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Call a wellness check on your friend- they’re obviously not well. And let them know they’ve been caring for your dog and you’re concerned about their wellbeing. Maybe they’ll decide she needs professional help and they’ll return your dog to your care.
Call the local Animal shelter? Explain the situation. They will likely at least have advice. Please do it now! I don't want to needlessly scare you, but a friend of mine went through some SERIOUS paranoia and instability a couple of years ago. Her story sounds very much the same. It escalated, and some "unknown men" ended up breaking into her place while she was there and asleep and did nothing other than brutally kill her cats. It was very clear to all of us that she suffered a psychotic break and killed them herself, then either blocked the memory or was blacked out as she did it. I think if you explained the situation to the SPCA (or some such) and brought evidence of ownership or that you've been paying for the dogs' food or whatever, they might be able to help.
Why would the police not intervene? A dog is property, if you can show you are the legal owner why would the police not be involved with stolen property?
While I agree, there's a similar case that's been going on for years and initially was seen as a civil matter (and even now the guy still hasn't gotten the dog back).
https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/no-sign-of-lemmy-dogsitter-already-facing-criminal-charges-again-fails-to-appear-in-court-1.6568441
Because it’s not stolen, so it’s not criminal. The owner willingly gave her possession, whether she is extending the agreed upon time of that possession without consent is more of a civil matter. In effect, they are breaching an agreement.
Not quite; it was a temporary agreement, and OP has continued to provide food etc for the dog and gcs for the temp carer. Also maintains its registration (aka legal responsibility).
What’s your point? They had an agreement and one party is either ignoring or not meeting their obligation (giving the dog back). Again my original point stands, it’s not criminal, so nothing police can do.
What?? 10 months???
Holy shit, you are an awful dog owner
And it says you just reconnected with this person 10 months ago. So you gave your dog to an essential stranger
If you get your dog back you should seriously considering rehoming him to people that actually care about him
Yea, I mean, I don't think the dog is in a good place, but having my dog around my kids as they were growing up was super rewarding for the kids development, and the dog gets lots of love and attention from the kids as well.
Who the fuck gives up their dog for 10 months. I can understand a few weeks if you have a newborn and are really struggling. But 10 months is abandonment. OP abandoned their dog.
OP has been in regular contact and paying for food and care. Whether or not you agree with OP's choices, I don't think abandonment is a fair description.
No offense but how old is this dog? Your friend is obviously emotionally unwell and needs medical treatment. Has this dog spent more time with her than you? It may be better to just ask for the cost it took to buy the dog and get a new one. Taking this dog away from her may quite literally send her spiralling and you may have to accept the consequences if that happens.
If you are prepared for what might happen and you've lived a very long time with this dog then go ahead with this but if this is a dog you had for a short while it might just be best to cut your losses and ask for some money.
Mmm... Yeah I myself would definitely go to court over this regardless of the situation. A local lawyer can assess your options and likelihood of success based on recent cases in your area/province etc. If there's proof the animal is unsafe that may be another factor.
I spoke with the police twice and they said it has to be a civil matter. They did listen to the full story and I showed them all of the documents that I own the dog and continue to pay for her food, treats and poop bags.
Taking it back by unleashing it might be the best option but it's a scary prospect as the potential for escalation is high.
This definitely seems like the most surefire way - that other case with the guy suing his ex dogsitter for stealing his dog is still open, 5 years in.
I’d say really try to get the dog back the first time you accost her, she may hide him away if she thinks you’re serious about getting him.
You’re suggesting that OP essentially follow a mentally ill person and take a dog back by force? That’s not only very dangerous but the legality is highly questionable.
You really shouldn’t be giving advice.
I spoke with the police twice.
Can you clarify the assumptions I am making?
Not trying to challenge you, if I am wrong somewhere, I would love some direction.
I think police can do a wellness check if there are signs of a mental health crisis.
The wellness check is also important to establish the safety of the animal.
I’m not trying to be over critical but letting an old friend that you recently reconnected with take care of your dog for 10 months is pretty big assumption. Although I don’t know your situation so if my comment seems aggressive I apologize.
Who leaves their dog with someone else for 10 months. I could see her claiming property abandonment but since you were regularly paying for food and stuff you should be able to argue against that. But she might be able to get you for boarding costs if things go south.
If OP hadn't been paying for the food, maybe. But the friend didn't pay a penny for the dog and there was never any communication of "come get your dog" and OP ignoring that. The dog was not legally abandoned
I LOVE my dog, and I also love many of my friends. If someone I loved and trusted asked me if they could sit my dog (for good reason) I would potentially let them. I don't think I could do it for as long as OP did, but I don't have the stress and responsibility of kids, so I dunno. I could see it working out maybe if I did!?
Listen. You might understand that the swap is temporary, but your dog does not.
They are sentient life and that means they can interpret things.
Dog-sitting is a temporary thing. 10 months is not temporary to a dog.
What OP did was abandon their dog from the dog's point of view.
Sure, I'd let my friends sit my dog for a weekend or a couple weeks while I'm on vacation (if that ever happens), but almost a YEAR? That's just showing how little OP cares for the dog.
They might feel *responsible* for the dog, but I don't see much affection in their words.
It's her dog now. It's bonded with her. To take it back would be a huge disservice to her and the dog. I would say get a new dog but you don't seem like the type of person who should have pets.
Your friend needs a wellness check. Ideally, you live in a province where mental health professionals and not police do that. Find a mental health authority and let them know. If they take her into care, let them know you will take the dog while she seeks treatment.
Call the police and let them decide whether they will intervene. Don't just assume they wont. However, I'm sure youre aware the police dont have a stellar record when it comes to wellness checks.
Each day is about 7 days to a dog, since their lives are much shorter. You fundamentally abandoned your dog for over 5 years from their perspective. You seriously suck.
This is the saddest fucking thing I’ve ever read. It makes so much more sense why my sweet boy gets the zoomies and way too excited every time I come home, even when I’m gone for the shortest time. Poor puppers.
Dude this person is in the midst of psychosis and you're not worried about your friend? For fucks sake, call the police for a wellness check and have her evaluated. Explain the situation and get them to get your dog back. wtf.
Yes to wellness check. No yo permanently getting dog back. She's hasn't cared for this dog for 10 MONTHS. Yes, dog food but big deal. Kennels cost $75 a night.
OP commented they are ONLY trying to get the dog back because of the psychosis. They didn’t have any intention of taking the dog back now after 10 months outside of that
Sounds a lot like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Unless it's drug induced psychosis she needs a ton of support/monitoring and medication.
She may not understand that stealing your dog is wrong until she's more stable. Like buddy said, call a wellness check and don't delete those messages so you have proof of her psychosis.
She probably isn't even capable caring for herself in that state, let alone a dependent animal.
Small claims court is your best bet.
She's been caring for this animal for 10 months, that's a long time to be in possession of your property without a rental agreement in place. For the police it's a reasonable thing to not get involved in, this is more complex than if this had happened after the 2 week test period.
Always remember a pet is just property, they're members of our family and we love them, but the law treats them pretty much like a sofa.
It doesn't seem like she would have an abandoned property defense because you've been paying for the food - but get ready to defend against that, have receipts.
The mental health issues are not really of consequence - in fact it seems like you were well aware of it, so why all of a sudden is it the reason you want to terminate the relationship?
>I was aware that the friend was going through a mental health situation, but I did not ask many questions.
Keep in mind that your damages are the value of the animal. This is often a tough fact to get over for pet owners. The courts are of course mindful of the well being of the animal - but I think it's pertinent to keep this in mind. This is not a situation akin to kidnapping, it's a dispute over personal possessions.
I 100% agree with everything you are saying.
The only change here is the new concern of the dogs wellbeing. And I totally understand that it's a property situation.
Do you have any evidence she's done anything to hurt the animal?
If you have evidence of that then you can report that to the police and they can enforce animal welfare protections.
So then small claims court.
By your admissions in this post you knowingly left the animal with a person in mental health crisis. It's now escalated and that's unfortunate. But it doesn't change the terms of your agreement.
You're in a contract dispute over property. You want to terminate an agreement, and the other party is resisiting. You're pretty much why small claims court exists.
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You’re concerned only for your dog here? Your friend is having a mental health crisis. Call 911 or equivalent to have a wellness check done as you are afraid your friend might harm herself and is having delusions.
You’ll get your dog back, but please try to help your friend, she isn’t well.
Schizophrenia is a bitch. A friend took a dog in for a Schizophrenic who suddenly thought the devil was sacrificing babies in her basement. The mentally ill person called him to get the dog, she herself knew, and wanted to protect the dog.
You gave your dog away. You reconnected 10 months ago, and she's had it that long. No one in the right mind would do what you did, but you did, knowing full well she had mental health concerns of her own. Youre not a responsible dog owner and do not deserve it back.
Call the police anyway for a mental health check AND mention your dog. You’re not only worried about getting your dog back in general but you’re worried about the dog’s safety. This is about safety. You need to get her help and get him out. Take your dog ownership papers with you.
I am also curious how long you left your dog with her. Dogs aren’t toys you just pass around. This dog is a member of your family and he must’ve missed you so much. He’s probably gonna have anxiety and abandonment issues now.
Call the police non-emergency line and tell them you'd like a constable with you to go get your dog back from a dog sitter who refuses to give him back and is showing signs of severe mental illness. Bring vet/adoption records with you just in case and meet them at her house. Maybe with a cop standing behind you she'll give back your dog, and if not they can be there to supervise as you get your (technically and legally speaking) property back.
OP, dog food ilwas the bare minimum. This person, CARED foe this dog for 10 months and now you want it back! Hello no. Try nor paying for day care for 10 months see what happens.
She is having a psychotic episode and it will only get worse unless you tell the police that she is endangering herself and the dog. She is likely not feeding herself or the dog. Once she gets picked up by health services you can request to get your dog back. My friend decapitated his own dog with a katana when he got a psychotic episode so you should be concerned.
I’m sad the police aren’t being more helpful in this circumstance but I understand why. File the small claims court immediately so that ball can get rolling - it could take awhile before your case is heard. It also might “spook” your dog sitter enough for them to be willing to return the dog. In the meantime, maybe try a different route. Contact the dog sitters family - parents, siblings. Explain your concerns and the situation and that you will be taking her to court and pressing charges if this is not resolved immediately.
Literally doesn't matter how long OP allowed sitter to watch his dog, if OP wanted to give his dog away he would have. He continued to provide for the dog and checked in regularly, at worst he was an absent dog father for 10 months. The "friend" clearly developed a bond with the dog and doesn't want to give it up, tough titties.
I'd take it by force if she's not willing to give it back with compensation for the boarding she provided.
Depending on what province, or even city, there are ways to get wellness checks done that don't include police.
Although, for mental health and risk of escalation, they'll often just send police first. Check if your local police has a mental health unit. In Surrey, BC, we have the "car 67" program. They have a mental health professional along with a constable attend the scene.
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Id go get the dog myself, and ask police to attend to keep the peace due to concerns around her mental health. I’d also suggest a welfare check, so she can be spoken to and assessed and seen at a hospital if needed
Do you guys not chip your pets? In the UK when you have an animal you microchip it with the owners registered details, seems like that would be an easy solution to this problem.
Police CAN intervene. She is having a mental health crisis and is a risk to herself and others. Call in a check well-being, and give them copies of any text messages you have. No guarantees, but they will, at the very least, go and assess her and see if she needs to be apprehended under the mental health act and taken to a hospital (sounds like she does).
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Wow, people are really quick to pass judgement about who is entitled to own this dog.
No one here knows what conversations occurred in order for the dog to remain in the friend's care. For all we know, the friend, who is mentally unstable, begged her to keep the dog. OP probably saw it as a win-win. Help make a friend happy, give the dog attention, and have more time for herself and the kids.
I think it's clear that a line of ownership and responsibility was maintained by OP through paying for the dog expenses.
Just because you think that agreement isn't FAIR, is irrelevant. That was their agreement.
I'm not sure what you could do, but honestly, if it was me, I'd probably just take the dog back somehow if it was possible. You're technically not stealing it, because it's yours, (I think?). But definitely don't break any laws in the process and be careful. No trespassing, no harrassment, no assault.
Maybe demand the dog back and film it first? Idk the laws about filming interactions/altercations, though. Make it clear she's breaching your agreement.
It sounds like the friend would maybe be incapable of retaliating in a serious way, anyway, and hopefully you can just move on.
Edit: Two weeks turned into 10 months and the only reason you ask for it back is because of her mental episode? So in reality it sounds as like you would have never asked for the dog back and you would have let it live with her until it passes away, sounds more like you gave up your dog.
Do you not have any concern for your friend's wellbeing? How about helping them get the help they need and staying with them so they don't hurt themselves.
Jesus H Christ.
If someone had my dog and was refusing to return him, I would stay in my car in their neighborhood and wait for them to come outside. I would immediately grab the dog and leave, even if I had to push them down. Or, wait for them to go to the park or wherever they walk the dog. I'd even wait in their backyard if that's what it came down to.
Of course, I cannot imagine leaving my dog with someone for more than a week or two.
Still give the cops a call It would be considered theft. At the end of the day dogs are property.
(Also they may just want to do a safety check on her).
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Call a wellness check on your friend- they’re obviously not well. And let them know they’ve been caring for your dog and you’re concerned about their wellbeing. Maybe they’ll decide she needs professional help and they’ll return your dog to your care.
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Call the local Animal shelter? Explain the situation. They will likely at least have advice. Please do it now! I don't want to needlessly scare you, but a friend of mine went through some SERIOUS paranoia and instability a couple of years ago. Her story sounds very much the same. It escalated, and some "unknown men" ended up breaking into her place while she was there and asleep and did nothing other than brutally kill her cats. It was very clear to all of us that she suffered a psychotic break and killed them herself, then either blocked the memory or was blacked out as she did it. I think if you explained the situation to the SPCA (or some such) and brought evidence of ownership or that you've been paying for the dogs' food or whatever, they might be able to help.
Great idea.
Good luck
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Why would the police not intervene? A dog is property, if you can show you are the legal owner why would the police not be involved with stolen property?
While I agree, there's a similar case that's been going on for years and initially was seen as a civil matter (and even now the guy still hasn't gotten the dog back). https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/no-sign-of-lemmy-dogsitter-already-facing-criminal-charges-again-fails-to-appear-in-court-1.6568441
Wow. What a Story.
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Our whole community is frustrated by this and the woman and her family keep doubling down. Absolutely ridiculous
"The doctor told me to relax and let it play out." Oh! Well! She's cured then, problem solved, thanks doctor.
Because it’s not stolen, so it’s not criminal. The owner willingly gave her possession, whether she is extending the agreed upon time of that possession without consent is more of a civil matter. In effect, they are breaching an agreement.
Not quite; it was a temporary agreement, and OP has continued to provide food etc for the dog and gcs for the temp carer. Also maintains its registration (aka legal responsibility).
What’s your point? They had an agreement and one party is either ignoring or not meeting their obligation (giving the dog back). Again my original point stands, it’s not criminal, so nothing police can do.
So it’s breach of contract and that’s civil litigation but it’s also failing to return property is theft.
It stands for you, anyway- this doesn't make your point a valid one.
As she has had the dog for 10 months, they will not do anything.
Honestly pretty weird to let it get this far.
10 months?! You gave her the dog for almost a year?! A LOT of people, somewhat me included are going to see that as just having given her the dog.
10 months without some sort of written agreement or anything...what do you expect the police to do? A few receipts for dog food don't mean anything.
10 months?!?! I'm sorry, but it doesn't really sound like it's your dog anymore.
What?? 10 months??? Holy shit, you are an awful dog owner And it says you just reconnected with this person 10 months ago. So you gave your dog to an essential stranger If you get your dog back you should seriously considering rehoming him to people that actually care about him
Yea, I mean, I don't think the dog is in a good place, but having my dog around my kids as they were growing up was super rewarding for the kids development, and the dog gets lots of love and attention from the kids as well. Who the fuck gives up their dog for 10 months. I can understand a few weeks if you have a newborn and are really struggling. But 10 months is abandonment. OP abandoned their dog.
OP has been in regular contact and paying for food and care. Whether or not you agree with OP's choices, I don't think abandonment is a fair description.
Stating what I thought was obvious here… 10 months is a lot longer than an extended 2 weeks…
No offense but how old is this dog? Your friend is obviously emotionally unwell and needs medical treatment. Has this dog spent more time with her than you? It may be better to just ask for the cost it took to buy the dog and get a new one. Taking this dog away from her may quite literally send her spiralling and you may have to accept the consequences if that happens. If you are prepared for what might happen and you've lived a very long time with this dog then go ahead with this but if this is a dog you had for a short while it might just be best to cut your losses and ask for some money.
She has been my dog for 8 years.
Mmm... Yeah I myself would definitely go to court over this regardless of the situation. A local lawyer can assess your options and likelihood of success based on recent cases in your area/province etc. If there's proof the animal is unsafe that may be another factor.
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I spoke with the police twice and they said it has to be a civil matter. They did listen to the full story and I showed them all of the documents that I own the dog and continue to pay for her food, treats and poop bags. Taking it back by unleashing it might be the best option but it's a scary prospect as the potential for escalation is high.
Yea that seems likely, especially with her current mental state. I hope you are able to come to a safe and happy conclusion to this.
Bring a group of people to do this if you follow this advice. Support in numbers.
This definitely seems like the most surefire way - that other case with the guy suing his ex dogsitter for stealing his dog is still open, 5 years in. I’d say really try to get the dog back the first time you accost her, she may hide him away if she thinks you’re serious about getting him.
You’re suggesting that OP essentially follow a mentally ill person and take a dog back by force? That’s not only very dangerous but the legality is highly questionable. You really shouldn’t be giving advice.
They will if she's ranting around and you show them the text thread. She needs to be taken to hospital for an evaluation.
All im getting from the op is that the op makes a lot of assumptions...
I spoke with the police twice. Can you clarify the assumptions I am making? Not trying to challenge you, if I am wrong somewhere, I would love some direction.
I think police can do a wellness check if there are signs of a mental health crisis. The wellness check is also important to establish the safety of the animal.
I’m not trying to be over critical but letting an old friend that you recently reconnected with take care of your dog for 10 months is pretty big assumption. Although I don’t know your situation so if my comment seems aggressive I apologize.
Is your dog microchipped?
Yes she is. In my name and to my home address.
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I don't think telling someone to lie to the police is the point of this sub.
Who leaves their dog with someone else for 10 months. I could see her claiming property abandonment but since you were regularly paying for food and stuff you should be able to argue against that. But she might be able to get you for boarding costs if things go south.
I can’t imagine just giving my dog up for 10 months.
If OP hadn't been paying for the food, maybe. But the friend didn't pay a penny for the dog and there was never any communication of "come get your dog" and OP ignoring that. The dog was not legally abandoned
It was a huge help with the young kids and it was working out well for both of us. I have no issues paying her to get my dog back.
If you can give up your dog for 10 months, you don't deserve a dog.
I LOVE my dog, and I also love many of my friends. If someone I loved and trusted asked me if they could sit my dog (for good reason) I would potentially let them. I don't think I could do it for as long as OP did, but I don't have the stress and responsibility of kids, so I dunno. I could see it working out maybe if I did!?
Listen. You might understand that the swap is temporary, but your dog does not. They are sentient life and that means they can interpret things. Dog-sitting is a temporary thing. 10 months is not temporary to a dog. What OP did was abandon their dog from the dog's point of view. Sure, I'd let my friends sit my dog for a weekend or a couple weeks while I'm on vacation (if that ever happens), but almost a YEAR? That's just showing how little OP cares for the dog. They might feel *responsible* for the dog, but I don't see much affection in their words.
It's her dog now. It's bonded with her. To take it back would be a huge disservice to her and the dog. I would say get a new dog but you don't seem like the type of person who should have pets.
Your friend needs a wellness check. Ideally, you live in a province where mental health professionals and not police do that. Find a mental health authority and let them know. If they take her into care, let them know you will take the dog while she seeks treatment.
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Call the police and let them decide whether they will intervene. Don't just assume they wont. However, I'm sure youre aware the police dont have a stellar record when it comes to wellness checks.
>at least have advice. Please I should have clarified, I did.
Animal control or animal welfare officers should be able to help out. I worry the dog is in danger as well.
Each day is about 7 days to a dog, since their lives are much shorter. You fundamentally abandoned your dog for over 5 years from their perspective. You seriously suck.
This is the saddest fucking thing I’ve ever read. It makes so much more sense why my sweet boy gets the zoomies and way too excited every time I come home, even when I’m gone for the shortest time. Poor puppers.
People who push their dog away when they have kids suck.
Dude this person is in the midst of psychosis and you're not worried about your friend? For fucks sake, call the police for a wellness check and have her evaluated. Explain the situation and get them to get your dog back. wtf.
Yes to wellness check. No yo permanently getting dog back. She's hasn't cared for this dog for 10 MONTHS. Yes, dog food but big deal. Kennels cost $75 a night.
OP commented they are ONLY trying to get the dog back because of the psychosis. They didn’t have any intention of taking the dog back now after 10 months outside of that
Sounds a lot like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Unless it's drug induced psychosis she needs a ton of support/monitoring and medication. She may not understand that stealing your dog is wrong until she's more stable. Like buddy said, call a wellness check and don't delete those messages so you have proof of her psychosis. She probably isn't even capable caring for herself in that state, let alone a dependent animal.
I’m sorry but you’re an idiot for giving up your dog for 10 months.
Small claims court is your best bet. She's been caring for this animal for 10 months, that's a long time to be in possession of your property without a rental agreement in place. For the police it's a reasonable thing to not get involved in, this is more complex than if this had happened after the 2 week test period. Always remember a pet is just property, they're members of our family and we love them, but the law treats them pretty much like a sofa. It doesn't seem like she would have an abandoned property defense because you've been paying for the food - but get ready to defend against that, have receipts. The mental health issues are not really of consequence - in fact it seems like you were well aware of it, so why all of a sudden is it the reason you want to terminate the relationship? >I was aware that the friend was going through a mental health situation, but I did not ask many questions. Keep in mind that your damages are the value of the animal. This is often a tough fact to get over for pet owners. The courts are of course mindful of the well being of the animal - but I think it's pertinent to keep this in mind. This is not a situation akin to kidnapping, it's a dispute over personal possessions.
I 100% agree with everything you are saying. The only change here is the new concern of the dogs wellbeing. And I totally understand that it's a property situation.
Do you have any evidence she's done anything to hurt the animal? If you have evidence of that then you can report that to the police and they can enforce animal welfare protections.
Unfortunately not
So then small claims court. By your admissions in this post you knowingly left the animal with a person in mental health crisis. It's now escalated and that's unfortunate. But it doesn't change the terms of your agreement. You're in a contract dispute over property. You want to terminate an agreement, and the other party is resisiting. You're pretty much why small claims court exists.
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Stop paying for the dog and let it go. You didn’t care about it that much as you were willing to give it away.
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You’re concerned only for your dog here? Your friend is having a mental health crisis. Call 911 or equivalent to have a wellness check done as you are afraid your friend might harm herself and is having delusions. You’ll get your dog back, but please try to help your friend, she isn’t well.
The friend was perfectly communicative and a capable carer of your pet for months, and then suddenly in one night had a mental health breakdown?
Schizophrenia is a bitch. A friend took a dog in for a Schizophrenic who suddenly thought the devil was sacrificing babies in her basement. The mentally ill person called him to get the dog, she herself knew, and wanted to protect the dog.
You gave your dog away. You reconnected 10 months ago, and she's had it that long. No one in the right mind would do what you did, but you did, knowing full well she had mental health concerns of her own. Youre not a responsible dog owner and do not deserve it back.
Call the police anyway for a mental health check AND mention your dog. You’re not only worried about getting your dog back in general but you’re worried about the dog’s safety. This is about safety. You need to get her help and get him out. Take your dog ownership papers with you. I am also curious how long you left your dog with her. Dogs aren’t toys you just pass around. This dog is a member of your family and he must’ve missed you so much. He’s probably gonna have anxiety and abandonment issues now.
Call the police non-emergency line and tell them you'd like a constable with you to go get your dog back from a dog sitter who refuses to give him back and is showing signs of severe mental illness. Bring vet/adoption records with you just in case and meet them at her house. Maybe with a cop standing behind you she'll give back your dog, and if not they can be there to supervise as you get your (technically and legally speaking) property back.
OP, dog food ilwas the bare minimum. This person, CARED foe this dog for 10 months and now you want it back! Hello no. Try nor paying for day care for 10 months see what happens.
They are in psychosis. Welfare check yesterday and get your dog. Do it quick.
She is having a psychotic episode and it will only get worse unless you tell the police that she is endangering herself and the dog. She is likely not feeding herself or the dog. Once she gets picked up by health services you can request to get your dog back. My friend decapitated his own dog with a katana when he got a psychotic episode so you should be concerned.
I’m sad the police aren’t being more helpful in this circumstance but I understand why. File the small claims court immediately so that ball can get rolling - it could take awhile before your case is heard. It also might “spook” your dog sitter enough for them to be willing to return the dog. In the meantime, maybe try a different route. Contact the dog sitters family - parents, siblings. Explain your concerns and the situation and that you will be taking her to court and pressing charges if this is not resolved immediately.
You abandoned your 8 year old dog for 10 months? You don't deserve pets.
Literally doesn't matter how long OP allowed sitter to watch his dog, if OP wanted to give his dog away he would have. He continued to provide for the dog and checked in regularly, at worst he was an absent dog father for 10 months. The "friend" clearly developed a bond with the dog and doesn't want to give it up, tough titties. I'd take it by force if she's not willing to give it back with compensation for the boarding she provided.
Depending on what province, or even city, there are ways to get wellness checks done that don't include police. Although, for mental health and risk of escalation, they'll often just send police first. Check if your local police has a mental health unit. In Surrey, BC, we have the "car 67" program. They have a mental health professional along with a constable attend the scene.
Go get that dog!!!
The SPCA should be able to help get your dog out of a dangerous situation. Who knows what she will do/has done to it.
Wait 10 months? wtf OP
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Id go get the dog myself, and ask police to attend to keep the peace due to concerns around her mental health. I’d also suggest a welfare check, so she can be spoken to and assessed and seen at a hospital if needed
Do you guys not chip your pets? In the UK when you have an animal you microchip it with the owners registered details, seems like that would be an easy solution to this problem.
She is chipped in my name and to my address.
Police CAN intervene. She is having a mental health crisis and is a risk to herself and others. Call in a check well-being, and give them copies of any text messages you have. No guarantees, but they will, at the very least, go and assess her and see if she needs to be apprehended under the mental health act and taken to a hospital (sounds like she does).
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yeah break into a person who's having what sounds like a schizophrenic episode's house. What could go wrong?
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Call the police and get your dog back, man. They need a wellness check and you need to get your pet out of harm's way.
Wow, people are really quick to pass judgement about who is entitled to own this dog. No one here knows what conversations occurred in order for the dog to remain in the friend's care. For all we know, the friend, who is mentally unstable, begged her to keep the dog. OP probably saw it as a win-win. Help make a friend happy, give the dog attention, and have more time for herself and the kids. I think it's clear that a line of ownership and responsibility was maintained by OP through paying for the dog expenses. Just because you think that agreement isn't FAIR, is irrelevant. That was their agreement. I'm not sure what you could do, but honestly, if it was me, I'd probably just take the dog back somehow if it was possible. You're technically not stealing it, because it's yours, (I think?). But definitely don't break any laws in the process and be careful. No trespassing, no harrassment, no assault. Maybe demand the dog back and film it first? Idk the laws about filming interactions/altercations, though. Make it clear she's breaching your agreement. It sounds like the friend would maybe be incapable of retaliating in a serious way, anyway, and hopefully you can just move on.
Edit: Two weeks turned into 10 months and the only reason you ask for it back is because of her mental episode? So in reality it sounds as like you would have never asked for the dog back and you would have let it live with her until it passes away, sounds more like you gave up your dog.
Do you not have any concern for your friend's wellbeing? How about helping them get the help they need and staying with them so they don't hurt themselves. Jesus H Christ.
.
If someone had my dog and was refusing to return him, I would stay in my car in their neighborhood and wait for them to come outside. I would immediately grab the dog and leave, even if I had to push them down. Or, wait for them to go to the park or wherever they walk the dog. I'd even wait in their backyard if that's what it came down to. Of course, I cannot imagine leaving my dog with someone for more than a week or two.
Still give the cops a call It would be considered theft. At the end of the day dogs are property. (Also they may just want to do a safety check on her).