Someone just left their dog at the dog park

So I live in an apartment complex, and I was taking my dog to the dog park when I saw another dog there alone. I looked around, but nobody was in sight. It was hot, about 92 degrees, and the dog was panting heavily. I waited for a few minutes, hoping someone would show up, but still nobody.

I felt bad, so I let the dog into the smaller area where there’s a water fountain, but it ran to the shade and wouldn’t come closer. I tried tossing water to it, but it was too scared. I ended up calling the apartment complex and let them know because I wasn’t sure what to do. I couldn’t take the dog back with me, worried I’d get in trouble. Should I have called the police instead of the apartment management?

You should have called animal control or the ASPCA. Never leave a dog out in the heat, even if it’s not yours.

Roux said:
You should have called animal control or the ASPCA. Never leave a dog out in the heat, even if it’s not yours.

Ugh, I feel awful. I went back, and the apartment manager was there with someone from 311. Next time, I’ll handle it myself and call animal control. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that right away.

@Addison
If the manager was there and getting things done, you did the right thing by alerting them. Don’t feel bad, you did nothing wrong!

Kai said:
@Addison
If the manager was there and getting things done, you did the right thing by alerting them. Don’t feel bad, you did nothing wrong!

I just feel bad because I was too scared of confrontation. I should have helped sooner. Sorry, everyone.

@Addison
You did everything right! You got the dog to shade and tried to give it water. I think you handled the immediate needs, and now you know to call animal control next time. Good job for helping!

@Addison
Forgive yourself. You helped the dog get what it needed. That’s what matters.

@Addison
You did great! You cared enough to do something instead of just walking away. Thank you for trying to help!

@Addison
Don’t let people make you feel bad. You alerted someone and got the dog help. Taking both dogs back might not have even been safe. Thank you for caring.

@Addison
Don’t beat yourself up. You saw something wrong, tried to help, and asked questions afterward to learn what else you could’ve done. That’s more than most would do. Thanks for caring!

BrianCopland said:
@Addison
Don’t beat yourself up. You saw something wrong, tried to help, and asked questions afterward to learn what else you could’ve done. That’s more than most would do. Thanks for caring!

Thanks, everyone. I was feeling really guilty, but your words helped me feel better. They did end up calling animal control, so the dog is being taken care of. I’ll remember to call directly next time.

@Addison
You did the right thing, and it’s smart to be cautious. You never know how a strange dog will react. I once helped a dog that ended up biting me out of fear. It’s okay to call for help.

@Addison
Be kind to yourself. You saw an animal in need and did something about it. That’s what counts.

@Addison
We all make mistakes. The important thing is you cared and took action. That’s all that matters!

@Addison
You did what you could, so don’t be hard on yourself. No one expects to find a dog alone at a park, so you might have been a little shocked at first. You did the right thing by calling for help.

@Addison
You still got the dog help, so try not to feel bad. If it happens again, you could also call the police for an animal in distress.

@Addison
Thanks for being proactive! At my old apartment complex, the manager would take the dog to the office until someone came forward. You did what you thought was best, and it worked out.

@Addison
Thank you for trying to help that poor dog!

@Addison
Always call the police first. They can get animal control out quickly.

@Addison
You did fine. Taking the dog directly could’ve been risky, especially with your dog there. You got it some water and shade and called for help. That’s all anyone can do.