I'm hoping I have a right to get her back!!! I wish I had gone with my gut and just rushed her back out of there! Instead, all I could think about at the time was the medical care this woman could give her. But as someone said earlier, if I'm not comfortable with what I've done, there has to be a reason for it.
No, my relatives are struggling as it is with the economy the way it is. This is a tough time for a lot of people and I see no light at the end of this! It's just sad when a person has to go to this extreme!
Thank you for your concern. I feel so much better knowing you all are there for me..

Wow!! You put some well needed legal advice out there for me and it does give me some comfort in knowing that I may just be able to get her back. I do believe some of that does apply to my current situation. When I didn't get a chance to see her entire home BEFORE I was asked to write that I giving her to the woman, I do believe is misrepresentation. I feel really stupid for going ahead with leaving her despite that. Shame on me for not thinking of the way she'd have to live instead of putting her health care in 1st place. That squaller could cause a health condition!!!!
I'm going to do my best in getting her back because I feel that there was no imminent danger to her health that needed to be addressed right away. She had a few things that needed to be done that I haven't been able to afford just yet. It bothered me to the point that I would mentally beat myself up for it. Feeling I was neglecting her needs. That is tough to overcome. Makes you feel like an evil person.

Thank you so much for this advice. You've been more than helpful!

This is what I think
 

it can't hold too much. You were under severe STRESS!!! when you made the decision of leaving your little girl. What you're going through is very difficult and most people will get it, especially these days when a lot of people are going through the same. If the lady is truly a caring individual, she will understand and let her go home with you, no problem. Go get your baby :aimeeyork

I don't think she would have any intention of letting you have her back. Based on her having you sign something stating you were giving her the rights to the dog. I would contact the shelter that referred her to you and demand animal control go with you to retrive your baby. If this didn't work, I would wait 5 days and demand her to provide you proof she had taken the dog to the vet. If not I would then contact the police dept and have them escort you to her home to retrieve your dog that you have reg. papers on. I would tell them you signed the paper so she would have the right to seek the much needed medical treatment for her, if she hasn't taken her to the vet by the 5th day she is showing she does not have her best interest at heart. However, if she has taken her in, perhaps she truly does care about her and is going to help her. Trying to see her point, perhaps she does want to help animals that may go untreated or have a warm safe home to live in. Only you know how the place really was and if after sleeping on it, in your mind and heart it isn't the situation you feel is best for the dog, I would go get her. It being Sunday your shelter may not be open, so I would go to her home with a witness and try to get her back yourself. I'm curious, did she discuss what her intention was of seeking medical attention for her? If you do go and try to get her and she refuses I wouldn't mention the medical attention your dog needs, it could tip her off to take her to the vet to protect herself in being able to keep her. Good Luck and prayers are with you.

I'm laughing at that comment! Too funny!!!! If only it were that simple I would, really. At this point, IF I have no recourse in getting her back, and she does get to keep her, I don't want to make her mad. Then I would never see her again. I have to make SURE that what I do and say to her I can back up. I have a call in to a cop friend of mine here. He has yet to call me back but I'm hoping to hear from him by tomorrow. He's been on the force for a very long time and he would know what I can and can't do. She's going to know if I go knocking on her door that I'm not there for a visit since she made it clear that I couldn't come and see Ciera for a month or two. Since she has the 'written contract' she can call the police if she had a mind to and get me booted. And she may. I don't really know her.

No, she didn't say anything about that but she knew it was the reason why I needed to give her up.
I wont say anything about the vet to her. I actually thought maybe the best way to attempt to get her without the help of the police would be to tell her that Ciera is actually legally my ex-husbands dog and that he has her paperwork. I told her when I dropped her off that I couldn't find her papers. So I could say that the reason I couldn't find them is because I had forgotten that I had signed her over to my husband 3 yrs ago. See, my husband and I are separated and he DID initially take Ciera with him because she was HIS baby. But he ended up moving away and at the time took her with him. Considering the hours he was working at the time along with the fact that he was living in a motel room and gone for 12 or more hours a day, he brought her back to me. He had, up until 8 months ago helped me with her care but has since fallen on hard times as well and can't help me. Don't get me wrong, he is furious with me for the decision I just made but she is NOT legally his. She is registered to me. Just an idea I had. Of course my mind is racing with ideas right now because I'm looking for a solution for the mess I have created. I just thought that if I told her that she is legally his and that he reminded me of that when I talked to him. (and yes, I do still talk to him!!! lol!) He did tell me to march back over there and get her because we had made it this long with her that we could've undoubtedly made it to the end. When I told him that I was forced to sign her away, he said that she COULD hold me to it, but in the end she probably couldn't use it for much more than something to clean up the poop in her home with!!! lol!! I'm willing to try anything at this point.

I just thought of something, I was watching Judge Judy last week and a lady took another to court over selling her a dog. She stated she changed her mind and the girl hadn't paid her completely for the dog. The girl showed where she took the money out of the bank and had the reg. papers where the lady signed over ownership of the dog. Did the lady not know she was registered? Why wouldn't have she asked you to do this instead of signing some piece of paper? Now granted it didn't sound to good for the lady anyways but when she signed over ownership, the deal was sealed. In your case those reg. papers may be the key in getting her back. Heck, I would go to her door, with the witness, show her the papers and say, gosh, I didn't leave these with you, well lets get these filled out and i would make my way into the house. Of course at this time, I would say oh where is Ciera, I just want to see her before I sign these, As soon as I had her in my arms, I'd head outa there with fire on my heals. Let her try to sue you to get her back......

I agree completely with this. You just need to go slow and stay calm for all of your sakes. If you show up over there all upset ciera will know and become upset as well. Let us know how it goes.

best of luck in whatever you decide to do - I was suggesting involving the shelter that recommend her to you so that there is a third party there to assist in talking sense into the lady that has her, and that can address the state of the home and check on the other pup you saw there that you have concerns for.

if you decide in the end that you cannot keep her, and need her to go to a stable, safe, healthy home, then please consider posting here for a member to take her in for you. there are lots of helpful, loving yorkie people here that want nothing more than a happy ending for you and your pup.

I really think that it's important to act quickly on this. I would get her back tomorrow. If the lady won't answer the phone, just go there. Good Luck! Please keep us updated. I've got my fingers crossed for you that everything works out.

I agree! That's what I was thinking. I will keep you all posted and thank you all again for your help and support. Don't know what I would've done without you all. God bless each and every one of you.

Act fast before it's too late!!
 

From the description of the woman's house, it sounds very similar to my father's living condition. He doesn't have a sense of cleanliness nor hygiene and I have to live with him. Luckily, I have my room (he sleeps in living room) so I have a door to isolate myself from the filth. My dad COULD NEVER own a dog, and the woman you described reminded me of him. I mean, I am not the cleanest person, but at least I don't have trash and urine stains on the carpet, I just have lots of stuff. Despite all that, I have form a section for my two yorkies to play in comfortably and they have a stair that allow them access to my bed. Thus, from what I've read, I don't think this lady is eligible to take care of your baby. What did her yorkie look like? Was her yorkie matted and look like she needed some TLC? In addition, I feel that her not allowing you to see your dog because "she's adjusting" is BS + shady. If I were to adopt a yorkie and the previous owner wanted to see her, I would let her because I know it's hard for both the dog and previous owner. For instance, I bought my yorkie from a breeder and I sent her pictures of him so she knows he is taken care of. With her not letting you see her, I sense something is seriously wrong. I wish you best of luck!! Your situation is not entirely your fault so don't be too harsh on yourself. I could see myself in your position, however, my bf and I made a promise with each other that we will never give up our yorkies when we got them. A couple years back, I had to give up my chorkie and the family was my aunt's church friend. They lost the dog TWICE after ONLY having him for LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!! Unfortunately, the second time, they didn't find him and I didn't even sense that they really cared. TO THIS DAY, it still pissed me off and I still hold myself for it. It is a mistake I would never repeat. Sorry for going on and on, but I pray that everything work out and your baby return safely in your hands. I totally understand financial difficulties, don't feel alone, me and along with many others are also experiencing it. I would recommend keeping her since you've had her for 11 years! I think it's truly an amazing experience to own a dog for its entire life. Best of luck and keep us posted please!

I didn't mean my other comment to sound like anything other than it just being humorous, as in 'go over and ring her bell' funny!! I know my comment to that could be taken differently but Lord, it's not at all how it was meant. So I just wanted you to know that.

With that, I'm also going to let everyone know that this ordeal and how it could go has literally kept me up all night long. Not a wink of sleep. I'm either going to bring her back home where all is good, or I'm going to lose her forever with what I'm about to do. I am so distraught over this that I am physically ill!! I'm going to ponder it over for a few more hours before I make my decision. But I will post and give you all an update as to what I've decided. PLEASE....everyone that may stumble onto this thread, say a prayer for me and and my Ciera that whatever happens is meant to be and that we may find peace with it.

Go and get her...by the way I don't think the lady's willing to pay money and time to sue you, just my thought ;)

I am in total agreement with VioletMoon and do not believe this woman will spend anything to sue you.

Have you heard from your cop friend? Do you think he would be willing to accompany you? I think that would be most effective. I know you must have trepidation about getting the police involved, but maybe you should at least go to the police department and make an inquiry, if you don't hear back from your friend. (BTW, call him again.) If you could get an officer to accompany you to this woman's house, I would think you would likely leave with your baby.

You want to act quickly, yet effectively. Don't rush too much. You have one shot at this before this woman becomes aware of your intentions. Be careful.

I am praying you are given effective direction.

No, I have not heard from him. Not sure why he hasn't called me back. I've tried to reach him 4 times yesterday and again this morning but he's not answering nor calling me back. Which is unusual for him. I'm not rushing on anything I do at this point. My main motivation for getting in touch with him was to see if I had a right to go get her under these circumstances, and if that paper she made me write under duress was legal. I'll try him again before I go over there. If he's not answering there has to be a reason for it. Just not sure what the reason is.

Unless he has a legal background, he will not know the law in this regard, but may be willing to share his opinion anyway. Please keep in mind that cops typically just know when someone is breaking a law obviously, but are unaware of the instricacies of law even when/if they claim to know. Either they don't know or are just plain wrong and make invalid statements. That's why there are attorneys. Do you have any attorney friends or have a friend that has a relationship with an attorney? Maybe you will find a lawyer who will be sympathetic to your cause and financial situation and offer free advice. If you don't, contact legal aid tomorrow to discuss your situation. Also, maybe your divorce attorney would personally be of some help or might be willing to find out on your behalf or might direct you to another attorney who would be sympathetic to your cause and financial situation. Remember to discuss the legal terms and issues found in my lengthy post. It is my belief you are standing on solid ground.

I'm sure you don't want to impose on your friend, but I would be sure to ask him if he would accompany you. He may not be willing to put himself in that situation because he knows he doesn't know the law and would not want to be held accountable for any wrongdoing. I'd ask him anyway; he may be willing and that would be excellent (if you ever hear back-aargh).

Take a deep breath...

::update::
 

This is for everyone that not only followed my post, but helped me decide what was best to do. Before I go any further, I want to thank you all again for all of your help, wonderful advice and concern for my little one as well as myself. You all are a fantastic group!

Now, to let you all know the outcome of this.....
I ended up going over there but to my surprise the lady was understanding and considerate to me. She saw how Ciera was clinging to me and told me, without my asking, to take her home. She said she wanted Ciera to be happy and it was obviously with me that she would be happy.
She told me that the two days she had her that she didn't want anything to do with her, and that all she did was lay in her crate.
I have to tell you all that this lady did, in fact, have her best interest at heart in order for her to do that. She didn't have to, yet she did. She even hugged me 3 times before I left and told me I was a good person and to not let hard times in my life be a factor in doing something so drastic. That in doing what I initially did would only bring grief later on. We all have hard times but we just do what we can, and what we cant, we do later. As long as it all gets done.
She had such a nice visit with me that she asked me to come back and bring Ciera with me from time to time. :) I'm so glad that things worked out this way. Not what I expected at all. Ciera is happily back in her home and is right now working over a bully stick. She's lovin life!!!!

Thank you all again. God Bless!

I'm really glad everything worked out great!!! God bless that lady!

Wow, that is a really wonderful ending to what I at first perceived as a sad story. I am so happy for you and for Ciera! She must have missed you terribly! And you know what, that lady's right..word for word. I truly believe it. Soo very happy for you!

Yes, she was stuck to me like glue the entire time I was there. Either in my lap or at my feet. You have to figure as I'm sure she did, that Ciera had only been with her for 2 days, so of course she was going to cling to me while I was there. It was pretty cool tho. :D

Hip Hip Hurrrrray!!!!!! I am so glad you got her back, after the phone conversation you had with her, I didn't think it would have went this well, but I am so glad it did. Now my heart goes out to this lady, as this is the second dog that she has had to give back, BUT she didn't have time to form a real bond with Ciera. I hope she finds a dog that needs a home that is suited for her enviroment. Just curious, Did the house look any better today???

I am so happy for you and Ciera! It does seem that lady truly had Ciera's best interest in mind. This is so awesome. I was not expecting the story to unfold in this way. Congratulations on getting her back. :)

I have read this thread and all of the postings and am so very happy that you have your baby back.
I was in tears as I read the posts. I can't imagine what you must have went through. My tears now are those of happiness. (I think the older I get the more emotional I get:()
I know your little one is so happy to be back in your loving arms.
Please take care and I will keep you and Ciera in my prayers.

I am so happy that the two of you are back together!

Sometimes it's hard to have faith in mankind but from time to time they still show us just how much love is still out there. What a nice surprise. Welcome home little one!

Wow this is the greatest news! :D