Expert: Tina Volpe - 1/11/2009

Question
My boyfriend left and we broke up. Some of his belongings are here, along with his puppy. He found it 6 months ago in a trash can at the car wash, sad I know. Since then, he has not taken care of the dog, I have. I bathed him, got him skin medicine when his hair was falling out. And the whole time, my exboyfriend never took him in to get puppy shots or get neutered. I have a dog myself, and would try to make him an appointment also, but he refused. I love this animal, and believe it has the right to a good life. Am I allowed to take it to the vet clinic for shots at least and my ex can go pick him up from there? Or would that be wrong?

Answer
Hi Laura,

Boy, this is a tough questions, but my initial question to you would be - do you want to keep the puppy? Obviously it's about the dog and not who gets possession.  An important part of caring for an animal is truly taking good care of him/her, it's a serious responsibility.  Would your boyfriend (or ex- in this case, sorry about that) be willing to let you keep him for the benefit of the dog?

I sure hope so, it sounds like your boyfriend won't take good care of him.  Poor thing, and I think he's probably been traumatized enough being dumped in a dumpster, geeze, who could do that to a little puppy.  I sometimes wonder what this world is coming to... people throwing live puppies in the trash and eating animals that have suffered tremendously.  Once our world starts to realize that until we treat these animals with care and love, all animals, we will never find peace on this planet.

I suggest yes, giving the dog his shots, and keeping him.

With love for all - and good luck Laura, at least you care for the dog!

Tina Volpe