I think the dog my sister and I found (Millie) was dumped or abandoned. The vet told us she had been brought in as a stray before, and that they were legally required to give the dog back to the owners when they claimed her. She said, though, that if they came looking for her this time, she was going to tell them she didn't know where the dog was.

That was two months ago, and I still won't take her out into the front yard 'cause I'm afraid the people who had her before (and who neglected her to the point of abuse) will see her and try to take her back. Of course, now that she's healthy, she's unrecognizable from the dog she was two months ago.

I hope you find a way to not let those people have that sweet doggie back.