I agree with the others - it smells very fishy! This past summer, my friend's dog got loose and ran off. She was frantic. We were looking everywhere. Then a person called and left a message on her machine saying they have her. Well, we called and no answer, so we both kept calling every 5 minutes for an hour until someone answered. We were ready to call the cops. He asked for a reward and when we said sure, he gave us the address to pick her up. But you see, she was desperate to find her and once she knew who had her, she kept calling and calling until she got a hold of him and then RUSHED over to pick her up. This guy sounds very, very fishy. You are doing the right thing by not giving her up so easily.
-
Guest - Please ensure that you have read the Missing Sheltie Rules before starting a thread.
Found in Miami, Lost Sable Female
- Thread starter skneip01
- Start date
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
I would leave the ball in his court and not email any further.
If indeed he has the microchip number, he'll be in touch with you. Why he would wait to get it to you is just an indication that something doesn't smell right.
If it was my pup, I would have emailed it to you within seconds!
As for the pictures, I wouldn't let that be an indication. Some people just aren't into pics. When I got Timber 13 years ago I went crazy with picture in the first week. Then maybe once per year after - but that was before digital, and I was stingy with film!
(now of course, my laptop is about to explode with puppy pictures!)
You are doing the right thing to be cautious here.
If indeed he has the microchip number, he'll be in touch with you. Why he would wait to get it to you is just an indication that something doesn't smell right.
If it was my pup, I would have emailed it to you within seconds!
As for the pictures, I wouldn't let that be an indication. Some people just aren't into pics. When I got Timber 13 years ago I went crazy with picture in the first week. Then maybe once per year after - but that was before digital, and I was stingy with film!
(now of course, my laptop is about to explode with puppy pictures!)
You are doing the right thing to be cautious here.
Ann
Moderator
Legally, you have no obligation to turn the dog over to anyone who cannot positively prove to you that they are the owner. That would include a microchip number and vet certificate, a very detailed description of the dog, and exact circumstances and date how and when she ran away. Unless someone offers that information fairly quickly after their first contact with you, tell them to take a hike. I would also make clear to anyone with future claims that you require this information to release the dog, period, no exceptions.
There are too many unscrupulous people in the world mistreating animals to take any chances. If you hear from this guy again, tell him in no uncertain terms that he is too vague and has no proof. And whatever you do, don't give out your address!
Thank you for being so vigilant with this little lost soul, Shawn! She's found a good home with you.
There are too many unscrupulous people in the world mistreating animals to take any chances. If you hear from this guy again, tell him in no uncertain terms that he is too vague and has no proof. And whatever you do, don't give out your address!
Thank you for being so vigilant with this little lost soul, Shawn! She's found a good home with you.
skneip01
Forums Regular
The Plot Thickens
Shortly after I posted my last update I received a note from the guy. Here is what he wrote; "hi shawn i do have the numbers from the microchip im just awaiting cause my aunt is out of town she will be back this week and will be giving me those microchip numbers i just dont want you to think that im looking for a free dog or anything like that but i am pretty shes mine cause you found her in the area that i lost her if you let me see her i would difinately recognize her once again my number is 7863893292 danny"
I haven't and will not reply! At this point I'm of two minds. One part of me wants to just rip the guy apart. It has been almost 3 weeks since we've taken this little girl in and all I get is messages like the above. If this dog truly meant anything to this person/family I would have thought they would ford any stream, climb any mountain to get the info to me as quickly as possible. I most certainly will not meet with him so "he" can recognize the dog. If no further information is forth coming I'm going to ignore any further communication and just keep her.
The other part of me is determined to rip him apart, even if he does by some miracle come up with the Microchip number, about properly caring for a furry person and having all the appropriate information ready and at hand in case the unthinkable happens and your furry person wanders off. I mean a detailed description, photo's from multiple angels, AKC registered number, Microchip number as well as having the Microchip registered with Home Again and the AKC CAR and as many similar agencies that track lost/missing animals
I guess either way I just want to rip him up. It just boggles my mind that here we are almost 3 weeks from my initial contact with this, I'll use the term loosley, "gentleman" and he still has yet to send me anything definitive that proves this little girl is his. Sorry for the rant everyone. It just really frosts my cookies when people treat furry family members like this.
Shortly after I posted my last update I received a note from the guy. Here is what he wrote; "hi shawn i do have the numbers from the microchip im just awaiting cause my aunt is out of town she will be back this week and will be giving me those microchip numbers i just dont want you to think that im looking for a free dog or anything like that but i am pretty shes mine cause you found her in the area that i lost her if you let me see her i would difinately recognize her once again my number is 7863893292 danny"
I haven't and will not reply! At this point I'm of two minds. One part of me wants to just rip the guy apart. It has been almost 3 weeks since we've taken this little girl in and all I get is messages like the above. If this dog truly meant anything to this person/family I would have thought they would ford any stream, climb any mountain to get the info to me as quickly as possible. I most certainly will not meet with him so "he" can recognize the dog. If no further information is forth coming I'm going to ignore any further communication and just keep her.
The other part of me is determined to rip him apart, even if he does by some miracle come up with the Microchip number, about properly caring for a furry person and having all the appropriate information ready and at hand in case the unthinkable happens and your furry person wanders off. I mean a detailed description, photo's from multiple angels, AKC registered number, Microchip number as well as having the Microchip registered with Home Again and the AKC CAR and as many similar agencies that track lost/missing animals
I guess either way I just want to rip him up. It just boggles my mind that here we are almost 3 weeks from my initial contact with this, I'll use the term loosley, "gentleman" and he still has yet to send me anything definitive that proves this little girl is his. Sorry for the rant everyone. It just really frosts my cookies when people treat furry family members like this.
Chris
Forums Celebrity
Shawn, five bucks to a hole in a donut the guy is just hoping you'll cave and show him the dog. I agree: ignore any contact except one with microchip numbers. (Even then ignore it.) 
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
In my opinion, even if he produces the right microchip number, you should say: Nope! That's not it!
I just don't think this is a responsible person. I would have moved heaven and earth to get my dog back.
When I was a kid and we lost our Sheltie in Austria (or was it Germany?) while doing a tour of Europe by VW bus (yeah, the Magical Mystery Tour!), my dad called the village in Austria every day to see if there was any progress! Two weeks later, they finally found her and we cancelled the rest of the holiday plans and went straight back to get her. By that time, she'd been fed on viener snitzel and sausage for a week and I don't think she wanted to come back with us!
The pup is better off with you, if you can manage it.
Take care
Barb
I just don't think this is a responsible person. I would have moved heaven and earth to get my dog back.
When I was a kid and we lost our Sheltie in Austria (or was it Germany?) while doing a tour of Europe by VW bus (yeah, the Magical Mystery Tour!), my dad called the village in Austria every day to see if there was any progress! Two weeks later, they finally found her and we cancelled the rest of the holiday plans and went straight back to get her. By that time, she'd been fed on viener snitzel and sausage for a week and I don't think she wanted to come back with us!
The pup is better off with you, if you can manage it.
Take care
Barb
I say Ahem to that Brutha!
MobiusTubes
Forums Enthusiast
I don't know ... Rachael was chipped - I had no idea what the numbers were! (the people that found her never took her to a vet to check if she was chipped). The only way we found her was through a massive flyer campaign. I bet SheltieMom knew the numbers though.
I understand why you are of two minds ... but if you're only willing to accept microchip numbers as the sole source of proof of ownership and he doesn't have them ... well, he doesn't have them!
That said, I *am* disturbed by the fact that he cannot describe any of her prominent markings. So I guess I am of two minds as well ... perhaps four, cuz I also don't know if I should be defending the guy or not!
I understand why you are of two minds ... but if you're only willing to accept microchip numbers as the sole source of proof of ownership and he doesn't have them ... well, he doesn't have them!
That said, I *am* disturbed by the fact that he cannot describe any of her prominent markings. So I guess I am of two minds as well ... perhaps four, cuz I also don't know if I should be defending the guy or not!
Last edited:
You were right to have reservations. I work with Barb in Mid Florida Sheltie Rescue and we would do the same thing.
How long did you have the dog before he contacted you?
According to the law you are only required to hold the dog for five days and make every effort to find the owner. Which you have done. After five days you have the option of keeping the dog or rehoming her. You are under no obligation to turn the dog over to anyone without pertinent information regarding the dog's color, markings, vet records, size, or anything else that can help identify the dog.
Barb will be glad to guide you in what you should do next. She has been working in Sheltie Rescue for over twenty years. Please do call her.
Judy and the Rescue Squad
MFSR
How long did you have the dog before he contacted you?
According to the law you are only required to hold the dog for five days and make every effort to find the owner. Which you have done. After five days you have the option of keeping the dog or rehoming her. You are under no obligation to turn the dog over to anyone without pertinent information regarding the dog's color, markings, vet records, size, or anything else that can help identify the dog.
Barb will be glad to guide you in what you should do next. She has been working in Sheltie Rescue for over twenty years. Please do call her.
Judy and the Rescue Squad
MFSR