WIBTAH if I I kept him

[u/Delicious-Intern6618]

I’m struggling with this one. We were leaving town after a wedding, we’d left the hotel late and grabbed a bowl of bacon on the way out. As we were driving down the frontage road, about to merge onto the highway I saw a fluffy dog running TOWARDS oncoming traffic. I pulled off and used my bacon to get him closer… I just reacted. He was matted pretty bad and a bit skinny, but very friendly. No collar, and the only person kind of close said they had no idea who the little guy was. I had an 8 hour drive ahead of me, thought he had been out there for a long time given his state so I wrapped him up and took him with me and my other two dogs.

Once I got home I went straight to the vet, and had them check for a chip. He had none. We agreed I’d take care of the matting then have him fully check out (that’s coming tomorrow his coat was in baaaad shape) Made a post in the area I found him, then called my local shelter. They couldn’t take him in but I was told to keep looking for his owner and to make sure I got verifiable proof if someone came forward.

I did find his family, and they are pissed I took him all the way home. Arrangements have been made for someone to pick him up, and I’ve gotten some proof that he’s theirs. But no recent vet records, only one from years ago…and the longer I’ve had him the worse I realize his condition is. The matting could not have happened within the “day” or so he got out. He’s got critters living on him that would have needed months to get to point they’re in.. I’m torn. I can’t really have another pet, but what if I don’t have a choice? EDIT: What I mean is, what if no one comes to pick him up? And another big issue for me is just the state he is in vs what they’re saying happened. I would not just refuse to give him back-just struggling if I should involve the authorities or Animal Welfare.

[u/Mental_Tart842]

I would have assumed a dog in that condition, with no collar, was a stray, and made no effort to find an owner. I would have kept the dog with no compunction.

[u/Delicious-Intern6618 → u/Mental_Tart842]

I almost did but I had to at least try. Then the story got messy and what they’re saying just doesn’t match up with his condition.

[u/Chance-Cod-2894 → u/Delicious-Intern6618]

Honestly, if he's in that condition, it just shows they've neglected him. When talking with your attorney find out who you'd report them to, and do that. If this causes them to lose the pup to the RSPCA then all the better. Do all you can to keep the pup away from them. They won't take care of him.