Q: My ex has left the dog with me for 2 months with no contact. Can I claim full ownership?
I have now registered the dog in my name. I have paid for his vet bills, food, grooming and dog walking. The dog was his coming into the relationship. Can he come back and take custody of the dog? Or can I claim abandonment and have full ownership?
A:
I think at this point, it's pretty safe to say the dog is yours. If he wants the dog back, let him file a lawsuit against you in small claims court and then he can try to convince the court otherwise. At the very least, if a court would ever order you to return the dog to him, it would only be after he pays you back for all dog-related expenses incurred since he left the dog with you -- so make sure you have saved receipts, credit card statements, etc. for everything you've spent, just in case.
Best of luck to you.
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