Do I have rights??

[wally]

Over six months ago, a white pomeranian was wondering the apartment complex and came into our place. She had a bad rash and she looked pretty scruffy. And, she was so hungry. Naturally, we took her in and tried to track her owner. The number on the tag was the owner's ex-husband and he told us that the lady was out of the country. After a month, she contacted us. She said she had left the dog with a friend, and she did not know her dog was missing. We offered to give her back the dog and she said that she couldn't take it back right now because she needed to get back on her feet. I asked her if she wanted to see her and she wouldn't even do that. We took her to the vet to treat the rash. We found out she wasn't even spayed. She only gave us less than half the bill and now.. SIX months later -- she calls me and tells me that she is moving out of the country and wants her dog back, and if I don't give it to her she will press charges against me!! She says she has papers, but I also have documents to her care. What do I do!!! I don't want to give her to an irresponsible owner!! Please help.. somone tell me if I have any rights whatsoever!! I live in Georgia. Thanks so much.:confused:

[k9mania]

Wally,

I would go to a rescue organization and see if they are knowledgeable about dog law in your state. Or maybe even the SPCA because they do know dog law in your state. There may be an organization that helps people with cases like this and if the owner did not want the dog before any fight for it may deter her. Good luck:)

[dobetaztic]

I dont know if the rules are different in america but in England you did every thing correctly and after three weeks if the owner has not taken the dog back then you do have the legal owner ship especially if you can produce veterinary records or reciepts of health care you have maintained for your dog. i also suggest seeking legal advice as these type of issues can be very heart rendering and upsetting. GOOD LUCK.

[Shelley02]

In Canada, the person having the dog and caring for it for that long becomes the owner. Leaving a dog for that long when you know who has it is considered abandonment. Good luck to you.

[ChicosMom]

Yes I would say you do have rights. This is forfeiture/abandonment.
I would contact the ASPCA, or your local humane society..

Good luck...

[shell]

In Alberta, Canada, 6 months on your property constitutes legal ownership. As long as you have the documentation, there shouldn't be much of a fight. GOOD LUCK!

[BUMBLES]

Over six months ago, a white pomeranian was wondering the apartment complex and came into our place. She had a bad rash and she looked pretty scruffy. And, she was so hungry. Naturally, we took her in and tried to track her owner. The number on the tag was the owner's ex-husband and he told us that the lady was out of the country. After a month, she contacted us. She said she had left the dog with a friend, and she did not know her dog was missing. We offered to give her back the dog and she said that she couldn't take it back right now because she needed to get back on her feet. I asked her if she wanted to see her and she wouldn't even do that. We took her to the vet to treat the rash. We found out she wasn't even spayed. She only gave us less than half the bill and now.. SIX months later -- she calls me and tells me that she is moving out of the country and wants her dog back, and if I don't give it to her she will press charges against me!! She says she has papers, but I also have documents to her care. What do I do!!! I don't want to give her to an irresponsible owner!! Please help.. somone tell me if I have any rights whatsoever!! I live in Georgia. Thanks so much.:confused:
ok a few questions.
1 - Why didn't the ex husband take the dog ?
2 - Why did the woman wait a month to contact you, she should have called that day & informed you. I highly doubt her friend didn't call & tell her the dog escaped & was missing.
3 - Clearly if "they" cared so much about the dog, she would have got her back or at least seen her, you could have gave the dog to a shelter instead of loving it.
4 - you state she needed to get her life back in order, did she ever state she would pay you to babysit this dog? or did she pretty much say she couldn't take care of it & didn't care what happened.
Based on what you write, I would say THATS YOUR DOG.
(did you keep any info on contact such as voice mail or letters or anything as emails, she might have AKC papers, but that does not prove they belong to this dog,anyone can give away a dog & not mention it has akc papers, your vet bills prove that you took care of the dog, you supported the dog, etc....).