Ownership Dispute Arises As Man Refuses To Return Support Dog To Original Owner
Many people would take in a stray and care for it until the owner is found or a new home is secured. However, things can get complicated when the original owner reappears, and emotions run high.
This is especially true if the pet has formed a strong bond with its new caregiver. The original owner may have been searching for their pet for months or even years, and the reunion can be a joyous occasion.
However, the new caregiver may have also grown attached to the pet and may not want to give it up. This can lead to a difficult decision, with both parties having valid claims to the pet.
When a lost pet is found, it's essential to follow the proper channels to try to locate the owner. This may include contacting local shelters, posting flyers, and using social media to spread the word.
If the pet has a microchip, it can be reunited with its owner more quickly. However, in some cases, the microchip may not be registered or up-to-date, making it harder to track down the owner.
If the owner is found after the pet has been adopted or rehomed, it can be a complicated situation. This is the OP's situation as his life changed forever when a friend found a dog wandering alone near her house.
After following the proper procedures with animal control, OP welcomed the dog into the house, and they've since become inseparable. Now, the dog's original owner has come forward with a heartbreaking story.
The OP writes...

She was so thankful the OP found her and wanted to arrange to come get her

She even had a video of OP's dog as a super cute puppy getting a microchip

OP knows she loves the dog and wants her back but he can't picture a life without her

Let's head into the comments section and find out what other Redditors have to say about the story

The OP knows that it's wrong

The OP did a good deed saving the dog

The original owner loved and treated the dog well

She was probably ecstatic in that moment

The OP can bet she has papers on the dog

The OP should give the dog back before he gets sued

She had and loved the dog for years

OP's bond with the dog has grown stronger over time, and it's clear that the dog has become an integral part of her life. Despite the original owner's heart-wrenching story and evident love for the dog, OP's decision to keep the dog is rooted in the deep connection they've formed.
The dog's role as a support animal further complicates the situation, making it even more challenging for OP to consider parting with her. With the dog's adoption finalized and the original owner's aggressive pursuit, OP is left to ponder the moral implications of the decision while prioritizing her own well-being and the dog's happiness.
Still, the OP has been declared the AH and that's a wrap.