Quote Originally Posted by Ilkley Swimmer View Post
Out on a run the other day a friendly black dog bounded up to me with no ID collar and no owner in sight. Despite being rubbish in this situation, I tentatively stroked him and from that point on I was his best mate. He then ran alongside me cheerfully ignoring (or not understanding) my instructions "go home" (etc). Luckily someone appeared who seemed to know who the dog belonged to. But if she hadn't I suspect the dog would have followed me all the way home. Then what? What does one do in this situation?
Depends on time of day etc. If you can't find an owner and there's no dog tag then if possible make up some sort of lead to stop it wandering off again. If there's properties near by then ask around. I personally wouldn't phone the police or local council / dog warden as I'd be worried about it being put down but you can start there if it's easiest. If you can get a local vet or rescue to scan it for a microchip then that's the first place to start for me. If there is no chip then hopefully the vet or rescue would know what to do next / take it in. I guess being a dog owner I have contacts and would be prepared to take the dog in temporarily until the situation was resolved. But for others I guess that might be all too much hassle. Nice to know some people care though. 😊