Can previous owner take puppy back after giving him to me?

Question

Hello, a lady had posted an ad saying she was giving her dog away because she was going back to work and lived in a studio and didn't feel it was fair to leave her home alone all day. Now after coming into my home introducing the puppy to my 3 kids the lady tells them how exciting you guys have a new puppy now and after 3 days of having the dog the lady called and texted saying she wants her back. I have all text messages, the ad, the voicemails everything showing she gave the dog away. She is now harassing my family calling several times a week and showing up out front of our home. She's saying she is now taking me to court to get the dog back. Can she legally get the dog back if she gave her away?

Answer

People who give their animal away generally have no further rights to that animal and the person to whom the animal was given is generally under no legal obligation to return the animal. Regrets do not equal rights. People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld may sue (but many more people threaten to sue than sue). However, just because a person sues does not mean that he/she will win the case. It can be helpful to have readily on hand a copy of the re-homing ad, texts, and emails which demonstrate the intent to re-home the animal, veterinary records, microchip, and any other proof of ownership.