The cutest little puppy literally ran into my arms an hour ago. I was doing work in the front yard and she came up to me out from nowhere. We live in a very rural area, and I know she doesn't belong to anyone nearby. This is the kind of place where people don't spay or neuter and keep their dogs outside 24-7 (with the exception of a few great pet parents).

I found an old crate, gave her food (which she quickly ate) and water, and I'm keeping her in the basement just in case she has something that could be transmitted to the boys.

When I lived in Missouri, I could just take homeless pups to the local shelter (where I once worked) and I knew they would be cared for and given a chance at life. Out here, the pound equals death. I called the Patrick County Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), and I'm waiting for them to call back. I can't afford another dog, and I know Miles would never permit it. For that matter, my BF wouldn't either. He's still at work and has no idea what's going on.

Any suggestions? Just putting her back outside is not an option for me.

Put up lost and found posters? Check in with the local police station, shelter, and vets for lost dogs.

Could post on Craigslist that you found her but give very little details. If they truly lost her they would be able to describe her to you.

I'll post on craigslist tonight, but I'm 100% sure she was dumped. I wish you could see how many dogs roam this area, thrown away. I couldn't exaggerate the sad state of the situation if I tried. She was dumped, but I'll put the word out that she's here.

Oh, poor puppy! She's lucky she found you. It's great that you took her in but I can see how it puts you in a bad spot.

Crisis averted. I stand corrected.
I can't believe how lucky we were. Her owner showed up looking for her! A rarity indeed.
I had shown her to my next door neighbor who told his neighbor, Devan. The owner came knocking at Devan's door looking for the pup. This NEVER happens out here. The pup had run off with her brother and mother (another case of someone's intact dogs running around loose). At least in this case the owner seemed to really care about the animals. She's a very sweet old lady who chatted me up about her dogs and chickens. I had her describe the puppy to me before I went to get her. Unfortunately, the brother is still missing. I have her phone number in case he comes roaming through my yard.
I had already clipped her nails, given her a bath, and put her on craigslist. My BF didn't even have to find out about it! It has been a wild day.

This is the little lady.

It really was a mini freak-out after all.
Thanks for the help!

Well, I'm glad she is back with someone who cares, but wth is with letting your dogs run? Did you get a chance to talk/educate her about the problems she's causing?

What a cute little girl. I'm so glad it worked out and she is home where she belongs.

People around here don't take too kindly to "outsiders" telling them what's what. Especially someone half their age.

Glad you found her owner and that she's back home. I know what you mean about people who don't spay/neuter and let their dogs run loose. Living here has been a real eye-opener for me.

It's so hard not to launch into the full scale, "Are you freaking nuts?!" rant. But, you are right to approach the lady at the level you think she would take. Maybe you'll run into her another time and can ease in to the subject. "I can tell you really care about your dogs. Have you ever thought about keeping them home and having them fixed?" I try to find small ways to educate folks without getting on my soapbox. (Which is hard because my soap box is always right there beside me ready for me to start spouting off.)

I know in Arizona there are programs..well,there usta be programs...that offered low cost spay/neutering of pets belonging to the elderly. If that would help the old lady change her mind.