Updated - Need Advice for dealing with Winston's former owners

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Update: heard back from Winston's owners. I think all is good. I paid them the money and they said they are happy they made the right decision for him. They haven't send the form yet but they said they will and I am feeling a whole lot better about it now. Thanks for all the awesome advice!

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Winston's former owners have been asking for updates. I gave a brief one stating that he is doing fine and settling in well, during the first few days. Now they are asking again.

 

There is also a question of ethics. I promised them if they get him heart worm tested before I pick him up that I would pay for the test. I still haven't done that yet. I am having trouble bringing myself to give them money considering how poorly they treated him and how much money I've had to spend on his treatment because of their neglect. I really don't want to send them the money. It's not a lot of money, but it's the principle of the thing that bothers me. This dog that they claimed was in perfect health when he clearly wasn't, who they lauded as having the most calm and laid back personality when really he was lethargic from being so sick, deserved so much better from them and they failed him. He is worth so much more to me than a silly blood test but I just can't bring myself to send them the money-they don't deserve it! On the other hand, I did promise to pay for it and I should keep my word because that would be the right thing to do.

 

As far as updating them on how he's doing. I'm of two minds, I could ignore them completely, give a polite courteous "he's doing well" and leave it at that. Or I can tell tell exactly how things are going and exactly how I feel about them. I don't want to stay in contact with them so I don't want to have to keep giving updates, nor do I want things to get ugly if I send them and ugly email. And then deep down there is a fear that they will want him back. I am starting to get anxious about my decision to adopt a dog without going through a formal rescue program. Should i be worried?

 

What would you do if you were me?

[sandy b]

I agree with all the good advice you've received. Also (if this has been mentioned please ignore) along with transfer of ownership document if Winston has already been microchipped you'll need that transfer also. Good luck.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks Sandy. Unfortunately he is not microchiped. One more thing to add to the 'to do' list.

[Lynn D.]

That could actually be a good thing for you! I have heard that the microchip confers ownership. Get him chipped ASAP. I have seen Banfield have specials on microchipping.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Sherri, tough situation.  Did you get any sort of contract signed or have a written agreement stating that Winston now legally belongs to you?  If so, then I would just send them the money to be done with it and then give them one last update and say something like "I appreciate that you are concerned about how Winston is adjusting to his new life, but now that he has settled in, I think that it would be best if each continued on with our lives."  Explain that your main concern right now is that you continue to help Winston adjust and become part of your happy family and really would just like to focus on that right now.  You could offer to give them an update in 6 months or a year though if you felt like that was something you wanted to do. It is probably horrible to say this, but I don't think you really owe them any update.  They did not treat Winston very well, so why should they suddenly act like they care about his now that he is with you?

[Lynda Kamrath]

I agree with the others - tell them that you will pay for the HW test and would like them to give you a certificate of ownership(in case you need it in the future).  Then drop the contact.  Adopting a dog is kind of like adopting a child.  Many people do not want to be reminded of the adoption.  I wouldn't be worried, but careful with making sure that they understand that this is a permanent relationship.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I finally heard back from the people who game me Winston. They said they are sorry to hear about the health issues and they are glad he is being taken care of. They said they are confident they made the right choice for him. They haven't signed the form I drafted up, but he said he will as soon as his printer is fixed. I'm thinking I have enough to go on to feel confident that they aren't goin to bother me again, and all the email traffick should be enough proof that they have given him to me, but if they send the form that's a bonus.

 

I'm feeling better about the whole thing and now I can relax about it. Today Winston and I fell asleep on the floor together, his head on my stomach. I absolutely adore him and I can't get over how fate brought us together!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's amazing how the dogs who were meant to be yours find their way to their true homes.

Hugs to everyone under your roof.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

He was absolutely just waiting to find you at the right time.  Get him microchipped and that along with the Vet bills will legally make him yours I'd think. I once asked my vet in the case of divorce, how do they determine who owns the dog....she said "whoever is on the Vet's records ". 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sherri, I missed this post earlier! I'm glad you were able to work things out with Winston's former "owners" (I used that term loosely!).  I'm so happy you guys found each other!