I have a really heavy-duty problem.

[RebelOne]

There is a puppy that could be 6-9 months old that showed up on my neighbor's porch today. He has a chain around its neck and will not allow anyone to get near him as he will growl and bark. I left food and water for him, but that is all I can do. Even if I could gain his trust, I can't bring him into my house because I have two other dogs. My neighbor can't take him into her house because she has a cat that hates dogs. We were thinking about calling animal control, but I know that this poor doggie will be put down because he is aggressive. Don't know what to do. He looks to be a cross between a chow and German Shepherd. Sometimes I feel so helpless in situations like this because I know the animal needs help. This doggie must have been abused.

[RebelOne]

1. Kicking this up. Please, need some advice.

[IndyOp]

2. Any animal rescues in your area?

A rescue person might be willing to come take a look at him and give you an opinion -- best case scenario, someone in the rescue might have an outdoor pen they could put the dog in for observation...

[RebelOne]

4. Yes, I know a rescue group in my area, but I don't think they

would want to take this dog, since no one can get near him. But I will try anyway. Thanks.

[IndyOp]

6. Since he is a puppy maybe they would give him a chance --

If he really has been badly abused and they believe he cannot be recovered (given that there are so many dogs that need saving) then they will let you know and the shelter can do what must be done.

Thanks for trying...

[Blue Gardener]

3. Maybe injured?

That could also make him aggressive. Sorry I'm not much help with dogs, I deal with cats mostly. Is there a vet you could call for advice?
Hope things turn out okay.

[wildeyed]

5. One of my dogs bit the vet who was assessing him

when he was brought into the Pound. They almost put him down. But they didn't, and he turned out to be one of the most loving, stable dogs around. Seriously, my kids have done some heinous things to him, and he never even curls his lip at them. When he was picked up by the pound, he was very, very afraid, which must be what lead him to bite.

I guess what I am saying is, the dog may not be as aggressive as you think. He might be afraid and disoriented. Maybe he will improve after a few days. Probably not, but it is nice to hope.

[RebelOne]

7. Poor little doggie. I have e-mailed the rescue

that I was fostering my dog through. I have since adopted him. I haven't heard back from them yet. Anyway, I noticed that the poor dog has a prong collar and it's digging into his neck. I can't get near him because he snaps and growls. He's still on my neighbor's porch and she wants him gone.

[radfringe]

8. couple of suggestions

the growling/barking is a lack of trust on his part and definitely a sign that he was abused

when you put food/water out, place it about half-way between you and the dog, and sit there for awhile. (sitting is a less aggressive posture since you wouldn't be "towering" over the dog) This space gives the dog a "safety zone". If he/she starts eating the food, talk to it softly.

the dog will probably startle back, but once he sees you are not approaching him he'll go back to eating. Over the next couple of days shorten the distance between you, the food and the dog. and try tossing a couple of biscuits to him, again shortening the distance as he gains some trust

if you aren't willing/able to try this - then you should be calling local animal control - the dog isn't going to get any help running around loose

you could also try calling your vet and see if there are any groups out there able to help - but groups willing and able to address this type of problem are far and few between.

don't know where you live, but you could also run a google search for animal groups in your area

[sadinred]

9. kick

hoping for the best.

[meow2u3]

10. Report this dog as a cruelty case

I would call animal control if I were you. But I'd personally call the local SPCA or humane society (they likely handle cruelty cases) so they can bring the so-called owner to justice.

[Coventina]

11. Heartbreaking. I almost hate to say it, but feel I must....

You should call someone to pick him up right away. The poor little guy is undoubtedly scared and probably abused. (Who in their right minds puts those collars on their dogs?)

Things may not end well for him. But you must remember, that is NOT YOUR FAULT! You are not the one who bred him, abused and neglected him.
But he could be dangerous. You don't know what he might do to someone's pet or child. He could cause an accident if he runs into the street. He could die a worse death than euthanasia if he falls into the hands of a sicko.

My eyes are filling with tears as I type this, because my heart hurts for every scared, lonely, abused animal that finds itself in this sort of position. But you are not the bad guy here.

Sometimes the best course of action is one that our compassion hesitates to take.

Having said all that, I pass absolutely NO JUDGEMENT upon you if you feel that you simply cannot call animal control. Too many doggies get the needle. It's just so unfair to them.

:cry:

[Neecy]

12. where are you?

I might be able to hook you up with a rescue group -