HELP- Older abused dog in my city-looking for advice/rescue ideas
I really need advice on what to do about a situation in my city involving a homeless man and his dog.
The dog is older, limps very badly, and honestly looks like he’s in pain just trying to walk around. I’ve personally seen the man hit/choke/cuss out/be rough with the dog, and other people I’ve talked to have said they’ve seen it too. They also told me to be weary of the man because he has mental issues and “can switch very quickly” and told me to be careful. But I can not just sit aside while this animal is treated this way. When they are walking down the street the man is always so far ahead of the dog and the dog is barely making it, limping, while being dragged by a tight leash!
One day my boyfriend gave the dog water because he had no water in his bowl. The dog growled while he was pouring it, but didn’t bite or lunge or anything. And honestly… the dog is abused, scared, in pain, and probably in protective/survival mode 24/7, so I can totally see why he would be that way. That same day I talked to the man and asked him about him and the dog and if there was anything I could do to help both of them. He said that he needed some money and asked if I could help him. I did give him a little cash and asked what was wrong with the dog. He told me that the dog needs medicine but didn’t know what kind or anything. They are currently living behind a building (which I attached pics of the dog behind the building)
I’ve thought about calling the police or animal control, but my fear is that they’ll just take the dog to a shelter. And with how old he is and the physical issues he already has, I’m terrified that would just end with him being put down. I genuinely do not want that for him.
I don’t know what the right thing to do is here. I just know this dog deserves better than what he’s going through right now.
Has anyone dealt with a situation like this before? Is there a rescue, foster, organization, or literally anything else I can do that could actually help this dog without it ending badly for him? It breaks my heart every time I see him.