[Dominoemom]

I purchased a new puppy for my family one week ago(Saturday) .. I purchased the dog off a Craigslist ad(which I still have screen shot of the ad even though the owner deleted it).. and paid $500 for the dog with receipt. I’ve now spent well over $800 for the dog with vet visits for shots, microchipping, he’s not a emotional support dog, and other dog supplies.

She is asking for the dog back. She first asked one day after sale and I said no. And now she’s asking again saying I can go buy another dog.

I’ve changed his name now he’s only 3 months and I’ve become quite attached to him.

He’s in a much better situation now. She’s a young girl who originally said she was moving and couldn’t keep the dog and she also said the puppy was born on accident from a woman she paid $1000 from(maybe backyard breeder), and saying no other dogs will be born.

Now she’s telling me to buy another dog from her breeder. I can’t belive what she says now cause I’ve caught her in a lie.

The dog is in a excellent home now. He’s happy, learning new things, and has become my velcro baby. I’m already quite in love with the chap.

Legally do I have to give him back? Please help.

 

[pandora]

No. She sold the dog you have a receipt its a done deal

 

[Knute]

The previous seller can go buy another pup from her breeder. Same as she suggested to you.

Simple answer.
You bought the dog. The dog is your possession.

You have told her NO.

Or you could be difficult.....offer to sell the dog to her for $3000. This is based on double your expenditure plus a little dickering room.

 

[storyist]

You don't have to let her have dog back or put up with her bugging you about it. Aside from the legal aspect, think about the fact she's obviously squirrelly. If she got the puppy back, she'd be changing her mind and putting in another ad next week.

Keep the copy of the ad and all paperwork. Tell her not to contact you again and don't take calls or respond to any other attempts.

 

[Knute]

Storyist has the best way to respond to this "seller".

block her in your contact lists.

 

[LeoRose]

I'd say that since you have a receipt stating that they sold the dog to you, then you are not legally obligated to return the dog. I would scan it, as well as all you vet receipts, and make sure the originals are safely filed. Also, if you paid by check, make sure you get a copy of the cancelled check for your files.

And register that microchip, if you haven't already. While not definitive for proving ownership, a registered chip can go a long way towards it.

 

[redbell12]

I bought a 3 month old puppy on craigslist today. They had her for about a month, but the lady said she works 16 hour days and nobody has time for the dog. I felt bad for the poor thing, paid her (in cash-no bill of sale or anything-I know this was a mistake), and took her home. My kids are over the moon, LOVE this dog, and would be absolutely crushed if we gave her back.
The woman calls and says her husband is extremely upset, and that she wants the dog back. Says she made a big mistake. Can I say no? If I didn't have kids, I'd think about it. The thing is, she seemed SO relieved when she drove away. I know puppies are hard work, and this one was clearly spending too much time in a crate. We're home all day and can provide the kind of care a small puppy needs.

 

[pandora]

I bought a 3 month old puppy on craigslist today. They had her for about a month, but the lady said she works 16 hour days and nobody has time for the dog. I felt bad for the poor thing, paid her (in cash-no bill of sale or anything-I know this was a mistake), and took her home. My kids are over the moon, LOVE this dog, and would be absolutely crushed if we gave her back.
The woman calls and says her husband is extremely upset, and that she wants the dog back. Says she made a big mistake. Can I say no? If I didn't have kids, I'd think about it. The thing is, she seemed SO relieved when she drove away. I know puppies are hard work, and this one was clearly spending too much time in a crate. We're home all day and can provide the kind of care a small puppy needs.

a verbal agreement is binding therefore when the woman said "do you wish buy this dog"? and you said yes that was a verbal contract she has no rights to her dog back. If the dog was registered in her husband's name and she sold it without him knowing that would be slightly different but I think to be honest you have a lot on your side an advertisement was placed you responded and then money was exchanged I would tell her no.

 

[storyist]

It's another case of if you give the dog back, the woman will be selling it again in a short time. Say no and keep a copy of the ad.

 

[Knute]

Ok....you paid cash. You may be able to get a receipt of sorts.

You probably have a document from the bank to detail the cash. Withdrawal slip. Account record.

Keep the ad, get proof of cash withdrawal, register the microchip. Hope these are never needed.

 

[hanksimon]

Does she know your full name, home address, phone number, or direct email? If she does, try to block her from contacting you. In addition, I recommend that you take the puppy to the Vet as soon as possible to paperwork as your dog, and to get the puppy microchipped and registered.

 

[dogloveralex]

If you have a receipt with you then its a done deal. She can't do anything.