[tmatherly]

I knew that would get your attention! Actually, the Yorkie stole me, I think. Here's the deal: My 17y/o daughter was given Pippa for Christmas/Birthday 2004 by her boyfriend. Pippa was basically thrust apon us ( and our dogless home)because he didn't even ask if he could buy our daughter a live animal! Anyway, of course I fell in love with Pippa right away.
Now the problem is that Alyssa says I have "taken over" her dog. I admit it-I have, but she's never home-she works, and socializes with friends during the summer and is in school and works during the school year. I feed Pippa, bathe her, cuddle with her, play with her. Pippa knows I'm the momma and loves me, making Alyssa jealous. It is coming to the point that it is causing friction between us. Alyssa is doing things to try to spite me and manipulate me regarding the dog, using her as a weapon. She has even threatened to take Pippa and give her back to her boyfriend to live at their house-they have 6 outside dogs-mostly rotweillers, and a pit bull!!!!
Sometimes Pippa will ignore her when Alyssa calls her and will run over and jump in my lap-this infuriates Alyssa and she comes over and roughly snatches Pippa from me.
I have tried to explain that Pippa has bonded with the person who provides her needs, not just the fun stuff. I am trying very hard not to seem so attached when Alyssa is home, it is just soooo hard. I am overprotective of Pippa and have not allowed Alyssa to haul her off to a friends' house for the day that have 6 small children-I was afraid they would drop her, let her out the door, etc... Alyssa always says "it's my dog, don't tell me what to do" but I always win because I simply won't let her leave with Pippa!

HELP! What should I do??? I've thought about giving her boyfriend the money he paid for her so it becomes a non-issue, although I don't think they'd go for that. Pippa is such a useful tool for her.