Who Keeps Roxy? North Carolina Appeals Court Decides Great Dane Custody Fight
Roxy, a Great Dane caught in a breakup dispute, ended up at the center of a case that reached North Carolina's second-highest court. The question was simple for dog lovers and surprisingly complicated in court: who actually got to keep her?
The North Carolina Court of Appeals has ruled that Roxy belongs to Laura Volastro, upholding a lower court decision from Dare County in a fight over the dog after Volastro and Niels Moore split up.
The case turned on how Roxy entered the couple's life. According to the ruling, Moore and Volastro decided in December 2023 that they would get a dog. After a visit to a breeder, Moore paid a $500 security deposit. When Roxy was picked up the following month, Moore was listed as the buyer and paid the remaining $500.
That paperwork and payment history did not end the matter. Judges also looked at what happened around the purchase and at testimony about Roxy's day-to-day care. A Christmas Day Facebook post from Volastro thanked Moore for buying the puppy as a Christmas gift. The court also heard testimony that Volastro was Roxy's primary caregiver.
Those details proved important. The appeals court agreed with the District Court's conclusion that Roxy had been given to Volastro as a Christmas gift, rather than remaining Moore's property, and left the earlier ruling in place.
Custody disputes are common in court, but this one stood out because the subject was a dog, not a child. For Roxy, the legal question came down to a familiar idea: who was she bought for, and who was caring for her once she came home?
How dog custody disputes usually work
When people disagree about who should keep a dog, the argument often turns on ownership and day to day care. In many places, pets are still handled through property rules, although some decision makers also look at the animal's wellbeing. That can mean practical questions matter a lot: who adopted the dog, whose name is on the microchip and veterinary file, who paid routine bills, and who has provided the main home.
For dog owners, the useful lesson is simple: treat your records like proof of identity for the pet.
What to keep on file
Save adoption contracts, purchase records, vaccination and veterinary paperwork, license information, training receipts, boarding records, and clear photos showing the dog living with you over time. Make sure the microchip registration is current and matches the person who is actually responsible for the dog. If more than one person shares care, put expectations in writing early, including who can make medical decisions, who pays for emergencies, and what happens if someone moves.
Putting the dog's welfare first
Shared arrangements can work for some dogs, but not all. A dog that is elderly, medically fragile, anxious, or strongly attached to one routine may struggle with frequent back and forth moves. Giant breeds such as Great Danes can need extra planning because housing, transport, exercise space, and medical costs can be more demanding.
If conflict starts, focus on stability. Keep feeding, medication, and exercise consistent. Communicate in writing. If needed, ask a veterinarian or qualified trainer to document the dog's needs and routine.
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