Need advice, moral delima on just in case scenario

[StarryNite]

I am reviving this post after today. Somehow I knew that I would get Max back one day (and prayed that this guy didn't take the tag off Max's collar with my addy and number on it). That day was today. Someone called me a few weeks back, Max was loose again and running all over the city. It was late at night and I could not leave to go get him and was upset over that so I just told them where he lived. Fast forward to yesterday, I get ANOTHER call, Max is running loose yet again very close to the house I rehomed him to. Again ,late at night, I could not go get him so told them where he lived. This morning I get another call from yet another person and this time I CAN go get him! I told the very nice woman that I was on my way down and she said she would keep him in her fence until I get there. I wanted to assess his condition and then make a decision.

Upon arriving there as soon as Max saw us he bounded out from her fence and came to give us kisses. He had HUGE mats behind his ears and on his hindquarters. He obviously hadn't been washed for a long while. He is also very thin. I knew this was my "second chance" and remembered how terrified Max was of the guy last time I brought him back to him and made the decision not to do that again. Obviously Max has been running loose for two days and right around his home and obviously John (the guy I rehomed Max to) wasn't even looking for him. He also didn't bother to put a new name tag with his info on it for an entire year while he let Max escape and roam busy streets.

Now, I cannot keep Max at this point with Lou and our living space right now especially with our fence out of commission for a few weeks while we pave. I immediately put Max in the car and brought him home. I clipped the mats off of him and put him right in the bath. 2 hours later he was gorgeous again but his teeth look like that of a 10 year old dog at least (Max is 3). Lou went NUTS with Max here, poor Max was terrified of her but held his own. Unfortunately with no fence and just Lou's crate right now I couldn't keep them separated and needed a foster for a few days at least to figure out what to do.

I talked to Marrissa again (the one who found him) and she said she had some friends that could foster him for a few days. She contacted them and I immediately took a much cleaner and happy Max down to them. The girl was just amazing. She had a GSD (who ran for mayor of the town at one point ) who had passed on a year before. What is weird about it is that she told me that after a year just TODAY she felt she was ready for another companion and went on Craigslist looking for a collie which she didn't find. I talked to her for a long while and Max just LOVED her. She seems like the absolute perfect companion for Max. I told her to give it a few days and if it's not the right fit I will call the Aussie rescue and try to foster and place her through them. That is where we stand now, I can't wait to talk to her tomorrow and see how things are going.

I have been praying for a year that I would have the opportunity, and the second chance, to rehome Max. I don't know that I did the right thing but after Max's reaction to John when I brought him home the first time coupled with his condition this time, I just couldn't with good conscious bring him back there.

If for some reason it doesn't work out with Max and his foster home right now, I will follow all of your advice and he will get the best home imaginable for him this time. I am now working with a GSD rescue and know SO much more than I did then. I am just so thankful I have this second chance with Max, it has been eating at me for a year now and now I feel SO much better knowing he is cared for and will have the future he deserves.

[spiritsmom]

Sounds like this time he will have a happily ever after ending to his story! He's a cutie and if he doesn't stay with this woman I'm sure the Aussie rescue can place him in a good home for you.

[StarryNite]

Michelle, it is so rare for a "happily ever after" or even a "second chance" in life I have vowed that Max will have a happily ever after if I got him back and I am thrilled that now he will get that chance and I will SEE TO IT this time

[SylvieUS]

Hi Lisa...

I just thought that perhaps....somehow...my story might help you.

I am currently considering adopting/fostering a dog with issues. Your story just reinforced what I already knew, and as his current 'parents' live a good distance away, I am setting up a "Plan B" in case the rehoming doesn't work. Something that both of us can live with. Something in place before I even take him.

Also...as a husky owner (a rescue, never ever again!!!) I can tell you that they are mostly submissive pack animals. They LOVE other animals. I rescued my Husky from a backyard chain. They don't like being chained 24/7, but they cope, normally. This is how he is now, with small animals...



He's not a bit overweight, that is his winter coat. My "hubby" walks him 3-5 miles daily, no matter the weather. Huskies need a freaking TON of exercise to be happy, and will go over, around, or under pretty much any fence known to man, hence the chains. They can't help it, it's in the genes. Much like the Aussies. Ironically, his "Sister', whom I rescued at the same time, was an Aussie Shep. RIP Jazz sweetie. He still misses her.

Best of luck to you, I hope you find a happier situation for your Maxx

[StarryNite]

Sylvie.. I just adore huskies but I also know how driven and excitable they are, I really think these dogs, more than most, are meant to WORK! I mean hard work! They are amazing dogs but I saw my neighbor who had one and kept their husky in the backyard without any walks or anything and that dog ended up killing the puppy they brought home in a moment. Trust me, that whole family had issues, but it was horrible for me to know as I met the new pup and that husky just ripped him apart from frustration.

People really need to understand the drives of certain breeds and I am learning more and understand that more and more as I work with the GSD rescue. I am seeing more and more of "I want a GSD" or "I want a husky" or "I want a Rott" without people understanding their temperament and what they need as a breed.

Your husky rescue is beautiful! Should be in front of a sled in Alaska

[ChristenHolden]

I dunno if its been said yet, but if he's still wearing the tags you put on him. Would it really be stealing? Even with the cops you have your name and # on the dog not his.

[ChristenHolden]

Ooops should have read more. YAY! I'm glad he's happier now, what luck! CONGRATS.

[StarryNite]

Christen, that is EXACTLY what I told them if they ever meet the guy in town and the police get involved. As far as legally, *I* still own him.

[BlackPuppy]

Yay!!!!!