Would you keep this dog for 3 months then give her back? - Page 2

No.  Exactly what does he think is going to change in 3 months' time that he'd be able to take the dog then?  I presume the reason he can't take her now is that the family either doesn't have a place to stay identified yet, or has a place that won't permit a large dog.  Either way, it's not bloody likely they'll find a rental place that will permit a large dog, and if they're on a tight budget it's even more unlikely.  The guy needs to relinquish ownership completely or keep the dog himself and take her with him--it's not fair to anyone, least of all the dog, to muddy the waters with uncertainty as to who she belongs to, and who would be responsible for her well-being.  If she's your dog and she becomes ill, you'll have no indecision about seeking treatment for her, and to what degree you'd pursue medical care for her.  If you're just fostering her, those decisions would still stay with this guy, and you'd be in a very bad spot then.

If you like her, pay the rehoming fee and adopt her outright. She does have a sweet expression about her, that's for sure.

>>I like Blitzen's idea of telling him to get lost if he ever comes back for her.

Unless you've got lots of money to spend on legal fees and don't mind losing in court and having to give up the dog, this is not a good idea. If you agree to give the dog back, you are legally bound to do so. Verbal contracts can be enforced in court. They're a bit tough because it's he said-she said, but if the judge believes him instead of you, you're screwed. And so is the dog. Not to mention it would be perjury for you to lie to the judge and say you didn't agree to give the dog back.

This might be a bait-and-switch scam trying to get free boarding. Me, I'd buy the dog outright or forget it.

I'm confused as to what would be in this deal for you? You board her for free, become attached, and then get nothing after 3 months ... how is this a good deal for you?

I'd not consider it, even slightly, unless buying the dog outright. No way would I agree to board the dog for free and give her back whenever they finally decide they want her again. 

No!
She's lovely and deserves a loving home.  Tell him that you wouldn't be able to give her up that you commit totally to any dog you take on (which is just what he is supposed to be looking for). Reassure him she will have a happy forever home with you, and offer to send him photos.

Like others have said, I can't see what will change  in his situation in 12 weeks, unless during that time he thinks he might be able to get more money for her from someone else.

Go for it, but on a buy only basis.
Good luck and let us know what happens. Hope you get her, she deserves someone like you.

I'd do it for someone I knew, or knew to be reputible... not sure I'd trust Craig's list on the whole.  Lots of posers and liars on that place.  I had a friend who raised Peke's, and had a cardiac problem they didn't think she'd survive, Neither her husband nor son were able or reliable to care for the dogs, so took all 17 of her Kennel for 5 months til she recovered and was able to care for them herself again.  While I got very attached to some of the gang, her attachment to them and need to go on with her life had to come first.  
  Sounds like you really want a dog to keep, not just to foster though, so why not wait to find one that's a good fit for you?

What makes you think that someone who advertises a dog on Craig's list is going to require a written contract when placing a dog? Half the breeders here don't do that

I just spoke with Maya's owner. He is aware of this thread and has removed the CL ad.  He is unsure of what he is going to do, keep Maya or re-homr her. Hopefully I will find out in a few days. To whomever called the owner and gave me a good reference, thank you. (I'm not sure I even know who you are, but sure appreciate the kind words.)

triodegirl, make sure Maya's owner does understand that it will be much harder to place her down in FL then it would be to do so in MN...the shelters in FL are flat-out FULL of nice GSDs that need new homes, and far too many of those shelters do euthanize adoptable dogs when kennel space becomes an issue.

If the owner really wants to keep her, I'm sure he has family or friends that can care for her till he is in position to have her back with them.  Hexe makes a good point about the shelters, as well as when a person does an owners release on a dog here, especially a large breed dog, it usually goes straight to the back room regardless of what they tell the owner, sad to say it is quite often gone before they are out the parking lot.  I know this because I volunteered at the shelter in Tallahassee for a couple of years.  Hopefully the owner is reading this thread, and will look out for the best intrest of the dog.  sometimes it is difficult to do the best thing for the dog because it works contrary to our own emotions,  don't let emotions as in the unrealistic thoughts that you will put it with some one for temporary care and later reacquire her, if there honestly isn't much of a chance.  just like a child it is much better for your dog to have a stable environment then her to be bounced form one household to another, and another and another.

Just a quick update on Maya. I spoke with her owner on Monday (2 days ago) and he expressed that he can't decide what to do. He will be leaving for Florida in a week and didn't even have housing nailed down for his 3 children yet. He also spoke of his plans to move from city to city when he gets to Florida. ( He is an Evangelist and said he home schools his children.) I made it clear I will still take Maya and give her a wonderful home but don't think it's going to happen for reasons I don't really understand. But I wish them the best.