Need advice, moral delima on just in case scenario

[StarryNite]

I wanted to post this "just in case" someone callse me again about Max. several months ago I got a rescue dog, Austrailian shepherd, named Max. He was a really good dog, 2.5 years old, but a few problems that, at the time, I couldn't tolerate. One, he had major food aggression and bit my daughter a few times (not a bad bite, more of a "warning" bite) but I was always worried about it. Two, I wasn't sure I could trust him around kids, after observing him for a few weeks he just didn't seem like he was used to them or very tolerant of them and I have kids in here day and night. My hubby got upset when he bit my daughter over a bone we gave him so he said that we should find him a home without kids and I agreed at the time.

I finally found him a home with a single guy who had a nice fenced yard and seemed very nice. He was looking for a companion dog and loved Max so I allowed Max to go here. The guy and I had an agreement that he would keep in touch and let me know how he is doing for awhile, etc.

So I emailed him a few days later to ask how he is, no response, emailed again, no response, emailed again saying my little girl wanted to know how he was doing, no response. I get a call a bit later that someone had picked max up running loose in the neighborhood, we rush down there and finally found Max running down the middle of the road! I took him back to his owner reluctantly and Max (who was SO SO happy to see me) almost climbed over my daughter to try to stay in the car and not go with the guy. Also, he seemed like he hadn't been bathed or brushed since I rehomed him!

I felt SO badly and that is when I figured that this was probably not the best home for Max and I made a mistake. When max was trying to get away from him the guy just said "that's because he knows he's in trouble!" I told him that he needs to fix the fence and isn't max's fault.

Fast forward about a month later, last weekend, I get ANOTHER call from someone saying they have my dog Max! I was out of town so could not go get him and had to tell them where Max lived. So I am thinking, almost 3 months and they guy still hasn't changed his tag to his name?

My question is this. If I get another call "three strikes" should I just go get him and take him home and either try to rehabilitate him from the food aggression, kid thing, or rehome him (more carefully this time)? or should I return him to the guy again? I have gone as far as to sit my car out front of the guys house just to try to get a glimpse of Max and know he is okay, I know, I'm a dog stalker, but I feel that badly that maybe he is in a bad home and it's my fault

Please don't bash me for rehoming him, I did rescue him from a bad situation and after a few weeks I just didn't think he was the right dog for us and was thinking of my daughter and wanting a dog that loved her as she wanted a dog so badly and that is the main reason I got him I thought Max would be best suited where he was an only dog with no kids...

Any advice appreciated!

[Amaruq]

I probably would have kept him back the first time if the dog and your gut was trying to tell you something. When that happens to me I listen. If you get him back why not contact a Aussie rescue as they are very familiar with the breed and you won't have to put your daughter in danger or stress the dog any more than he has already been stressed?

[StarryNite]

You know, you are right, I SHOULD have taken him back home the first time, but at that time all I knew is he got out, I didn't know what the guys reaction would be or how Max would want to stay with us so badly, as soon as I saw his reaction (the guys and max) I knew I should have kept him, I was so very upset that afternoon and kicking myself for not taking him back home! I felt even worse for not being home this past weekend to get him.

The Aussie rescue is a good idea, I will keep that in mind if someone else does call me. My border collie for 14 years didn't like kids and I could never train that out of her, but I didn't have kids when I had her.

[girlll_face]

If this happens again, I would NOT take him back to that man. He obviously blew smoke somewhere...

Maybe the best thing to do would be to find an Australian Shepherd rescue, or just be more careful when rehoming him again. Maybe do a home check, vet reference check, personal references, the whole shibang, and make up a document saying updates are part of the rehoming agreement contract...

If the dog makes you uncomfortable for your child's safety, do your best to find a great home with someone that doesn't have any children if Max gets loose again. Perhaps someone who's experienced with that breed.

[StarryNite]

Believe me, I have learned my lesson over this Bella. I have rehomed strays and many dogs in the past I found with great results and great families, this is the first time this has happened and if I have to rehome another stray dog than I will def. be more careful and do as you say. I have been sick over this for months now. I am hoping he gets out again and I get the opportunity. I will contact a Aussie rescue as you both have suggested. BTW, beautiful pic on your avatar! Bella is getting BIG!

[girlll_face]

Thanks!! She's a ham and a half.
Maybe you should try taking this dog back, since you were promised updates and all he does is avoid you. Just a thought...you probably won't even have to, if he's gotten out twice already he'll most likely do it again. Next time could be worse, though, I just don't want your Max to get attacked, or heaven forbid, hit by a car. I know how stressed out this all must be making you.

[StarryNite]

I know, I am thinking I will get another call, I am praying I do! I even thought of breaking him out when his owner isn't home, but of course I wouldn't do that, but part of me wants to! Here is a pic of Max. I kept him very well bathed and brushed, when I rescued him you couldn't even feel his skin beneath the mats on his back He wasn't that bad when I got him the one time when the people called me but was getting there!

[HeidiW]

I think you should contact they guy and have a heart to heart, tell him you want him back and perhaps the dog is to much for him to handle. In stead of waiting for him to get loose again and possibly hit by a car. Then find help for him. Thanks for trying to help him!

[HeidiW]

He is so cute, thanks for the pik.

[StarryNite]

I actually did email him asking for him back after that first incident and said just about what you said. Of course, no response. I have tried to call him several times and he doesn't return calls either or pick up