Unclaimed Shelties at Virginia Shelter

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Update from Colonial Heights Animal Services Jan.14:


They still haven't been able to contact "the individuals responsible for the canines." No indication that the dogs were stolen, or from out-of-state, or that owners were injured etc.. Legally, the Shelties are now the property of the City of Colonial Heights. They will keep evaluating the situation, and the pups are not available for adoption at this time.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid...54.-2207520000

I'm wondering if it might be a case of negligent house sitters?

[StarlaJane]

Originally Posted by Clark Fork Fantast

Update from Colonial Heights Animal Services Jan.14:


They still haven't been able to contact "the individuals responsible for the canines." No indication that the dogs were stolen, or from out-of-state, or that owners were injured etc.. Legally, the Shelties are now the property of the City of Colonial Heights. They will keep evaluating the situation, and the pups are not available for adoption at this time.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid...54.-2207520000

I'm wondering if it might be a case of negligent house sitters?

As I said, so many possibilities. Negligent house sitters, injured or dead owners, an elderly owner with dementia, breeder, out-of-state owner, etc. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll ever find out but, again, it doesn’t seem like a case of abandonment.

It really makes me think about all of the cats and dogs in shelters. Yes, many are strays or surrenders but many of them may be lost animals whose owners never found them. I know that it seems like these dogs were posted to the extent that someone should be able to find them but, speaking as someone who has lost (and, thankfully, been reunited with) a pet, it really isn’t easy to find them. What if the owners don’t use Facebook? Where do the owners even know where to look?

[springfieldva]

Originally Posted by StarlaJane

As I said, so many possibilities. Negligent house sitters, injured or dead owners, an elderly owner with dementia, breeder, out-of-state owner, etc. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll ever find out but, again, it doesn’t seem like a case of abandonment.

It really makes me think about all of the cats and dogs in shelters. Yes, many are strays or surrenders but many of them may be lost animals whose owners never found them. I know that it seems like these dogs were posted to the extent that someone should be able to find them but, speaking as someone who has lost (and, thankfully, been reunited with) a pet, it really isn’t easy to find them. What if the owners don’t use Facebook? Where do the owners even know where to look?

The dogs seem to be well cared for and well socialized. You would think that someone would recognize them and alert the owner. It actually does sound as though the shelter has an idea who the owner/responsible party is and has attempted to make direct contact with them.

It's a confusing situation.