Q: Can I keep a dog that was given to me to watch for two weeks but two months have gone by and we now love her?
The dog was originally given to someone else stating that they couldn't keep the dog because of landlord situations. Husband went to Massachusetts wife stayed in RI. They couldn't keep the dog so I told them I would be more than happy to take her. The original person brought her to my house telling me the story of not being able to keep dog, looking for apartment etc. could I watch for couple weeks, instead of originally being told it was for good? Now it is two months later and she wants to come by and visit with her kids. I believe she has heard that I stated to someone that I was keeping the dog fell in love with her especially since it looked like they were not interested in coming to see her or get her. I and my family love this dog and do not want to give her up what are my options. They never called, came by or answered my calls in the last two months.
A: Tally your costs for feeding and care of the pet. If the owner is willing to pay you for the return of your dog, you are obliged to give it back. If they agree to transfer ownership to you, get it in writing. If they file a lawsuit for the return of the animal, hire a good attorney to argue that they effectively abandoned it by failing to retrieve it as originally agreed.
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