So my neighbor asked me to watch his dog 2 days ago and he would pay me. It was only supposed to be overnight. He gave me enough food for that. I am disabled and not able to do much with this dog, as I am in a wheelchair. Another neighbor is walking her towards me. Well, sometime yesterday he must have gotten arrested, and he has no bail. I cannot take care of this dog. She is such a good girl, but she is a pit bull and if I take her to the pound, they will destroy her. The sister was supposed to come pick her up but wasn’t answering my calls. I called a no kill shelter and said they would take her normally, but they’re full. I’m officially out of food for her and don’t know what to do. I’m broke and can barely afford to feed myself. Does anyone have any kind of suggestion?
Shelters find it hard to adopt pit bulls, but they are still full of pit bulls, so they presumably accept them.
Phone more shelters.
If you can find out what happened to the owner, it might help: if he’s expected out of jail soon, it’s easier than if he’s likely in for years.
All I know is that he does not have bail. I’m not sure what that means. I’m not sure why or anything. I know he has a criminal history, thus he may not be released. Giving away this man’s dog is another source of concern for me. I wish his sister could call me back.
That suggests he either did something so awful that they will not release him on bond.
Or it suggests he doesn’t have a way to get bailed out, which is normally done with cash or property to ensure you show up in court.
There’s a fair possibility that your local court and/or police records are available online, at least for the basics. For example, charges, arrests, and so on. This might give you a better sense of what to do. For instance, if it’s a little offense like stealing with a fine, he’ll get the dog back shortly, instead of killing someone and the dog in need of a new forever home.
I can’t help with money or dog food. But if you DM his name and location, he has been detained.
All I can advice you to do is post in your local neighborhood group to see if anyone is willing to take her in. Ask for the names and contact information for local rescues. A rescue can connect you with an emergency foster. If you live in a major city, there are likely several nearby.
Some shelters have feed programs. I have trained several dogs from my natural wheel chair.
Where are you located? If you don’t want to share publicly, DM me. I recently had some shenanigans in which I had to rehome 11 pit mixes that my uncle had been hoarding and were ready to be taken by Animal Control. After weeks of calling shelters and being turned away…Fortunately, some folks took up the cause with me and called in their area as well.
Many local animal shelters feature food pantries for pets. When I got my dog in to get chipped, they were giving them out left and right. Ziploc bags are available in two gallon sizes for dogs and one gallon for cats.
Thanks. I have mobility issues so getting there would be hard
If the dog is healthy and not aggressive, he will not be instantly euthanized because he is a pit bull. I live in Houston, and we have overcrowded shelters, but this is not happening at our city pound. Ironically, our SPCA does not adopt pit bulls, although the city pound (animal control) does.
They’re illegal to have where I live
Pit bulls are not illegal in Baltimore.
So your neighbor with the dog was arrested?
Continue calling the sister. The dog will become hungry, but he will not starve for several days. Make sure the dog has water. Contact a local Reddit group for your city and ask for assistance there. Also, phone other dog rescue organizations. Does your neighbor attend church or belong to any other group? Someone there may offer food and walks, as well as foster or surrender at some point.
Organizations like the Humane Society often provide food donations, and any animal shelter should be able to offer a list of resources.
You don’t need to walk your dog as much as people might suggest. Here are a few options:
- Use a tie-out: If you don’t have a yard, you can still let your dog outside on a tie-out.
- Ask for help: You can ask someone to take your dog to a local dog park once or twice a week to burn off energy.
- Indoor exercise: Have your dog run up and down stairs, play fetch, or toss treats around the room.
- Training: Mental stimulation through training tires dogs out faster than physical activity. Try slow feeder mats or teach commands like “up” and “off.”
- Search games: Teach your dog to search for objects or treats around the house.
Dogs are highly adaptable, and if you’re calm at home, your dog will relax too. My dogs are calm indoors and release their energy in designated spaces. Yours can do the same.
Hope this helps, and don’t let anyone make you feel bad. You’re doing great;