I too had a similar experience just recently, beach dog, full of ticks, skin disease, skinny etc, decided he wanted to follow me home. So off we went, he had no collar. The next day I took him to the vet, she said he was not cared for. I made an appointment for him for the next week to get him cleaned up. I had him for about a week and loved him as much as he loved me. He wouldnt leave my side. Well I was walking down the road with him and some guy stops and says its his dog. His dad, girlfriend, and him tried to call the dog, again he wouldnt leave my side. The guy picked up the dog and put him in the back of his truck....nothing I could do. Then his girlfriend gave me the finger. I didnt see the dog for about a week, but now he is back on the beach running wild. Why take him back if they are not going to take care of him. I have only heard of sightings and have not actually seen the dog. But he is one of kind and hope he is doing okay. It can be very emotional. I can feel your pain Canucks.