I desperately need advice....

[WDWFUN]

An ex-co-worker of mine gave me a 9 month old maltese because the place she was moving to did not allow pets. I have had Gigi since December 16th, 2006. Even though we were going to Disney on the 20th and she new this, we still took her and payed dog-sitting fee.

We both have kept in contact and I have sent her pictures of Gigi. My family and I have gotten attached to her. We had her hair trimmed(she came with knots in her hair) and she is scheduled for shots and spaying next week, Wednesday.

My ex-co-worker emailed me last night, she wants to pick up Gigi tomorrow to spend a few days with her because she misses her. I have no problem with this, but it's what she says in her email afterwards. That dogs are allowed in her apartment complex NOW and as long they are quiet, no deposit is required. And that she is thankful for everything I have done for Gigi...Hmmm, makes me wonder now if she wants Gigi back??

I recently found out that a couple of days to her giving me Gigi, she was going on vacation and she just returned. I feel as If I was led to believe she gave me the dog but her intentions were to use me for dog sitting, which I would not mind if she would have asked...HONESTLY!...but remember she knew I was leaving on the 20th for a week.

Now, if you were in my situation, would you give her back the dog?

I emailed her last night and told her about having her spayed and shots given on Wednesday and she bluntly wrote
"Don't neuter her just yet... If I am able to keep her at my apartment i've decided not to neuter her.. later on I would like to breed her... I will call you before I stop by."

I am now convinced she used me for dog-sitting while she took her trip with her b/f to Universal Orlando!

When she bought me the dog, she came with her b/f, she cried until the moment she left. The only thing she bought for Gigi was her food, toys and crate. There were no papers with Gigi as she didn't have any and no proof of shots or vet records.

This is really putting on damper on my New Years Eve. I'm worried she will want her back and legally can she??

 

[hentob]

Sneaky move on her part

 

[poohandwendy]

Well, it's up to you. But, if you give hr the dog back, be prepared never to get it back.

Where I live, the animal belongs to the person who is caring for it (feeding, grooming, vets visits/shots, etc) Legally, she may not be able to take the dog back, I am not sure.

Given what you describe, (no proof of shots, no vet visits, not groomed, wanting to breed the dog even though she doesn't seem to have a clue, giving it away) I would not give the dog back.

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

I think it is very rude of her to expect you to take the dog and then give it back to her because it's now convenient for her to have the dog. Some people just don't think about the consequences of their actions. Very rude.

However, I would give the dog back.

 

[MareQ]

Legally she probably could take her back - If shes asks for her back, make sure she pays you for every single dime you have spent and advise her you will return the dog when you have been paid.

 

[Allison]

I would not give her the dog. You won't ever get it back if you do.

 

[WDWFUN]

I forgot to say..I have emails from her...from the beginning when she asked if I wanted to have Gigi. So there was never a mis-communication.

 

[eclectics]

Legally she probably could take her back - If shes asks for her back, make sure she pays you for every single dime you have spent and advise her you will return the dog when you have been paid.

Exactly. Give her an itemized bill and say "you will get the dog back when I get paid for dog sitting"! Stick to your guns! What a cruddy thing to do to you. She is no friend.

 

[MushyMushy]

Sounds to me like you're not interested in maintaining a relationship with this person, so I wouldn't feel the least bit guilty about keeping the dog.

She sounds pretty irresponsible anyway, so the dog's probably better off with you.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

I would be upfront and tell her that you feel mislead as you've explained to us, especially considering the fact that she knew that you were going on vacation as well. I would tell her if she wanted the dog back, then she needed to reimburse you for the boarding and other fees you invested. I would want to say that she couldn't have the dog for a visit, but not sure that I would.

 

[goofy!]

please, at least keep her till she is spayed.

This person does not sound responsible when it concerns dogs. She is the last person who needs to be breeding dogs.

 

[puggymom]

Since you have emails stating that she is giving the dog to you, I don't think she has much of a legal case. I agree about asking for the money you spent on the dog before giving her back,if that is what you decide.

What really raises the red flag for me though, is she states she wants to breed her. Breeding is very expensive and should only be done by those who know what they are doing. She would be what is called a back yard breeder. The dog would be put at risk (as any puppies) by a novice not knowing what they are doing. PLEASE, keep the dog and get her neutered.

 

[poohandwendy]

Since you have emails stating that she is giving the dog to you, I don't think she has much of a legal case. I agree about asking for the money you spent on the dog before giving her back,if that is what you decide.

What really raises the red flag for me though, is she states she wants to breed her. Breeding is very expensive and should only be done by those who know what they are doing. She would be what is called a back yard breeder. The dog would be put at risk (as any puppies) by a novice not knowing what they are doing. PLEASE, keep the dog and get her neutered.

Exactly.

There is no way I would give the dog back knowing she plans on breeding it.

I have nothing against reputable, knowledgeable breeders. This woman is not one.

 

[flying_babyb]

there was a case like this on judge judy. As long as you have proof that she had no intention in the begining of taking the dog back, It will work in your favor. I wouldnt let her near the dog. She hasnt paid you anything for caring for her so she basically abandoned it.

 

[momrek06]

I recently saw this exact same situation on a JUDGE JUDY. Couple was moving into an apt that said NO DOGS. They gave the dog to a friend. Then one member of the family (months later) was having so much trouble w/o the dog (this young lady (20-ish) was in the courtroom HYSTERICALLY crying) and it did appear very sad as the young lady cried and cried and her sister did all the speaking.

The couple with the puppy now, had emails, and bills showing all they did for the dog and how the girl GAVE THE DOG TO THEM.

JUDGE JUDY quickly ruled in their favor. She was actually pretty mad at the family bringing the lawsuit as she said..."you cannot just give a dog away and then when you decide you want the dog back EXPECT IT"....as the defendent had proof that this was basically a DONE DEAL and get this one the Plaintiff even told Judge Judy they have now MOVED into a new apt that ALLOWS dogs and they want THAT dog back!!! Do NOT give the DOG back at all, OP and keep us posted. GOOD LUCK, keep the dog!!!

 

[Pugdog007]

I would not give her the dog back!

 

[momrek06]

there was a case like this on judge judy. As long as you have proof that she had no intention in the begining of taking the dog back, It will work in your favor. I wouldnt let her near the dog. She hasnt paid you anything for caring for her so she basically abandoned it.

Ahhh..great minds think alike...just posted minutes after you re: Judge Judy!!!

 

[azgal81]

There is no way I would give her the dog back. It seems like she only wants the dog when it's convinent for her. What a horrible thing for that poor dog. Since you have all the communication from her stating she's giving it do you anyone you go before will most likely rule in your favor. Also do not let her take the dog tomorrow you will never see it again.

 

[maddiemouse]

I absolutely would not give her the dog back. For the dog's sake, if nothing else. It sounds like she has a much better home with you. You've gotten her groomed, are doing the responsible thing by taking her to the vets for spaying, etc. Your bimbo co-worker sounds like she just wants to make a few bucks by breeding her and selling the puppies. VERY bad idea, since it sounds as though she is completely ignorant about proper care of an animal.
I've moved a few times in my life, and the first question I ask when inquiring about a place is "Do you allow pets?" If the answer is no, then there's no point in continuing the conversation. No way would I give up my babies to move.

 

[WDWFUN]

I feel sorry for my ex-co-worker as I know she "must" miss her. but I'm angry at how she mislead me and lied to me. A dog is not a yo-yo and it can't be bounced back and forth from house to house.

What bothers me the most is that she requested to pick her up tomorrow, givig me the impression it was only for a visit but not so, she planned on keeping her.

Gigi cannot be bred, she's only 5lbs. Breeding should be left to experienced people and she is not one of them.

She really fooled me

DH says give her back but DS and I just can't.