We walked Pumpkin dog before lunch today – later than normal. Halfway round we came across an unattended dog, a labrador-spaniel cross. No name tag on the collar. He was very friendly, more so when he figured out we had a small bag containing Pumpkin’s treats. We asked people around if they’d seen anyone looking for lost dog – it was little early to call it a stray. Nope.

He followed us and continued to follow us until we got close to home. Uh-oh.

So on the lead he went and we invited him inside. I looked through local Facebook groups, nothing. Decided to post. As far as I know the posts still haven’t been approved.

Rang the local RSPCA. Number rang out 3 times, no opportunity to leave a message.

Looked on the local authority site, found a number of a national dog collection service, rang it, left a message.

We filled a water bowl, got an old and way-too-small dog bed down and I gave him some food. And treats.

Rang the 24 hour vet, asked if they checked microchips. Yes. And they could fit us in even though it’s emergencies only today and until the holiday weekend ends.

Half an hour later we were at the vet. Luckily the dog was indeed. Chipped, yeah. A local-to-us owner then, the vet receptionist rang and left a message…

About an hour later we got a call, the owner was on his way…

Turns out their teenagers left the door open while the adults were preparing for a family thing later. Anyway, grateful owner took the dog off our hands, and it seems my comment about ensuring the dog got a name tag flew right over his head. It seems they think he’s safe out of doors on his own – he’s ‘usually’ to be found on the area between the countryside and housing estates. And now we know they don’t care enough to get a tag they can secure on his collar – ‘it’s always coming off’.

Anyway, at least we know what to do next time.

Should we have reported the owner for their dog not having a tag – a legal requirement here in the UK?