Hi all, this is about a stray dog on our estate.  It's really cute, a staffie cross by the look of it but it's quite small.  I gather from the kids on the estate that it's a stray and some people leave food out for it and it gets petted by the kids etc.  It's not starving or looking neglected by any means.  It has no collar and every time I see it, it is on its own.  It came to my garden today and I tried to get hold of it but unfortunately copper chased it away.

I phoned the cat and dog home who said they would take the dog if I could bring it in but I doubt I could secure him/her or get him into my car.  I have the dog warden's number and I'm thinking of calling them Monday to see if they can pick the dog up.  I feel guilty because if he's not rehomed he might be put down but on the other hand he can't spend his life wandering round our estate can he?  I'd take him myself but realistically that's not an option.  Am I doing the right thing by calling in the warden.

CG

Yes - stray dogs can cause all sorts of problems - fouling and hastling dogs with owners, not to mention road traffic accidents :(

Yes, definitely. He could end up being killed on a road. I picked up a young staff puppy that was regularly running free on an estate near me. It was only about 5 months old, and no collar. I took it to the rescue centre I homecheck for, and bless her, she had a proper home in no time. No dog should have to live as a stray. It must be a hard life, and no comfort or friends.
Kat

Yes, you are doing the right thing.   At the moment, it is happy to be petted by the children - but what would happen if some kids starting ill-treating it?   It might then go for a completely innocent child.

We're coming up to firework season :( - so it could be tormented by the Nasties that always seem to creep out of the cracks at such time, or it could be run over.

Winter is coming on - no dog deserves to be without a home/shelter.   

You've done the responsible thing.

Margot

Theres a new Staffie cross rescue society I can send you the link if you like see if they can help?

Thanks everyone.  I suppose I know it's the responsible thing to do but I just hate to think that even in rescue no one would want it and it would be put down.  I'm sure it would be rehomed though cos it is a cute wee dog.  I think someone's had it as a puppy and then chucked it out because it looks a very young dog.  I would like the link please as everyone but everyone near me has staffies/cross and no doubt this isn't the first time this will happen.

CG

I have pm'd you the link :)