How to Help a Stray Dog–Running Loose–Family Dog Below is a checklist that will help you to assist a Stray Dog that is Running Loose and appears to have a home or a family to return to. If you believe you have found someone’s family dog, it may influence how you approach and if you approach the dog. These are crowd-sourced suggestions that others have found to be a helpful pathway to success. If you need more specific help or assistance, please ask an animal rescue volunteer at one of your local rescues.