Think we have a dog.....

seven-day-weekend

Hi there all.

As many of you know we live in rural Spain and there are quite a lot of stray/abandoned dogs about.

Well today we were driving along a road (quite a main road, but in the middle of nowhere) when we saw a starving dog with a bad leg limping along by the roadside. We stopped the car and my husband got out.

Usually stray/abandoned dogs will just run away as they are too frightened to come close, but this one stopped. It then gave a slight wag of its tail and then came to my husband. It woud not/could not get in the car, but was quite happy when my husband lifted it in and settled down straight away.

It is now asleep on a blanket in our hall. It wanted to go upstairs (to our sitting room) but we made 'not allowed' noises and it has settled on its blanket. We have tied it up but on a long lead, just so it doesn't escape when we open the door. It has drunk some water and eaten some food, and wags at my husband.

It is very thin but apart from the bad leg seems otherwise healthy.

We will take it to the vet tomorrow and see what is what. It may have to have the leg amputated, or at the worst be put down. We are also going to advertise it locally.

Ity seems a quiet and well-behaved dog.

Assuming we are able to keep it, does anyone have any tips?

likabu_2

Harsh as it sounds try not to get too attached just incase all doesn't go well at the vets. On the other hand if all goes swell at the vets then you will get loads on advice on here.

Well done you two for not just driving by.

Lisa

Psykicpup

unfortunately I know knowt about rural spain or the vets there but assuming things are not very different to here...
The vet will probably check the dog to see if it is microchiped or if not may ask you to contact either the police or the local animal shelter to try to trace the owner. Brace your self you may just be a 'foster' owner for a while. I would guess that he is a family pet that has strayed from your description of how friendly he is.....
Depending on what has happened to the leg you may also be in for a high vets bill:eek:. Dont be talked into unnessessary procedures, make sure the vet explains exactly why an xray is needed or what ever!
Ask the vet how old he thinks the dog is & what breed/s as differing mutts have differing temperments ,exersise needs etc & we can help more when we know more!

You may be lucky & he is a stray who has just had a bit of a bump somehow however so dont take what I have said above too much to heart!
He is a very lucky dog to have found such caring people as you two!:T
Do let us know how you get on at the vets!

I rescued a doberman who had been dumped at the side of the road so I know it is possible to gain a dog this way lol - Good Luck

seven-day-weekend

Thanks for your replies.

The dog looks 'hound-ish' to me and here they are used as hunting dogs. I think he has been cared for adequately. However, if he is a hunting dog that has met with an accident that means he can't hunt, then he may well have been dumped.

If he is a Spanish dog, I doubt very much that he has been microchipped. However, if he has, all to the good as it means he has had a caring owner to whom he can be returned.

We have decided on what we can afford for vet's treatment. Even if the worst happens, we can know that he had a better end than he otherwise would have done.

We took him for a little walk tonight, to see if he wanted to do his business. He didn't want to go for the walk - tail between legs stuff. I think he thought he was dumped again. Soon as we got inside he was straight onto his blanket, where he has stayed ever since.

We hope the news is good news tomorrow, but we are prepared for the worst.

Please keep any advice coming and I will let you know what happens tomorrow.

Thanks again.

Froglet

My very very best wishes for tomorrow,i do so hope he can be helped,and what a wonderful thing you did.If only there were more people like you.That dog will be the most loving pet you could imagine if he can be saved.

lilac_lady

I've read some of your posts and I know your husband suffers from depression. This dog could be a wonderful thing for him. It looks as though it's chosen your husband so I really hope you can keep it. It's a lucky dog!!

pulliptears

Ohh post some pics! He sounds adoreable.
Hope all goes well for you
x

WeirdoMagnet

SDW what an angel you and your hubby are! Sounds like he is meant to be with you. Fingers crossed that he gets a good health report.

seven-day-weekend

Thank you all for your posts and support.

I don't know how to post pictures, I'm afraid, and we only have a slow dial-up connection (we call it Muleband as our Spanish neighbours still use Mules as beasts of burden), so don't know if it is even possible. I don't think you'd like it anyway, he is skin and bone and his leg is a mess.

My husband has wanted a dog for a long time, but we had decided to wait until we can be in the UK for longer, when our son could look after it when we go on our travels, but it does look as though this dog has chosen him.

He is seeming slightly perkier now and ventured not quite so reluctantly outside with me, but was still glad to get back to his blanket, where he still is.

Will let you all know tomorrow.

sandy2_2

Animals do have a way of choosing who they want to be with don't they

Good luck at the vets, some of the vets here in Spain do charge reduced fees for treating stray animals. If you're anywhere near Mojacar there's a shelter there with treatment I beleive (APSA and PAWS)

catkins

Good luck at the vets. Hopefully the dog will get to stay with you - sounds like he will have a lovely life with you. I suffer from depression and I definitely think having a dog helps. Some days if I did not have him I would probably just stay in bed all day but I have to get up and walk him and that nearly always brightens my mood.

I am so glad you stopped for the dog. I lived in France for a few years and found a couple of abandoned cats (one young kitten abandoned at a motorway service station - we called him Esso!!!). Myself and OH could never just ignore them.