Who's Dog is It?
 

Hello All,
I am a new Yorkie owner, so I am also new to this forum, but I really need some advice.

About 3 weeks ago I was given a 3-4 year old Yorkie, that I named Murphy, by a woman who is a family friend.
She had a met woman who found the dog wondering the streets and took him to a vets office to see if he was chipped. The dog wasn't chipped, so he stayed at the vets office for 4 days while they searched for the owner. When his owner wasn't located the woman who found him called my friend and my friend paid to adopt the dog. Sadly because her cat didn't like him she wasn't able to keep the dog and she gave him to me.
Murphy had lived with me for about a week when I came across an ad on Craigslist posted by a woman who lost her dog in January about 45 miles from where my dog had been found. Although I had my doubts that this was her dog, I couldn't dismiss the similarities in appearance so I called her and said I may have found her dog. She said her dog had not been altered at the time of his disappearance, and when I told her that Murphy was neutered she said someone could have found him and taken him to have it done after he got out and asked if she could come see him anyway. She came out immediately to see the dog, but he didn't seem to recognize her at all and she left agreeing this probably wasn't her dog.
Later that day she called my house and asked me several questions, I was accommodating because I know how difficult it is to lose a dog. She also asked if I would be willing to take him to a vet to check the surgical scar and see if the alteration was recent. I said I would do it if she paid for the vet visit.
Between the time that I first met her and now she has called my house several times, regardless of the fact that I asked her not to call. And she sent about a dozen irrational emails. She said that if I couldn't afford to take the dog to the vet, how can I afford to take care of him? I told her I can afford it, but this is not a necessary vet visit for the dog's health, and that she was the one who wanted the visit so she should have to pay for it. And BTW who is she to talk, her dog wasn't fixed or chipped which she told me was because she couldn't afford it.
On MOTHERS DAY she called (at 9:00 on a Sunday morning), and emailed, again asking me to go that day to a vet with her. I told her absolutely not, it was Mothers Day and I had plans, but I would go during the week. She works until 6 and the only day she was able to go to the vet was on Wed. (tomorrow). I told her on Monday that I wouldn't know if I was available on Wed. until today. She then asked if I would allow her to come get Murphy and take him to the vet without me! Again I said absolutely not! There was no way I was giving this woman my home address, let alone giving her my dog!
She wrote several rude emails saying that I was "putting her off because I didn't want to know the truth". So I called this morning and told her I was not going with her to the vet because she had been so rude and inconsiderate. I told her stop calling and I wished her luck finding her dog.
When I got home from work this evening my local police department called and said she had called them and claimed that I had stolen her dog! I explained the situation to police officer who called my house and even she thought the situation was ridiculous, but she requested that I do meet this lady at the vet tomorrow in order to get this settled once and for all. I agreed to do it because I figure it's the best way to get this woman off my back.
Like I said before I don't believe this her dog, after seeing more pictures there are several differences between Murphy and her dog. But I will admit that I am a little nervous that if we go to the vet and the scar is new (after all I have no idea what this dog's medical history is) that she will have the right to take my dog. I will say that if the vet can not prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is her dog I will not give him up.

Does anyone know what my rights are in this situation? Who does the dog belong to? What should I do??? The police officer said I had no legal obligation to go the vet, but that if I chose not to that this woman could pursue legal action.

The whole situation makes me so mad, I was honestly trying to do the right thing when I called her. I just want what is best for the dog.
I am sucker for a helpless animal, this is not the first stray dog I have opened my home to and I am sure it won't be that last, but this nightmare will probably make me more careful when contacting possible owners in the future.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Sounds like a wacko to me:eek: I mean, who picks up stray dogs, gets them neutered, and then puts them back out on the street for someone else to find:confused: She's grasping at straws!

No microchip, no tattoo-----no legal way to prove that the dog is hers. You don't have to meet her at the vet, but honestly, if you do it might stop all this nonsense, though the vet may not be able to tell how old the neutering scar is. I've heard that when looking at photos to compare dogs, to look at their nose. It's as individual as fingerprints and could be a good way to identify the dog.

I know you're trying to do the right thing and find this dog's owner, but as crazy as this person sounds, I HOPE it's NOT her dog!!!

Good luck:)

What the heck?!!
 

OMG!!! People like this makes good deeds turn into BAD deeds!!! I understand that she REALLY wants her dog back, but the way she handled it IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE! I doubt that it will be her dog. However, DO HAVE HER PAY FOR THE VET VISIT if you go because you DO NOT have to do it! Did you tell the cop that? This lady sounds UNREASONABLE! I feel bad for her actual dog and hope that he has found a better home. In the end, you did the RIGHT thing and don't let this psycho discourage you from doing the same thing in the future. Unfortunately, one person usually ruins it all for others :( GOOD LUCK!

Wow.
I have a feeling she knows it isn't her dog - she LEFT after seeing him right ?

You went above and beyond and now are being put thru the ringer - she needs to show proof of her dog and if she can't chances are she is now wanting a free dog and if you're attached - keep him !

I'd know my girls anywhere and they'd be jumping all over me if ever lost and someone found them - they'd go nuts as I think most of these little guys would

We saved a little lost dog who was a Cheri lookalike running around my apartment complex in the rain a few months ago ....I was in my car coming home from work and saw this yorkie and my eyes popped - (I was freaking) SWORE it was my Cheri - so stopped and gathered some other people to catch her

once we got close and corralled her I knew it wasn't her - (she was FAST) and very wet so it was hard to really see what she looked like but if it HAD been my girl - she'd run to me ....this little one ran away from us - so what I'm saying is her dog should have known HER and vice versa.

Edited to add - the little wet lost yorkie was returned to her family who didn't even know she got out. Thankfully I've never had an 'escape' but once they get out - they sure can travel far - there's no telling where the dog you found came from

Wow, what a story! These are just MY thoughts. First red flag for me is that the dog didn't even recognize her. Second, if the police officer is saying that you don't have to give in to her demands but if you don't she could pursue you legally, doesn't sound like she has the funds to do that, nor do I think she has the rationale to do that. I would think that if she doesn't pursue legal action and keeps calling and emailing you, which I hope you're keeping copies of, that you could turn around and have her charged with harassment. JMO.
P.S. I hope you get to keep the dog, it sounds like it would have a great forever home.:)

:thumbup::thumbup: EXCELLENT advise - and I agree - when someone's own dog doesn't know their 'person' and that person has already said it isn't their dog after seeing him - then that 'person' doesn't have a leg to stand on. She had already stated it wasn't her dog.

If I were you I'd take the advise Stingray lady gave you and keep a log of everything - but have a feeling once she knows you aren't going to cave - she'll drop it. Good for you giving him a home - I'm sure he's in much better hands with you than some wacko who is harrassing you over a pet that isn't even hers

V, I remember that video of you coming home from wherever (not gone very long) and your girls were going absolutely berserk. That was such a cute video - you should repost it. :)

OP, you sound like a good, honest person who would give this little one a great home. I truly hope that things turn out well for you. I don't believe it is this woman's dog; everything just doesn't add up. Plus I agree that the dog would have gone crazy when he saw her. My four won't let me go upstairs without waiting for me and doing the happy dance all over again.

Good luck and please let us know what happens. :)

Just a thought, but is there any way someone from your local animal control can meet you at the vets office? That way, if she does give you some kind of trouble there will be police presence to handle it. And if it's shown that the dog is NOT hers, they can issue her a warning to leave you alone.

:thumbup::thumbup:

Wow, as much as I feel for this woman, it seems as though she should know whether or not it is her dog after meeting him. I would think that the dog would go crazy seeing his mommy, especially after not seeing her for awhile. I don't know how long it had been since they'd seen each other but there would be some recognition, I would think??

I like Rhetts_mama's idea of having someone in an authoritative role overseeing everything so things do not get out of control. I hope it all works out for all involved. I can totally understand this woman wanting desparately to find her dog, but to go about harrassing you is not the way to do it.

It sounds as though Murphy has found a wonderful new home and mommy. Will be crossing my fingers that you get this resolved and can get some peace and quiet to enjoy your new baby.

Personally I would call her bluff and tell her if she didn't stop calling and sending e-mails you are going to have a restraining order put against her . You have a legal right to do that .She already said it was not her dog .Who of us would not recognize our own babies and babies recognize us . Good luck let us know how it goes .

Oh my what drama. I like the idea too of having a police officer there. Even during the examination. I might even go so far as to have the lady that gave him to you there as well. Wouldn't she know if he was fixed or not when she found him in the first place? I can see this lady trying all sorts of things to claim him at the visit. After all, she has seen him now in person to give some sort of identifying factor. Once the scar is determined to be old, I would then request the officer let this lady know the consequences for continuing to contact you. Good luck.

I would suggest that you go to HER vet. ;) My vet would know all 3 of mine and so would the staff. Have her bring pictures as proof as well. I would bet that there is no vet and there are no pictures that resemble YOUR dog.

Come on`I walk out the door and come back 2 minutes later and mine act like they haven't seen in months. So if this dog didn't recognize her at all he doesn't belong to her.

I agree, this woman sounds like a nut! I hope you don't end up on Judge Judy! :eek:

This lady sounds like a complete nut job. I mean, she came to your house and didn't think it was her missing dog? Give me a break...who in their right mind can't recognized their own dog. I could pick any of mine out of a line up any day!
If I were you, I wouldn't even humor the lady. I would file a police report of my own for stalking and harrassment. You have the emails and can get phone records to back up your claim. No way in heck I would turn the dog over to her if it is clearly not hers.

If it was her dog she would know it and the dog would know her. I'd recognise dogs that died 30 years ago, let alone ones I'd misplaced a few months ago. She's either clutching at straws or possibly hoping that you'll let her have the dog so she doesn't have to pay for a replacement.

I'm kinda confused...did this nut come to your house? If she does not have your home address i would be less concerned. Although i guess it would be easy for her to find that out now days. IMO i would meet her at the vet to show that you have done everything to resolve the situation(in case nut job decides to sue you) I would definitely consult the police to go with you to vet (they will do it) cause who knows what some unstable,worked up stranger might do!!! Be careful!!! :)

Ooh thats a good idea! I did call the police department back and let them know that I will take him to the vet, and what time the appointment is for, that way if something goes wrong they'll know I'm trying to do the right thing.

No, thank goodness the first time I met her I made her meet me a park near my house because I didn't want my son to have to watch if he turned out to be her dog.

I really like the idea of going to HER vet. If she has one and if she cared about her dog, she will agree to this, thinking her vet will back her up. If she does not want to go to her vet, then I would not go at all. You owe her nothing and everything to the little dog you now have. You are not legally obligated and although you may want to ease her mind that this is not your dog, she is not going about it the right way. Constant phone calls and rude and irritating emails are not the way to get a dog back. Set your demands and if she won't meet them, then you have done all you can, as far as I am concerned.

Thank you all so much for the great advice! I did notify the police that I am taking Murphy to the vet today to meet with her. I just want this to be over and I think it's the best way to get this crazy woman out of my life for good.

I'm so glad to hear from other Yorkie owners there is no doubt that their dogs would recognize them! Like I said before this is my first Yorkie, and I thought maybe they aren't as loyal as other breeds and maybe he wouldn't get excited when he saw his person. Although after only a few weeks at my house he is very attached to me, he sleeps on my pillow (but I think he would sleep on my face if I would let him!), and he follows me around the house like he's on a leash. And of course he does jump all over me every time I come home, he even jumps into my arms when I get out the shower!

I've also decided that in addition to the microchips, I am going to have nose prints taken of Murphy and my other dog Maddison.

I have absolutely fallen in love with this little boy, he has become a part of my family and I would be devastated to have to say good-bye.

Again, thank you all so much for your support! I will post again when I get back from the vet and let you all know how it went.

P.S.
If I don't write back by this evening crazy lady has abducted me, send help! LOL

I think she is a nut too, I would have told her that the real owner had been found and he was turned over to them, which would be you, but she doesn't know that.

Good Luck today! I've only had Pebbles for 2 weeks, and she already goes crazy when I get home. I would say that Murphy is very lucky to have you, and that if this woman can't even recognize her dog, then she doesn't deserve him anyway. I hope everything goes well today!

I was reading about nose printing and I think it sounds like a good idea. Nose prints are as unique and identifiable as fingerprints of people!! I am going to look further into this for my dogs. I always thought Kalina had the cutest nose in the world and now I find out that not only is it cute, but it's one of a kind! :D

Yes! And I would be completely at ease with saying that after the dog not recognizing her.

Good Luck.

I think she is a nut job! But having said that there is one instance that I didn't know my own boy. This was not with the Razz man but our BRT Magic. After showing all day, our friends and I were having a bbq, it had gotten quite dark, so I went to "magics" crate, cause a new visitor to our campsite wanted to see him. I opened the crate, said comeon boy lets go, leashed him up, and trotted back to the campfire with him. Well low and behold a mutual friends said GAil thats Marley!!

tHAT GOT got posted be4 I was done. So I looked down and went Holy Cow where is MY Magic!!. BTW Marley knew me quite well, trust me I would never go into a strange guard dog's crate and say comeon boy lets go!. 'There was much consternation until a few other friends remembered seeing hubby with Jean walking away with a BRT. Well my hubby took Magic out for a walk with his breeder - who put her Marley in Magics crate... of course nobodylet me know that...Did I ever feel like a fool.

I wouldnt tell her your going to get a restraining order against her I would just do it. Shes harrassed you enough to justify it and if someting happened that she took you to court over this you could prove she was harrassing you. I dont think that would look too good for her. I wouldnt take the dog to the vet either

wow what a nightmare!!! i hope this is all over with for you soon!

Hope everything goes well for you today. The fact the dog did not recognize her is very telling...he's not her dog.