Access to your dog?

A strange topic perhaps, but I'm mulling over the pros and cons.

I just got home from work and a young kid (early 20s, maybe late teens) comes up and introduces himself. Has clearly been drinking and crying, and asked if he could say hello to my dog - says it's Australia Day and feeling lonely.

I got the impression he's somewhat rock bottom, so I was happy to go and grab my dog and give him a pat. Kid suffers from depression, has been kicked out from home, and lives in emergency Church accomodation a few doors up - he's been there 8 months and I've never heard boo from him until today.

He loved my dog, kept commenting how beautiful she (its a he) was and how good company he would be.

I'm contemplating offering him some access to the dog, but don't really know what to do with small kids and security considerations. He seems harmless, and access to my somewhat neglected dog may just save his life.

I don't want to encourage visits, knocks on the door, phone calls etc, but I'd be happy for him to take him for walks. I'm wondering if I just try catch him when he is sober. I also don't want to be a sympathetic ear - my home is my sanctuary and I do it all day long.

What would you guys do?

 

There's a couple of issues I can see
- firstly he could steal your dog
- if your dog bit him or any of his friends you could be held liable.

If there's an emergency accom just near you, perhaps donate them a pet that they can all raise, look after, keep company etc. This would likely be beneficial (they have dogs in some nursing homes here for those benefits) and removes you and the inconveniences from the equation a bit.

 

No risk of dog bite - he's the most placid old labrador. If he steals him... well - he lives in an apartment 2 doors up.

The accomodation is visible from my house - they can't have pets, they are individual units.

Individual occupants are a 2 year max I think - he's been there 8 months

 

I'm leaning towards no. All the potential negatives are mine to bear.

 

True but the same could be said of most genuine altruistic acts.

Up to you I guess.

 

Unusual situation.

you could pay him $20 to walk the dog twice per week.

 

Its a tough one.

What about encouraging him to do some voluntary work in a dog shelter, we are always looking for volunteers.

It could work both ways, help him meet people, help the community and be around dogs that need love.

MTR

 

That would have a lot of benefits. Puts boundaries around the relationship. Gives the guy a job. Gives him a bit of interaction with you.

On the other hand, it commodifies something that doesn't have to be a monetary transaction.

There but for the grace of ... go I...

 

This could work if you arranged specific times for the dog walking

 

I'm a bit more trusting and would give the guy a chance. I'd ask if he could walk the dog regularly for some small payment.. it should give some responsibility and purpose to save him drinking..
I'd politely request him not enter the yard - I'd imagine the dog would be waiting for him at the front gate every day, or be within an earshot.
Things could turn sour now by ignoring him or later on if he walks your dog.. I'm not convinced the likelihood of trouble is higher if he walks your dog?

 

I have just joined and typically my first post is on animals, although we are long term investors! I follow social media Lost and Found Pets pages and while this guy is probably harmless, there are many who do harm pets or take them and sell them on later, or use them for breeding. He could still do that even if he does live nearby. And, the police will not be of any help if that happens. If he seems okay, perhaps tolerate a few visits a month with him so he can benefit from your dog and your friendship (although I understand not wanting the knocks at the door etc). I would not be letting him out of sight with your pet at this early stage. I agree that perhaps helping at a rescue or shelter would be a great idea.

 

i wouldn't get involved. I would just worry too much about my own families safety/security. I wouldn't want him thinking your a "friend" or soft, and I wouldn't want his friends/accomodation peers knowing that either, they may think of you as a "rich or soft" neighbour, and they may do all sorts of things (steal, damage things, hurt the dog, etc.) Of course this is unlikely, however I would rather not involve myself with someone whom already has a drinking issue/other issues as it could one day bring harm to yourself/family. Maybe I'm just paranoid!

 

It's an old male lab, so not likely to be stolen for sale or used for breeding!

Really, all that's happened is a local, drunk young man, with a few issues patted the dog and was honest about being lonely.

Quite rightly, Bran wonders if he could do more via the dog.

If it was me, I would walk the dog past his accommodation a few times and see if the young man makes contact again.

No need to rush things.

 

I think looking for volunteer rescue is great. In sydney we have one where you can come and walk the rescues

 

There can be a lot of competition for places. My local pound had a waiting list for walkers and an interview!

Also, a young person in crisis may find it very hard to get places far from them, and may be extremely socially awkward.

It can be hard to imagine how hard his daily life might be. On the positive side, he is young and he could very well turn his life around.

 

I guess excess walker is a good thing. The place here has enough dogs to have a lot of walkers but they are located quite far away. They also have volunteer bring 2-3 dogs to a spot in pets shop closer to public and people can sign to be their walker during the day (you'll need to leave your id)

 

Nothing at my house suggests I'm rich, and Im three times the size of him. Pretty sure he has a view of my punching bag where I practice my karate too

The kid has aspirations, he is starting TAFE this year as a bridging course to become an architect. I know I was drunk A LOT at his age.

I like the idea of paying him to walk the dog. If he gets benefit by taking him off on his own and talking to the dog, then awesome - I use to do this with my old dog when times were tough. My old boy would love it. No one would steal him, he's too old and useless.

 

Do it

 

If you could agree to say three or four days a week with specified start (and possibly finish) walk times, it might be just the thing he needs. Looking to the future as well, you could possibly provide him with a character reference if he needs one, for longer term accommodation or whatever - you could (truthfully) state that he is reliable, good with animals, etc etc.

 

If it does eventuate, I suggest being guided by what the young man can commit to. And start small. No point in starting only to have him fail. Let him prove himself first.