*Question pertains to adoption of animals*

[Bella22]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? VIRGINIA

I need help and I've never had to do anything like this before, so I wanted some advice before I try going to court and wasting my time.

I had (2) chihuahuas, a male and a female. My boyfriend and I bought them from a pet store and signed receipts for them. Unfortunately I had to find them new homes after having them for almost a year and using Craigslist I found a woman who wanted them. (Also the female became pregnant by the male and she was WELL aware of this and said she would love to have them both). It was agreed that I would be able to visit them whenever I wanted and that the puppies would be mine. (I have emails stating this). Well it wasn't until after the female was in labor that I found out the woman was unable to afford a necessary C-Section and she even offered them back. At the time I couldn't afford the $1000 procedure either and her sister ended up helping her. Only 1 of 3 puppies survived and I agreed to letting her sell him to get some of her money back. Well one day she suddenly stopped returning my emails and phone calls, I left messages and asked her if everything was okay. I came to find out she sold the male and female that she adopted without even letting me know or discussing it with me. Now I don't know where they are and I don't feel that it was right.

So my question is, am I able to obtain the information by taking her to court? I don't want to sue her I just would like to know where they are and I want to know that they are in a good home. Or would I only be able to receive money? Like I said I printed all our emails to justify my case.

Please let me know what I can do...if anything.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[tranquility]

A person does not "adopt" animals, but owns them.

Deal with legal title.

 

[Proserpina]

Animals are treated as possessions in the courts.

You sold possessions to another person. This person was free to do with those possessions whatever she wished, including selling/giving them to someone else.

I do not see any legal obligation to keep you informed of the animals' welfare or whereabouts, even if she told you she would do so via email.

I do not see any legal recourse here.

 

[mistoffolees]

You can't do anything about it. You gave her the dogs, so they're hers to do what she wants.

You DO have the option of going down to the animal shelter and picking out another dog.

 

[RRevak]

You can't do anything about it. You gave her the dogs, so they're hers to do what she wants.

You DO have the option of going down to the animal shelter and picking out another dog.

Hopefully not as Op seems to be ok with the dogs but only as long as someone else is footing their bills.

 

[stealth2]

Too bad you didn't surrender them to a breed rescue - then you would have known that they were going to be placed in a good home.

Please do not get another dog until and unless you are willing and able to take care of it properly - including neutering. There's no excuse for having an unneutered animal, unless you are a professional breeder.

 

[mistoffolees]

Hopefully not as Op seems to be ok with the dogs but only as long as someone else is footing their bills.

I agree - I was hoping that OP had grown up since getting the first dogs, but you're right that I shouldn't have assumed that.

 

[nextwife]

Please do not get another dog until and unless you are willing and able to take care of it properly - including neutering. There's no excuse for having an unneutered animal, unless you are a professional breeder.

Amen to that!

 

[Ohiogal]

Too bad you didn't surrender them to a breed rescue - then you would have known that they were going to be placed in a good home.

Please do not get another dog until and unless you are willing and able to take care of it properly - including neutering. There's no excuse for having an unneutered animal, unless you are a professional breeder.

I used to think so as well but I am forbidden from getting my standard poodle fixed. She cannot be spayed due to the constraints of the program through which I got her. Contract says so.

 

[mistoffolees]

I used to think so as well but I am forbidden from getting my standard poodle fixed. She cannot be spayed due to the constraints of the program through which I got her. Contract says so.

That's really strange. Why would they put that into the contract? 99% of household pets really ought to be spayed. There's really no reason for most households to be generating more puppies or kittens.

 

[Ohiogal]

That's really strange. Why would they put that into the contract? 99% of household pets really ought to be spayed. There's really no reason for most households to be generating more puppies or kittens.

I am fostering the poodle to become a guide dog. Why they don't want her spayed I do not know but it says several times in the contract that I am forbidden from having the dog "spayed or neutered".

 

[stealth2]

I'm sorry, but a standard poodle is an abomination. Well.... so is any poodle.

And I do understand about keeping guide dogs as breeders. But let's be real - a Chi isn't going to be a guide dog to ANYone. Nor does it sound as though OP is someone who would ever qualify to raise a guide dog.

SO I will clarify - there is no reason for a regular, every day pet owner to have an unneutered pet.

 

[cyjeff]

I'm sorry, but a standard poodle is an abomination. Well.... so is any poodle.

And I do understand about keeping guide dogs as breeders. But let's be real - a Chi isn't going to be a guide dog to ANYone. Nor does it sound as though OP is someone who would ever qualify to raise a guide dog.

SO I will clarify - there is no reason for a regular, every day pet owner to have an unneutered pet.

While I passionately agree to your point about spaying and neutering, I must educate you a bit about poodles - and no, I don't own one.

Poodles are routinely named as one of the top 2 most intelligent dogs. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Poodles are strong, gentle and loving.

The "poodle cut" was, in fact, a way for a water dog to swim fast in cold water to catch prey.

Their thick coat is wonderful for shedding water and providing buoyancy, but slows the dog in the water. The cut is designed to limit the fur (thereby speeding the swim) while still protecting the joints and lungs from the cold water.

Poodles have been given an extremely bad rap... they are neither prissy or fussy... and are fantastic with children.

 

[stealth2]

Say what you will, jeffy.... Poodles are an abomination.

 

[Ohiogal]

I agree with Jeff. My poodle is a darling dog though she does not have a poodle cut. She is extremely intelligent and deals very well with other animals AND children. If I had a choice and ever wanted a purebred dog I would not hesitate to get a poodle in the future.

Before I was fostering this dog, I believed that poodles were pretentious, fussy animals. But they really aren't. They are patient, gentle, loving, over all calm, and extremely bright and responsive.