neglected labrador puppy

Oh no you can't tie her up that is too cruel! Either take responsibility for her or make sure she is being cared for - get advice from the SPA

How sad.

I would ask advice from the SPA. They might come and investigate. x

I agree. She shouldn't be left tied up. I think I would phone the SPA as it seems neither the husband or wife are behaving responsibly towards their pet and the situation needs investigating.

If you choose to ignore our pleas with regard to keeping the puppy tied up at least make sure she has water.

I think you may have no choice but to speak to the wife - in fact she may well want to speak to you after finding her dog tied up and having read your note!

I'm sure that Triciaf will have thought to provide water and won't be leaving the dog completely abandoned! After all, she's already expressed her concern for it and has a foster dog!

mini point taken - I am not good with neglected children or animals - this is where the worry worry worry thread comes in for me!

whitewave I'm the same!

ok after reading these replies I've just been round to the house.
You don't know these people - she's a ...... daren't say the words. Ended in a loud argument, she screamed at me, told me to get out and take my ...dog with me. But I just sat down and said if she doesn't do anything about it I'll take the dog to the SPA.
So in the end she backed down and said she would, but I doubt it.
The puppy was fine, I knew she would be found and released soon.

Oh well done TriciaF. If possible can you find some way of making sure she does what she says. For some reason dogs seem to bring out the worst in people getting divorced. They are either fought over because both partners want them or neglected because neither does. Many years ago my brother adopted a dog from a divorcee. Husband had left and not taken dog, wife had young children and dog to look after so dog was neglected. It needed loads of TLC, but was a gorgeous dog.

TriciaF, I feel for you and of course, for that puppy. I foster for a breed charity and agree with trisher, dogs often suffer when owners divorce. As with children, they can become the focus of a 'custody' battle, get neglected, shoved from pillar to post. I'm impressed you braved this woman as it sound as though you've good reason to hesitate to raise the issue. Your message suggests she agreed to take the pup to the SPA. I don't know anything about dog charities in France, but given the pup is lab I expect there is a labrador rescue society. Someone would no doubt be thrilled to rescue such a young animal.
Best of luck in keeping yourself ok and thanks for being so responsible.

TriciaF this whole episode must have been so upsetting for you, and for the little pup. It's so bloody unfair when animals become the innocent victims of warring owners. For heavens sake have your rows, your divorce, just make sure the puppy's somewhere safe if you don't want it or can't cope with it.

Thank God for people like you to look out for this poor little girl, and well done for going to speak to the woman, who sounds like a real vixen. I really hope there's a good outcome - for the puppy, I mean. Couldn't care less about the irresponsible and selfish owners.

tricia good for you. Do hope it is a good ending for the puppy, as she was obviously asking for help from you. Please do let us know how it all turns out. I am sure if needs be you will be able to easily find it a good home - the French seem very fond of dogs.

Poor dog- so many animals (yes, I know, children too) get caught in bad divorces and split up, it is so sad. Problem is, those dogs, especially if young and not getting the necessary training, can be damaged for life.

Another sad fact if that many SPAs in France, do not spey/sterilise dogs and bitches before re-homing, especially in the SW. Fortunately our local one does systematically.

Sadly, SPAs in FRance are full to the brim with animals- so often left after UK families leave to go back and leave the animals behind (donkeys, horses, etc, etc). Tragic.

So yes, let's hope for a solution for that poor pup.

Any news?

Granjura is right about the SPA - if it came to it I really couldn't take her to the local one because it's an awful place, far too many dogs and too few staff.
I'm hoping the wife will take the puppy back to the breeder where she bought it.
There are 2 young children too, 4 and 2 yrs, so they're suffering too.
The "parents" are both 59, so many problems.
It's all about money.
If puppy comes round today I'll take her back and shut her in the sun lounge, fingers crossed and saying a prayer!

ps Thanks to you ladies for your concerns, I knew I would get a supportive response

I suppose you could offer to take her back if push came to shove - do you know if the breeder would have her back?

Blimey how did 59 year olds have such young children - it sounds a terrible mess.

People really do annoy me at times!!!!

Yes, I thought that too. Parents of 4 and 2 year old at 59? The whole set up smacks of incredible selfishness and short-sightedness.

Exactly. but better not say any more as I wouldn't want them or me to be identified.

Tricia - I just googled labrador rescue in France and number of links came up. I agree, the best place for this puppy seems to be back with the breeder but if you end up getting more involved, it may be possible for you to get help from one of the breed rescue organisations. Good luck

Difficult to say I guess but are the children OK only it sounds all most peculiar to me.

The children are ok physically, and perhaps they've had to get used to their parent's chaotic life.
The 4 yr old girl always looks worried.The couple are so lucky to have 2 beautiful healthy children at their age.

I forgot to add that the husband is back and called in today to say that he has found a way of keeping the dog in when they go out.
After "they" have gone he knows of a family who want to take the puppy.
So now I hope to stay out of the situation.