Okay. You have come to the conclusion that this dog is definitely stray. It is lost, hungry and needing a human. Now what?
(As a reminder, we have eliminated the idea that the animal is just a product of an irresponsible owner.)
At this point, there are two options:
1. take the dog home
2. take the dog to the local shelter
In this post I will discuss taking the dog home.
Considerations:
Bringing a stray animal into your home is dangerous. It is dangerous to your own animals. Some sicknesses are not apparent and can be spread through feces, drinking water and toys. Do not expose your animals to another without getting clearance from a veterinarian.
Do you have the facility? Does your environment support keeping the dog isolated or quarantined? What will you do if the dog shows aggression toward your animals? Can you afford the financial responsibility brought on by the dog? Do you have time to spend on this new life change?
Once you take possession of this animal, you assume responsibility.
If you find an empty, unremarkable briefcase sitting in a park, you pick it up hoping to return it to the owner. It can sit in your car day and night until the owner is found. It does not require funds or space until the owner is located. It will not necessarily spread disease and sickness and will not cause upheaval among your other briefcases. It is not your property, but it is in your possession and if you never find the owner, you can just stick it in the closet and forget about it--and it is your property. You have responsibility for this item, unless the original owner is found.
The dog will be your property, too, and will likely bring along many of the above problems. I would suggest an alternative in part three.
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