jj - I totally agree with smow's post at 9:09, I think this is a very good idea and I also think you are right to be concerned about the dog, bless you. Hopefully, it is not going to be left alone like this ALL the time, but if it is, you can help. I have done this in the past with a lovely dog who was constantly left alone, either locked in a shed or just shut outside in the back yard. I befriended the owner (even though I hated her for how she was treating the dog) and, long story short, she eventually let me have the dog and I spent nine wonderful years with my lovely Tara. Just do what you can to help, these animals can't help themselves x