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smommcd · Apr 11, 2009, 02:00 PM

I was aske dto hold onto a dog until the owner found a place to take him to she didn't contact me for over 6 months. The dog was a chihuahua. He began to snip at my grand children who are at my home a lot so when a friend came over and her teenage daughter was spoiling the dog and my son went to there house for a weekend the dog was left there no small children and he was happy. He has been gone now for almost 6 mo. And now the owner who paid no money for the care of this dog or contact with me to say hey I want him back ,

The owner has contact with the people who took the dog and now I am being told that I have to go to court over this and she intends to sue me for the cost of an a k c registerd dog which the one I was given was not .

Can I be held responsible for giving her dog away

I have not moved and she can contact me through her mother or any number of people who she talks to. One being her brother.

I have been told the dog has a new wardrobe and boots to wear on his paws

Alty · Apr 11, 2009, 02:10 PM

I'm not a legal expert so this is only a guess. We have many experts here, but it's Easter weekend so many of them are away. Check back often, I know you'll get a response.

My guess. She left the dog with you for 6 months, no contact, no payment for food, care, etc. etc. Depending on where you live, I think this would be considred abandonment and after a certain time the dog would be considered yours to do with as you please.

Possession is 9/10 of the law.

Once again, that's only a guess.

Keep checking back.

Good luck.

Wondergirl · Apr 11, 2009, 02:16 PM

My vet told me, if I feed a stray cat for at least two weeks and know that he's mostly hanging around my yard, he is mine to claim, even if another family "owns" him. The very notion that he is outdoors and fair game gives anyone the right to claim him after two weeks even if he's chipped.

Call a vet if one is open. My guess is that he had become your dog to give away.

JudyKayTee · Apr 13, 2009, 04:23 AM

I think it's going to come down to the original terms of your verbal agreement. Was she to provide money for food, Vet care? Was she to check in? Was this an open ended arrangement or for a week or a month or some other time?

That's a long time with no contact but animals (unfortunately) are like furniture. If I left a chair with you you would have to notify me that you intend to give it away before you do so.

What State? I'm in NY and I've seen matters like this go in either direction.

trmpldonagn · Apr 14, 2009, 10:14 PM

That is abandonment all right. IF you do go to court, I think the judge might pounce on her a bit. Your defense is just what you said. She did not contact you for the entire 6 months. I am not an expert but I would imagine and I do hope that the dog ends up where he is happy, cared for, and loved. Keep us posted. I'd like to know what happens. Good luck to you.