Redditor Refuses To Give Back A Stray Puppy To A Person Claiming To Be Its Owner But Has No Proof

"65 days later they contacted us, wanting the dog back."

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• March 18, 2023

Taking in a stray dog can be an emotional and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging when the dog's original owner surfaces sometime after. While you may have formed a bond with the dog and given them love, care, and a home, the owner may also have an emotional attachment to their pet and want them back.

This can create a tricky situation that requires delicate handling. But what to do if several months pass?

OP and his girlfriend found a puppy on their front lawn over two months ago. Despite their efforts to find the puppy's original owner, they were unsuccessful and decided to keep him.

However, the original owner has now surfaced and is demanding the puppy back, claiming that he had been stolen along with three cats and another dog from their stolen camper. The main character refuses to give the puppy back, while his girlfriend feels guilty and thinks they should return him.

The original owner has been facing legal troubles, and there is no police report of the theft. The main character and his girlfriend have been building their case and have found a lawyer if the situation goes to small claims court.

They are concerned that the original owner may try to take the puppy by force if they find out where they live. Read the full story below:

OP asks:

OP and his girlfriend found a puppy on their front lawn over two months ago.

Despite their efforts to find the puppy's original owner, they were unsuccessful and decided to keep him.

However, the original owner has now surfaced and is demanding the puppy back,

OP posted a lengthy update:

The man is claiming that he had been stolen along with three cats and another dog from their stolen camper.

The original owner has been facing legal troubles, and there is no police report of the theft.

The puppy stayed with them

The man contacted them 65 days later

And...

They refused to meet in person

They are concerned that the original owner may try to take the puppy by force if they find out where they live.

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:

There is a good chance that the person is lying and just saw an opportunity to get a free animal

This Redditor says:

If they were really concerned they would’ve done something about it...

OP and his GF should stand their ground

The whole story does sound suspicious

They should not give him money

The bottom line is :

In such a situation, the first step is to verify that the person claiming the dog is, in fact, the original owner. You can ask for proof of ownership, such as vet records, adoption papers, or a photo of the dog with the owner.

If there is no proof, it's important to be cautious and not give the dog away until you are certain that the person is the rightful owner. If you are certain that the person is the original owner, you can try and negotiate with them. You can explain how attached you have become to the dog.

Damjan