QuestionHi Dave,
Sorry for the long story, but I want you to have as much
information as possible.
I bought an 8 week old Sheltie puppy, (Brandy), through a
classified ad in the paper from a local man (Kirk). The pup was
GIVEN to Kirk by the breeder, (Jan), to compensatate him for his
9 year old Sheltie, (Katie), that Jan lost when the dog was
boarded with her. After waiting a year for Katie's replacement,
Kirk purchased a puppy from a different breeder. Kirk finally
received the replacement pup, (Brandy) from Jan, after waiting
over 2 years. Kirk's 1 year old dog was very jeleous, so after a
week of trying to get these 2 dogs to get along he opted to sell
Brandy. I bought Brandy in good faith, paid cash as Kirk
requested and received a bill of sale from Kirk. Kirk gave me
Jan's name and number and asked me to wait a week to contact
her so he could let her know that Brandy was sold. I respected
his request and contacted Jan a week later to let her know I was
Brandy's new mom and that she is a cherished new member of
the family and I would like to have the registration papers
transfered into my name. I was willing the pay the fees involved
in this transaction.
This is where things get ugly. Jan was furious that Brandy was
sold and claimed I was in possession of stolen property and she
would bring charges against me to get HER puppy back. I called
Kirk, who said she is just a nut and I should ignore her. Jan
wants me to return the dog to her and renegotiate the purchase
with her. There was no contract with Kirk stating any conditions
of ownership, just a verbal contract that she would give Kirk a
replacement pup for loosing Katie over 2 years ago.
I have no intentions of breeding or showing Brandy. Kirk sold
her to me strictly as a pet, I really don't care if I get her papers
or not, I just don't want a shadow hanging over my head.
I really love this little dog and don't want to upset anyone.
In your opinion, do I owe Jan money for this puppy? Can she
legally/morally take Brandy away from me? Both Kirk and Jan
seem more concerned about money than the welfare of this
sweet little girl. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, any tips on getting Brandy to be quieter? She loves to bark.
Thank you.
AnswerHi Genevive:
Congratulations, your story has earned you the right to be crowned the queen of drama! Oh My Gosh!?!
I am neither a real judge nor do I play one on TV. So let's use logic: item given as replacement is no longer owned-thus she has no claim on the dog. OR living being placed for adoption is no longer the ward or custody of the person placing, but of the adopted "parent". There, end of story.
Who gives a flip about AKC papers? I don't even know where mine are for my boys.
If she persists tell her to call the "Sheriff" and tell him the story. She is barking up the wrong tree, doesn't have a paw to stand on....
Barking is going to be an issue with a dog whose sole purpose in life is to guard against percieved threats. Sometimes household appliances fall in that category to a Sheltie! In previous questions I have instructed on careful use of bark collars. Look there for that information.
Hope that helps!
'sneezes
Dave
