Question
I made a mistake, and I want to take it back. I lied to the animal center about a dog I said I found wandering on the street, even though I actually knew the dog. It hurts so much that I cannot sleep, and I have not been myself. The situation is making me depressed and miserable, and it has mentally affected me a lot. Please help — I want him back with me.
Answer
People who surrender an animal to a shelter generally have no further rights to that animal. The surrender agreement should be carefully reviewed. It is implied but not completely clear from your inquiry if this was your dog or a dog who you knew of for some other reason, in which case the shelter should be informed so the dog’s “parent” can get his/her animal returned.
Shelters will sometimes voluntarily return an animal to a person who surrendered the animal so you may want to ask. This may involve paying an impound fee. Also, some shelters will allow a person who surrendered an animal to complete an adoption application and will return the animal if the person is approved for adoption. This may involve paying an adoption fee. Consider, however, that shelters may be reluctant to return an animal out of concern that whatever caused a person to surrender their animal will happen again. You should consider this as well. The dog deserves a loving AND stable home.
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