Hi I Live in Minnesota. I know it's a little wacky but this means a lot to me. My long time girlfriend recently separated. There is no fixing this. Another guy yada yada. I don't care so much anymore.
Anyhow in March of 2010 she insisted we get a puppy. I love dogs but knew this was a huge responsibility that she had never dealt with before. I came from a big dog family we love and cherish all of our dogs. They never go with out medical support, food, or love. She agreed to take all responsibility, which included paying the adoption fee, which I had no money for at the time and paying for a couple rounds of vaccinations. Money was tight for me at the time because I had just started a new job. Once I assumed no financial obligation I agreed.
We took (lets call her) Sadie, a13-week-old puppy, home after she had signed all the paperwork and handed the dog rescue a $250 adoption fee. I fell in love with Sadie on the ride home. So the financial woes that had bothered me started to fade. Not for long however, I was soon laid off from my new job.
During my time out of work I was Sadie's main caregiver. My girlfriend saw Sadie more as a living teddy bear that she could play with when ever she wanted with out taking the dog for walks or even purchasing dog food let alone covering the cost of any medical treatment the dog needed. This continued until we split up in December of last year. We lived under the same roof until I moved 2 hours away this May. I continued to purchase food and take care of the dog but I could not afford the spendier things like dog obedience and flea and tick medication while living together until May.
My concerns for wanting custody of the dog. I care about this animal like its my child but I have been concerned for Sadie's well being. My ex girlfriend lives in a small 1 bedroom house with 1 roommate and two other dogs. Sadie has ran away 4 to 5 times in the past month. One time a neighbor spotted Sadie chasing a deer. In northern Minnesota most people shoot a dog when they see it chasing a deer. Also Sadie has not received her second round of rabies, limes, and booster shots. She is not being provided with important things like Flea and Tick control or medicine that prevents heartworms. Also her radio microchip identification annual fee has not been paid nor has she gotten the dog registered or provided obedience training as she is obligated to do in the adoption contract.
What I think maybe worthy to a case of claiming ownership: I am the primary contact at the Veterinary clinic that I brought Sadie to. I also am the primary account holder of the radio microchip. I am also planning on paying the fee associated with the microchip since I found she has not paid them.
Problems associated with trying to build a case: She did pay the initial fee to adopt the dog and signed the paper work. Also she has the dog in her possession. I also do not have a suitable place for the dog to live with me, but my parents have agreed to hold the dog until I do have a suitable residence. They have ample room for Sadie and are caring dog people.
Another helpful case builder is a neighbor that saw the dog chasing deer complained to my ex about it. No official complaint was filed however.
Does anyone know how I could approach this? I really want to know my puppy is safe and being taken care of. I also fear if I take legal action she will try to hide the dog. It maybe unethical but I do get visitation on occasion and was wondering if it would be a bad idea to hold the dog until a civil proceeding took place if need be.
Anyhow in March of 2010 she insisted we get a puppy. I love dogs but knew this was a huge responsibility that she had never dealt with before. I came from a big dog family we love and cherish all of our dogs. They never go with out medical support, food, or love. She agreed to take all responsibility, which included paying the adoption fee, which I had no money for at the time and paying for a couple rounds of vaccinations. Money was tight for me at the time because I had just started a new job. Once I assumed no financial obligation I agreed.
We took (lets call her) Sadie, a13-week-old puppy, home after she had signed all the paperwork and handed the dog rescue a $250 adoption fee. I fell in love with Sadie on the ride home. So the financial woes that had bothered me started to fade. Not for long however, I was soon laid off from my new job.
During my time out of work I was Sadie's main caregiver. My girlfriend saw Sadie more as a living teddy bear that she could play with when ever she wanted with out taking the dog for walks or even purchasing dog food let alone covering the cost of any medical treatment the dog needed. This continued until we split up in December of last year. We lived under the same roof until I moved 2 hours away this May. I continued to purchase food and take care of the dog but I could not afford the spendier things like dog obedience and flea and tick medication while living together until May.
My concerns for wanting custody of the dog. I care about this animal like its my child but I have been concerned for Sadie's well being. My ex girlfriend lives in a small 1 bedroom house with 1 roommate and two other dogs. Sadie has ran away 4 to 5 times in the past month. One time a neighbor spotted Sadie chasing a deer. In northern Minnesota most people shoot a dog when they see it chasing a deer. Also Sadie has not received her second round of rabies, limes, and booster shots. She is not being provided with important things like Flea and Tick control or medicine that prevents heartworms. Also her radio microchip identification annual fee has not been paid nor has she gotten the dog registered or provided obedience training as she is obligated to do in the adoption contract.
What I think maybe worthy to a case of claiming ownership: I am the primary contact at the Veterinary clinic that I brought Sadie to. I also am the primary account holder of the radio microchip. I am also planning on paying the fee associated with the microchip since I found she has not paid them.
Problems associated with trying to build a case: She did pay the initial fee to adopt the dog and signed the paper work. Also she has the dog in her possession. I also do not have a suitable place for the dog to live with me, but my parents have agreed to hold the dog until I do have a suitable residence. They have ample room for Sadie and are caring dog people.
Another helpful case builder is a neighbor that saw the dog chasing deer complained to my ex about it. No official complaint was filed however.
Does anyone know how I could approach this? I really want to know my puppy is safe and being taken care of. I also fear if I take legal action she will try to hide the dog. It maybe unethical but I do get visitation on occasion and was wondering if it would be a bad idea to hold the dog until a civil proceeding took place if need be.
