How old is this dog, and how long has she had him? I don't think you should have to pay for him & his previous vet bills, unless he is very young (which I doubt if he needs dental, or is that for extraction of baby teeth?). Press the owner about the dental expense, and that this is just one of many costs of owning a pet.
Without ownership, you are in a position of a pet sitter, and you are entitled to compensation for that. Keep a log of what you have done for the dog, time & expenses, etc., because if she does somehow try to take him back you will have a more valid claim to either the dog or adequate compensation for care due to her failure to perform based on a verbal contract. Try to get something in writing from her, an email or anything that indicates her original intent to sell him to you. If anyone else in your office witnessed your agreement, be prepared to get a statement from them.
Have you thought that she might also change her mind about moving, and that you could end up stuck in the same office with her? Be careful, she sounds kinda wishy-washy.
Hope you get to keep this dog, for the sake of the dog, but don't let the owner take advantage of you financially or emotionally either. |