My Poor Baby :(

[BigCityLittleGirl]

So I have had a not so easy life... My mother abandoned me as soon as I graduated H.S. (father passed at a young age) She had bought me a dog , a Pomeranian I named Precious. She is my everything. After my mother left I was moving from place to place since with nothing but the clothes on my back (she had claimed we we're moving and put everything in storage but then left and never paid the storage place so everything I had owned was thrown away, she also emptied my bank account without my knowledge and according to the law I could do nothing bc I was 17 when she did it apparently) I was forced to give my dog to my grandparents until I was able to find my own apartment. (My grandparents are very unloving towards me but they loved my dog I know they would care for her just fine) I would keep precious for a week or two out of each month, I paid for her vet bills, I bought all her food and toys, grooming, ect When I would visit I realized nothing I bought was being used. In fact I found most of what I bought in a box unopened in their closet. I confronted them about it and they refused to speak about it. Any who fast forward last year I get a call from them saying they moved to Arizona and are keeping my dog. I was hysterical. They hung up on me then blocked my number for a month then called and apologized, but mostly bc they realized they can not live over there any more (too hot, no car, doctor is too far) and asked me to help them find an apartment back over in NYC. Of course I agreed but then they stopped returning my calls and didn't respond to the letters I mailed. I figured they ate just being angry or whatever but I had a bad feeling so I finally called the police today to do a wellness check on them. Make sure they're alive and well. The police called me back to say they are fine but they said they don't ever wish to have contact with you ever again and if you want to see your dog you need to get a lawyer and file a police report.

 

Much of my depression and anxiety is related to my dog. I often blame myself for what happened and feel like a bad mom. I have awesome friends who agreed to take my dog in for free and are urging me to file the report to get my dog. They even offered to pay for me to go to Arizona get my dog and come back. However I am unsure if I should. I am scared that if I file a report the police will side with my grandparents bc they have been caring for her all this time. If that happens I could never ever forgive them. And honestly I don't know how I can even go on knowing I can't see her again as every day I go to sleep and wake up crying about her.

 

Any advice???

This is my baby

http://i64.tinypic.com/29behrb.jpg

[BabySwe]

Oh god, I am so sorry *HUGS* My dog is also my everything, I love him so incredibly much and I do anything for him. I can't imagine how horrible it must feel, I can only speak for what I would have done in your situation, and I would have done anything to get my dog back. Also, a dog is not a child, so I don't think the court has any right to side with your grandparents. Technically a dog is owned by its owner, and if you have proof that you're the rightful owner and have tried to get your baby back for a while, I doubt the court would side with your grandparents unless you seemed unfit to care for Precious yourself. Besides, the fact that you found Precious a home when you couldn't tend to her yourself shows what a good mommy you are ^.^ But maybe the first step would be to go to Arizona to get your dog? i THINK if you have proof, and they call the cops (or you do) the dog should still go to you no? So you can bring her home?

It is easy to feel like a bad mom, I used to feel it a lot with my puppy. When I was depressed and he got less walks and stimulation than he wanted. But all we can do is do what we can for them, and I've tried to make up for that in many ways since then, just like you can Besides, dogs aren't resentful, they live in the now and are happy as long as we keep them happy ^.^

[lilsnoopy]

....the court would be kinda pricey, lawyers aren't cheap. Plus there might be a waiting period. I'm not trying to be a downer but a lot of people don't have a ton of extra cash laying around. I would suggest in the mean time, while figuring out what you want to do, volunteering at an animal shelter.  being around animals in general will probably help with your depression and stress. 

[BabySwe]

That might be true, I don't live in America, things are different here But even so, if you have proof of ownership, they can't keep the dog from you. That'd be considered stealing.

[Guest Fros†beard]

You made a grown man cry.

I wish I could help somehow, but I'm afraid all I can offer is an ear.

[BigCityLittleGirl]

Yes the police told me to make a stolen dog report. I have her birth certificate her papers from the breeder her microchip is also in my name... It's just a matter of when I can officially proceed. I want to be able to talk it out before involving the law you know? But my grandma is so cold hearted...

[BabySwe]

I fully understand that, but at the same time... When you feel so bad, wake up crying and miss her so much... It's not good for you In the end, what matters the most is you and what you need, especially when they act like they do. It's very admirable of you to try to keep contact with them and be friendly, but maybe it's just not possible...

[BigCityLittleGirl]

Like... I hate to be a downer... But they are OLD. Their time on the earth is coming to an end soon. I'm extending an olive branch despite everything they have put me through. Keep in mind these are so called devout Catholics. Are they not afraid of judgement day? Karma??? I will update you all when I decide to proceed...

[BabySwe]

I don't know, some religious people only see the faults in others but never in themselves I'm thinking of you and really hope it goes well and works out fast