My "wannabe" in-laws moved out of their home last February before their new house was built, the financing fell through and they had to live in an apartment until last month when they moved into a home in Kingwood...congrats right? Not quite. They own a miniature schnauzer (Joy) and couldn't keep the dog after financing fell through and asked us to keep the dog for one month until they could secure a place. We kept the dog for 11 months, feeding, walking grooming this animal and they didn't call us one time to check on the dog or offer any type of assistance with it. They have another dog, which they boarded for 2000. until they moved into the new house, but again virtually forgot about Joy until last week. So now that they have their new home they are asking for the dog back! We have fallen in love with the creature and it has become a member of our family. My wife had a huge argument with her sister about it because my son is really sad because now Joy has to go away, but her kids are sad too because they think that they can never see her again. So we came up with a joint custody plan, she is with us for a month and them for a month. I think the plan sucks and is probably bad for the dog. I relunctantly go along with this to keep the kids happy. Am I being selfish?.
I think that is pretty schitty but what can you do? It sounds like a case for "The People's Court". Hey...at least your getting joint custody. But, I would also ask for some of the expenses back over the 8 months extra that wasn't agreed upon. Tell your wannabe in-laws that they lack consistent affection for the dog due to their lack of concern over how the dog was faring during its absence and, therefore, are questionable doggie parents for the dog. Better yet...train the dog to reject them when it goes back. Then, you will get full custody. This can be done with doggie treats and mannequins which represent the offending party's family. Plus, they kept that poor other dog in prison for a year. If I'm that dog, then I have behaviorial issues. The split custody, though, may actually work out better for the dog as it may get more attention from each party since time is limited. Maybe the dog gets more walks or trips to the park? Maybe the dog meets more other dogs and has better doggie relations? But, if you want a full-time dog, then get your own and relinquish your rights. You will just have to transfer your emotions to the new dog. It shouldn't be hard to do if your a dog lover. You could also keep the joint custody with the other dog, too. Then, you get the multi-dog interaction for your visitation months. That can be fun. lol. The expenses are not fun, though. surf
That totally stinks man. I'm sorry that this happened to you. I can't imagine what I'd do if I had the same thing happen to me.
When we were moving from our home in the heights to our new house in cypress I asked my grandma to keep our German Shepard for a few weeks until we got settled in. When I got ready to bring my dog home my Grandma said she sure felt safer having a dog there since she lives alone. I've asked a couple times for my dog back because the kids miss her but my Grandma isn't giving her up. They do get to see her when they visit my grandma which is quite often so I guess it worked out for everyone because my house is much easier to clean without all that German Shepard hair everywhere. I'd say go for joint custody unless it seems like it isn't working out then get your family a new dog and start the bonding process all over. It doesn't take as long as you would think.
Man, that sucks - especially with a MS - we have two. It sounds like a lot of stress for the dog though....it doesn't know what's going on and has to adjust to a new pack each month. Different rules, schedules, food - that has to be brutal. I'd offer to buy the dog if I were you - and if that doesn't work, give up on the joint custody thing. It just seems too cruel - I'd be worried about the dog developing issues that could lead to it not being a suitable pet.
I agree, and if anything maybe you could fight that in court? I mean that might be neglect on their part? I dont know, just throwing that out there, they said for a month, but it ends up being 11 months? and not checking up on it once? Little ridiculous.
Going to court over it is a little overboard. Get a new puppy. Your kids will get over it. It will be best for the dog and your family. What your sister did sucks, but I'd let it go to avoid a spat.
See if you can buy a new dog for your in-laws in exchange for this dog. As I see it the dog you have is yours now (as far as you and the dog is concerned), however, they are your in-laws and probably aren't going away anytime soon. Also, it doesn't seem as if they care about that particular dog; this has become a turf battle. So, offer to buy them a new miniature schnauzer puppy in exchange for keeping Joy. Alternativly you can say that Joy ran away and the dog you have, while it looks like Joy, is actually a new dog that you and your wife purchased. You are very sorry for the loss of Joy and are willing to buy a new puppy to replace her.
Tell them that in the 11 months they didn't check up on the dog, it died. Just hide it if they ever come over.
At the end of your month, feed the dog something to give it the runs. After a few months of that, you'll have the dog back in no time.
It's easy to say "get a new puppy". However, new puppies are a pain in the freaking ass. They require a lot of attention, need to be trained, and all the other stuff. It's a hell of a lot different than having a dog that is already matured. Do whatever floats your boat, though.
Listen to this, he's right. the dog is going to suffer never knowing when he is going to have to move. eventually the split custody will fall apart and one family will end up with a dog they have to rehab. one of you need to cut your losses and go get a new dog if you really want one. I'd recommend you give it up, its really their dog, they were just bad owners for a while. I've seen this happen a few times to really great dogs.
Thanks for your recommendations... -Not gonna cut the dog in half, tried that once and didn't get the desired result. -We didn't want another dog in the first place so getting another is out of the question, we want THAT dog. -Not going to buy them a puppy. We have already invested a few hundred dollars maintaining Joy, so spending more money wouldn't be smart. -Not going to court because although things are rocky between the siblings I think it'll work out, if we go to court it will probably cause a divide that would never be repaired. We are going to see her today and take food and her bear, if anything looks shaky I'm taking MY damn dog back.
When they asked for the dog back, you should have told them you will think about it and get back with them in a month. 11 months later, if they haven't forgotten, tell them the dog is dead. Something pretty similar happened with me and my wife. Her mother moves around a lot, and for months her mom had been living with us...well, her mom and her cat (I ****ing hate cats). When her mom finally moved out and found a place, it was with a friend of hers and she couldn't take her cat. She let us keep the cat for the time being. Well, months later, she finally is with a guy and has moved in, and wants the cat back. My wife's response? No. It's not even a case of neglect, really, like AB's above. The mom checked on the cat and always picked it up and stroked it when she visited. But my wife didn't want to let the cat go because she became attached to it (much to my chagrin). So now we have 2 cats (already had one...****ing cats) and her mom has no cats. I have made comments about giving the cat back but I don't do much more than that because there is way more going on between her mom and her than just a cat and I try to stay the hell out of that whole hornets' nest.
