Q: I have taken care of a dog for 3 years. Now her heroin junkie owner wants her back. Do I legally have to give her back?
I have paid for all her vet bills and completely taken care of this dog for 3 years while her junkie owner was in and out of jail. It was going to be taken to a shelter had I not driven across the country to get her. Now her owner is out of jail and wants her back. Do I legally have to surrender the dog to this incompetent person? Before I got her, the dog was being abandoned at different junkies houses for weeks on end and hadn't been to a vet in over 2 years. She was not in good health. I have rehabilitated her, she is healthy and loving life again, and I am afraid of what will happen to her if left with this irresponsible person who is still using dope. The druggie called the cops but the local police will not press theft charges on me after hearing my side of the story. Is there anyway to take custody of the dog without the "owner" signing her over to me? Thanks for all your help!
A: This is always a hard question, and the one I get the most often. Unfortunately, if she is the owner and she has never sold or gifted you the dog, she is still the owner and can ask for the dog back at any time. If you feel strongly about keeping the dog, I would recommend offering to buy the dog from this person and, if she agrees, then getting the transfer of ownership in WRITING.
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