Former owner wants him back

[yorkiegirl83]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

I'll get crucified for this....but he is not your dog. I understand he's better off with you, but he is not yours.

That being said...she obviously has "forgotten" how much work he is/was...she probably has given no consideration what expense will be incurred moving to NYC either.

I personally wouldn't agree to watch him any additional time. I'd tell her no to that idea.

You have the money together to pay her correct? Were it me...I'd flash that money in her direction...cause I'm betting she'd take it.

Hope it works out in your favor.

PS and get a receipt.

I agree with you.

To the OP, I wouldn't agree to keep the dog for a few months, because who knows if she'll want him back. Without any kind of sale, contract, ect -- it is still her dog and imagine the heart break that could happen in that situation.

IMO I would try to convince her to sell the dog to you now and keep a receipt should she change her mind later.

Good luck to you...

[Lovely05]

I do not think the OP can be reimburse for babysitting the dog, because the two parties did not agree on that in their contract. She just did the woman a favor for watching the dog.

[AvyQuinn]

I haven't read the whole thread!

But...
If she doesn't have the money to pay for the pup's dental expenses, then she definitely doesn't have the money to pay a lawyer to sue you for the dog.

Keep it!

<.<;;

[Lovely05]

The lady can take her to small claims court or even court shows on TV, which do not require a lawyer.

[dogears]

My opinion if she really is moving to NY- dangle the money and HAVE HER SIGN stating that she paid x amount of dollars for the dog (use his name) then its settled. She can't come back for the dog, but get this all done BEFORE she moves. Otherwise if she doesn't agree you have 2 choices 1. give the dog back 2 wks before she moves, so she has time to think about the money and give him back. or 2. keep the dog while she is in NY and cross your fingers REALLY tight that she just abandon the dog. I personally wouldn't pick #2 (too much risk)

[shirlblack]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Why would you pay her the original cost, plus all vet care, and the dog hasn't even been socialized or housebroken? Not only that, but it's been neglected and needs expensive dental work. This is a rescue basically, she could never sell him for that on the open market, don't let her take advantage of you. The problem is, you've made owning a dog look like fun to her, and so she wants him back, she's forgotten all the trouble they can be, and obviously she doesn't care for it as much or she would know it's better off with you. I wouldn't suggest that she get a puppy, she'll do the same thing with a puppy, and probably get sick of caring for that too. Return the dog to her, and either look or act like your looking for a puppy from a good breeder. I'll bet while you're looking she start getting second thoughts on keeping the dog, and want to sell it, but don't reward her irresponsibility, make her deduct the cost of dental work from the cost of the dog, should deside to buy. I also would be tempted to give her a bill for the amount you have spent on him. Sometimes, you have to be really firm with people or they will walk all over you, and she sounds like one of those people. Best of luck!

Great post!

[AvyQuinn]

Originally Posted by Lovely05

The lady can take her to small claims court or even court shows on TV, which do not require a lawyer.

oh.
lawl.

:/


Although!
I've watched lots of those shows and it seems as though if it were a verbal agreement the plaintiff has to prove there was one and the details of it. And really, unless there are witnesses I don't think it would fly. Doesn't the burden of proof fall on the plaintiff? Excuse my ignorance about the subject if it's showing. ^^;

[shirlblack]

Originally Posted by Dawn125

Here's another thought. Let her go with the idea that she can figure out if she wants him later. Wait a little while and than send her a check for the purchase price with "payment in full for yorkshire terrier named..." or something like that. She will need the money and probably cash the check and that will be the end of that.

Good posting.

[Lovely05]

Originally Posted by AvyQuinn

oh.
lawl.

:/


Although!
I've watched lots of those shows and it seems as though if it were a verbal agreement the plaintiff has to prove there was one and the details of it. And really, unless there are witnesses I don't think it would fly. Doesn't the burden of proof fall on the plaintiff? Excuse my ignorance about the subject if it's showing. ^^;

I do not understand what you are trying to say. I have seen many cases where people try to keep a dog a person lets them babysit, and they always lose their case. The owner has to prove that the friend agreed to babysit the dog while on vacation, looking for a new home, or other circumstances. The owner has to explain that they did not agree on how long the babysitter will watch the dog. In addition, she has to prove that she asked many of time to get her dog back from the babysitter. The judge will ask the babysitter how she got the dog. Just like a previous poster mention, the babysitter has to prove that the dog was given to her has a gift, abandon the dog, or that she brought the dog (Receipt).

[QuickSilver]

Wow, I didn't expect so many responses!

Thank you, everyone who has weighed in. There are so many kind, caring people on YT. I'm still debating what to do. My coworker is going to New York next week to look for an apartment and find a roommate. I will probably wait until she comes back to discuss anything with her -- maybe she'll realize how expensive New York is, and how some extra money could come in handy.

Again, I am very torn, but I think no matter what I will agree to keep him for the next few months. I am not sure how she would get him to New York, and I am concerned that she might ship him, which I think could possibly traumatize him. Also, she will undoubetedly be juggling many things when she first moves in, and if nothing else, I will be able to take better care of him during that time.

I'd give 3 to 1 odds that she'll end up conceding him, and I will get a check to her IMMEDIATELY.

I don't think I would let it get to a point of litigation. That would be no good for anybody.

[shirlblack]

I would dangle some cash before she moves to NY as I'm sure she'll need it once she gets there. Ride it out a few more weeks and see what happens. She sounds very unstable and don't know what she wants. One thing I've learned over the years is that unless you're really good friends isthat you can't tell what a co-worker is just by being a friend to them at work.

I really hope and pray this turns out good for you and that sweet baby.

[CupofDog]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Wow, I didn't expect so many responses!

Thank you, everyone who has weighed in. There are so many kind, caring people on YT. I'm still debating what to do. My coworker is going to New York next week to look for an apartment and find a roommate. I will probably wait until she comes back to discuss anything with her -- maybe she'll realize how expensive New York is, and how some extra money could come in handy.

Again, I am very torn, but I think no matter what I will agree to keep him for the next few months. I am not sure how she would get him to New York, and I am concerned that she might ship him, which I think could possibly traumatize him. Also, she will undoubetedly be juggling many things when she first moves in, and if nothing else, I will be able to take better care of him during that time.

I'd give 3 to 1 odds that she'll end up conceding him, and I will get a check to her IMMEDIATELY.

I don't think I would let it get to a point of litigation. That would be no good for anybody.

I tend to agree with you. I think the second you dangle a check in front of this girl - this will be over. Money talks and as you said, it sounds like the value of the pup to her is more of an accessory then a deep bond. In those cases, money really does work. ESPECIALLY in New York. She probably wont even be able to find a pet friendly apartment. When I looked at moving to NYC, even a pet friendly studio is over $2,000 a month!!! Pet friendly is an ammenity and leasers pay for that ammenity.

Let us know what happens!

[jasmanea]

I agree !

[Ashley V]

I would write down ALL of the reasons why he's better off with you. Talk to her... show her the reasons. Sometimes people are visual and you could talk to them until you are blue in the face, but it won't get through because they can't SEE it. End the conversation with "If you really, really love him, then you'll do what's best for him and I'm still offering you the money." That might make her think twice. Maybe try and talk to your local animal shelter and see what they can tell you? They might know something about animal laws for you state/county.

Also, I don't think she'd bring this to court... if she can't pay the $1000 dental work for the dog then how would she pay for a lawyer and court fees and all that...

[SamiNFurbabies]

Again, I am very torn, but I think no matter what I will agree to keep him for the next few months. I am not sure how she would get him to New York, and I am concerned that she might ship him, which I think could possibly traumatize him. Also, she will undoubetedly be juggling many things when she first moves in, and if nothing else, I will be able to take better care of him during that time.

I don't know... I think that if she doesn't agree to you adopting him, you shouldn't agree to watch him. She will find it very difficult to move right away with the dog and most likely she will give him back... especially if you tell her a week before the move that you can't do it. Trying to move a dog last minute is a pain.