What would you do?

[Me and Kayla]

Here is a situation. Tell me what you would do. This will sound very confusing, but try to follow it.

My son and g/f rescue a beautiful Pittie from the HS when she is 6 mos. old. They couldn't keep her because they already had 4 other dogs that they had previously rescued. They gave her to my daughter and her b/f. At 18 mos. old, daughter and b/f put her back into the HS because they were not able to care for her. Two months later they get her back out of the HS. Officially they never owned the dog because ownership had not been transfered from my son to my daughter. My daughter's b/f put his signature and my address on the HS papers. Shortly after this time, all three of them moved in with me, because they could barely take care of themselves, let alone a dog.

In March/05, the daughter and b/f decide to move to Alberta. I was to keep the dog til they could arrange transport for her in a month. In June, it was clear that they were never going to get their act together enough to take the dog, so we had a discussion and it was decided that I would keep the dog. We had already bonded and I had been training her and had invested considerable time and money into her already. The b/f was supposed to sign her over and forward the release to the HS. (I had talked to HS about this). I licensed her shortly after that. I should also add at this point, that from the time the dog was 6 mos old, I have paid for absolutely everying (cages, mats, toys, leashes, collars, muzzles...etc etc) except for food while they had her.

HOWEVER, two weeks ago, the daughter and b/f split, she returns to Toronto, and he announces that he is driving to Toronto this week to pick up HIS dog. Needless to say...I don't plan on parting with her. It also turns out that he never did send in the papers to the HS.

Taking him to court is not an option. Expensive, and a waste of time. If he gets ahold of her he will take her to Alberta and we will never get him or her back here for a hearing. He'll hide her away out there.

If this was your situation, what would you do besides punish your daughter for letting the b/f sign the papers in the first place?

I'm heartsick about this.

I brought this into this forum, because I was hoping that there might be some way that I can turn the BSL against the b/f and make it work for me. A different twist than we are used to, I know!

Me and Kayla

[seeker]

If you think there will be a confrontation.Board the dog at a kennel and don't tell your daughter where he is. I would not give up the dog , you legally own it and have spent time and money in the effort of caring for him . If buddy takes it back with him what are the chances of the dog ending up at a pound in Alberta ? He has already done it once and who knows if his next g/f will like dogs

[Me and Kayla]

Originally Posted by seeker

If you think there will be a confrontation.Board the dog at a kennel and don't tell your daughter where he is. I would not give up the dog , you legally own it and have spent time and money in the effort of caring for him . If buddy takes it back with him what are the chances of the dog ending up at a pound in Alberta ? He has already done it once and who knows if his next g/f will like dogs

That's the interesting part....Do I legally own the dog, if I have cared for her, paid all her expenses and have a verbal agreement to that effect? Can he show up at the door with the police and claim her, and force me to try to get her back through the courts? Or can I hold her and force him to seek court action to retrieve her? I don't have any worries about a judge giving me custody after he/she hears all the facts. I just know he will never show for court and I will never see her again if he gets his mitts on her.

[Byrd]

When hubby and I separated the lawyer told me that if I had proof that I paid for everything, then the dog is legally mine.

[Me and Kayla]

Originally Posted by Byrd

When hubby and I separated the lawyer told me that if I had proof that I paid for everything, then the dog is legally mine.

I could see that if it was my daughter claiming ownership of the dog, because they had a common law relationship. However, I think I am considered a third party in this.

[Georgiapeaches]

Is she licensed in your name in the city of Toronto?

[gottahavepets]

Possesion is nine-tenths of the law. The dog is in your possesion, you have paid all its expenses, I agree with the kennel idea. And don't fall for "I just want a chance to say goodbye" smells like dognapper to me. This almost happened to my brother although the g/f's family was going to put the dog down. I think what they were really going to do was sell him. Hope it goes your way.

[Joey.E.CockersMommy]

Is it possible that he is coming to get the dog just to get to your daughter. It seems to me that his heart isnt really in the right place.
I think the right place for her is with you.

[CyberKitten]

Why the sudden interest in the dog now? (It's a rhetorical question. I suspect his motive too - dseperations/divorces can be messy and he may be well be using the dog as a bargaining chip).

I would use his record against him. I am uncertain of the policy there but here, anyone who surrenders an animal to the local SPCA cannot adopt a new one. So, hopefully, they have this record at the HS. He may not have the paperwork but the HS has to have something on file. If his name is there for surrendering a dog,exp THIS dog, you are in a good position.

And since - alas but maybe good for you in this case - dogs are still considered property under the law and the old expression possession is 9/10 actually works here I think. Have all your recipts of purchases- esp major ones. If you have time, put together a scarpbook of the dog with pictures of her in your home and with you. (If you need it for court - he could go to Small Claims court if he is persistant but it really sounds like he just wants to be nasty about it). Be prepared!! And if you know when he is coming, make sure the dog is being cared for elsewhere on that day. You don't want him removing the dog!

Good luck! It may turn out to be just bluster since he does not sound all that stable - financially and in terms of having his life together.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by Me and Kayla

HOWEVER, two weeks ago, the daughter and b/f split, she returns to Toronto, and he announces that he is driving to Toronto this week to pick up HIS dog. Me and Kayla

Do you really think this waste of skin will drive all that way and spend all that money to get this dog? I doubt it. If he shows up at your door threatening this and that.. call the cops.

If he threatens to get the dog again. Get a lawyer and send him a registered letter explaining that the dog is yours for all of the above reasons and that if he disagrees you and your lawyer will see him in court. It'll only cost a couple hundred bucks and often will scare away losers like this guy

[Me and Kayla]

Originally Posted by Gazoo

Do you really think this waste of skin will drive all that way and spend all that money to get this dog? I doubt it. If he shows up at your door threatening this and that.. call the cops.

He will definitely show up. I have no doubt about that. And chances are he is going to show up WITH the cops. This kid is a real piece of work. I could tell you stories that would curl your hair. He's knows how to manipulate the system. He's been taking advantage of it all his life.

[BullLover]

Originally Posted by Me and Kayla

He will definitely show up. I have no doubt about that. And chances are he is going to show up WITH the cops. This kid is a real piece of work. I could tell you stories that would curl your hair. He's knows how to manipulate the system. He's been taking advantage of it all his life.

Definately hide her with someone when he comes then.

[tybrax]

sending heaps of good vibes goodluck from Australia.


tybrax and tyra

[Me and Kayla]

Originally Posted by tybrax

sending heaps of good vibes goodluck from Australia.


tybrax and tyra

Thanks tybrax.

So far....still quiet on the home front.

Me and Kayla