition because it had been lost.

I think you have to contact the owner.

[TopsyTurvy]

I would ring from a blocked telephone number and find out the reason why it's taken over a month for them to post that their dog is missing. If its a genuine reason (such as they were away and the dog escaped from a pet sitter etc) then I would also ask to contact their vet to find out if they give adequate care normally. If they pass both tests then the right thing is to return their pet to them. If not then I would keep the dog.

[noi'mnot]

I doubt it's the same dog.

Could you talk to the pound from which you adopted the dog? They might have some suggestions for you. Otherwise, I'd call the people from the poster and ask them when the dog went missing, and go from there.