Reddit Stories - I had sole POSSESSION of my canine COMPANION and my legal SEPARATION from

Episode Date: November 9, 2025

#redditstories #askreddit #aita #relationships #divorce #pets #family #legaladviceSummary: I had sole possession of my canine companion during my legal separation from my spouse. The situation caused tension and disagreements between us, leading to a difficult decision about the custody of our beloved pet.Tags: redditstories, askreddit, reddit, aita, tifu, relationships, divorce, pets, family, legaladvice, custodybattle, doglover, marriageproblems, petcustody, emotionalstress, legalrights, petownership, familylaw, pettherapy, petcompanionshipBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reddit-stories--6237355/support.

I hope you enjoy this story. I had sole possession of my canine companion and my legal separation from my unfaithful spouse, but upon returning from my job one afternoon, he had vanished and my rear entrance was shattered. In, turns out my psycho mill stole my dog and is refusing to give it back. I never imagined I'd be writing to the internet about this, but here I am. I'm 28 and going through a really rough divorce after discovering that my husband, now X, cheated on me. To say I'm devastated would be an understatement. The past few weeks have been a blur of lawyer meetings, paperwork, and tears.

Through all of it, the only thing keeping me sane has been my dog, Buddy. He's a sweet, loyal mutt we rescued together a few years ago, with floppy ears and a tail that never stops wagging. Honestly, I love that dog like he's my child. My ex knows how much Buddy means to me, and that's why this part hurts so much. We're actually fighting over custody of him. It sounds ridiculous to some, but if you've ever had a pet that's your best friend, you'll understand.

I can handle splitting up our savings, the house, even the car, but not my dog. My ex's lawyer actually listed Buddy as an asset in the divorce, something to be divided. My ex is pushing hard to get him. I don't know if it's out of genuine love for the dog or just to hurt me. Given that he's the one who cheated and blew up our marriage, I suspect he's being spiteful. He wasn't even that involved in the day-to-day care. I'm the one who walks, feeds, and takes Buddy to the vet.

Still, I'm terrified. I've heard horror stories of judges treating pets like property, or giving them to whoever has the bigger yard. What if the court decides Buddy should go with my ex just because he bought the dog food sometimes or because his name is on the microchip registration? My ex also has a bigger living space now, he's staying at his mom's house at the moment.

Yeah, he ran back to Mommy after I kicked him out. They have a fenced yard, while I'm in a small apartment I had to rent after the separation, but I am looking for a new place. I worry that will sway the judge, even though I know buddy would be miserable without me. To make matters more complicated, my ex's mother, my mill, has been hovering over this whole ordeal. She's always been difficult with me, even before the divorce. During our marriage she made snide comments and often acted like Buddy belonged solely to her son.

When I found out about the cheating, she actually had the nerve to imply that I drove him to it by not being a good enough wife. It's insane. Now, during the divorce, she's telling anyone who'll listen that I'm trying to steal her son's dog. She even told me to my face that Buddy would be better off with my ex because I'm, in her words, too emotionally unstable right now. Of course I'm emotionally unstable, I got cheated on and my life blew up. No kidding, lady, after I moved out and took Buddy with me, my mill even suggested that I let Buddy stay at her house just until you get back on your feet, since they have the yard and I don't. Yeah, no. I'm not falling for that. If I hand it over my dog temporarily, I have zero doubt they'd suddenly decide I'm unfit and never

return him. So yeah, it's a mess. The final hearing where the court will decide, on Buddy, and the rest of the assets, is coming up soon, and I'm a nervous wreck. My lawyer since I've been the primary caregiver and because we can prove I've paid for most of Buddy's needs. Plus, Buddy is community property which can be awarded to one party. But nothing is guaranteed. The thought of losing Buddy on top of everything else. I can't even handle it.

He's basically all I have. When I was at my lowest after discovering the affair, it was Buddy curling up. next to me on the bed that kept me from falling apart completely. He'd nudge me with his nose when I cried, like he was reminding me I wasn't alone. I don't usually post personal stuff online, but I needed to get this off my chest. I'm not even sure what I'm asking for, maybe just some emotional support or advice from anyone who's been through something similar. I'm so scared the court will hand my dog over to my cheating ex in that vile mill.

Losing my marriage was hard enough. Losing Buddy would devastate me. Update 1 Hey everyone I have a happy update to share and it's such a huge relief the court hearing was held and the judge awarded me full custody of Buddy

in the divorce settlement paperwork it explicitly states that Buddy is mine I actually started crying in the courtroom when I heard the decision I feel like I can finally breathe again knowing that my best friend is officially staying with me my ex was not happy about the outcome He kind of went red in the face when the judge announced Buddy would remain with me.

He didn't say much to me afterward, just grabbed his papers and walked out with his lawyer. I'm pretty sure he's furious, and I bet his mother is absolutely livid too, but there's nothing they can do now. It's all in writing and legally binding. Buddy is coming home with me, and they have no claim to him anymore. I want to thank everyone here for the support and advice on my original post. A few of you shared your own experiences and legal tips which helped me prepare. I gathered every piece of evidence I could to show I was Buddy's primary caregiver. My lawyer presented all of that, and it seems to have made a difference.

The judge noted that it was clear who took care of Buddy Day today. As for the rest of the divorce, it's basically settled now too. We're splitting the other assets, which I don't even care much about at this point. I let my ex keep a few extra things, like a larger share of the savings, without a fight, to be honest, because in my mind Buddy was the only thing that truly mattered. I'd give up all the furniture and dishes in the world if it means my dog stays with me. I've been smiling more today than I have in months. When we got home from court, I gave Buddy a big celebratory hug and a new chew toy I'd

stashed away. He probably doesn't understand the details of what happened, but I swear he could sense my stress these past few days and my relief now. Tonight, Buddy's getting extra treats and an extra long play session at the park. It feels like a win in an otherwise horrible year. I know I still have a lot of healing to do from the betrayal and the end of my marriage, but at least I won't have to do it alone. Buddy will be right there by my side through all of it, where he belongs. Thank you again to everyone who listened and offered words of encouragement. This community has been amazing. For the first time in a long while, I'm going to sleep peacefully tonight

knowing my dog is safe and staying with me. Update 2. I'm back here with bad news. Just a few weeks ago I was celebrating that Buddy was mine and safe. Now I feel like I'm living a nightmare. I moved into a new place because Buddy gets sad staying in my apartment. Then earlier today, I came home from work to find Buddy was gone. The back door was wide. open, even though I know I locked it this morning. I always double-checked that door. A couple of chairs that had been near the door were knocked over, and Buddy's leash, which I usually hang on a hook by the door, was missing. I called out for Buddy, frantically searching every room, even though deep down I knew he wouldn't be in the house. He never runs off,

if he ever got out on his own, he'd just sit on the porch or wander into the backyard. But I checked everywhere anyway, screaming his name like a madwoman. No sign of him. It quickly dawned on me that this wasn't Buddy escaping or anything innocent. Someone broke into my home and took my dog. Nothing else seems to be missing. My laptop was still on the table, the TV was still there, even my wallet that I'd foolishly left on the kitchen counter was untouched. They only took Buddy, and apparently his leash, maybe to lead him out. There were some faint muddy smudges on the floor by the back door, like dirty shoe prints, and a scuff mark near the lock.

It looks like whoever did this maybe forced the door open or somehow picked the lock. I immediately called the police and reported a break-in and dog-napping. I was shaking so badly I could barely get the information out to the dispatcher. A patrol car came by, and I showed them the scene. They filed a report and canvassed the area, but there wasn't much they could do on the spot. I mentioned that I have a strong suspicion about who might be responsible, I told them about my ex and the custody battle, and how he was angry that I got Buddy. I also mentioned my ex-mill, who has been adamant that Buddy belongs with my ex. The officers took down the

info, but I have no proof right now. They said they'd follow up and check any nearby security cameras, and advised me to see if any neighbors saw something. Speaking of, I did go around to my neighbors' houses as soon as the police left. I moved into a residential neighborhood, lots of single-family homes. I was desperate to find anyone who might have witnessed something. One elderly neighbor across the street was out watering her plants around midday, but she said she didn't notice anything unusual. Another neighbor two doors down thinks they remember seeing a car they didn't recognize parked on our street around lunchtime, but they didn't get a good look. They said it drove off after a short while.

I've asked if they or anyone on the street has a doorbell cam that might have caught the car or any part of what happened. One neighbor is checking their security footage and will let me know if they find anything. I'm praying that camera picked up a clear shot of a license plate or a face. At this point, I am almost certain this has to be my ex or someone associated with him. Who else would break into a house just to steal a dog and nothing else? It's just too much of a coincidence that this happened right after I won custody. I tried calling and texting my ex in a fury. He didn't pick up at first.

Later he sent back a short text saying he has no idea what I'm talking about and that he doesn't have buddy. I don't believe him for a second. I told him if I find out he's lying I'll make sure he and anyone involved pays for it. He didn't respond to that. He's playing dumb, which infuriates me, because if he really is behind this and thinks he can get away with it. I haven't been able to reach my ex's mill, but that's not surprising. We're not exactly on casual talking terms, even during the marriage I avoided calling her. I am absolutely freaking out.

I've been pacing the house, on the phone with my parents, they're outraged and coming over to help me figure out what to do next. I can't stop blaming myself. What if I hadn't been at work? What if I'd installed a security system or cameras sooner? I actually was already looking into a camera doorbell after the divorce, but I hadn't set it up yet. I feel so stupid now, the police say they'll investigate, but I know this might not be a high

priority for them compared to other crimes. To me, though, this is the worst thing in the world. Buddy is family. I don't know what to do but wait for any updates from the police or neighbors. I'm posting this here in part to vent and in part to ask for advice. If anyone's dealt with something like a stolen pet, please, do you have any suggestions? I've already reported it to the police and I'll be giving them a copy of my divorce decree that shows Buddy is legally mine.

I'm also thinking of printing out flyers with Buddy's photo and my contact info to put around, just in case someone sees him, though if my ex's side took him, that might not help much. And maybe I should call the local animal shelters in case by some bizarre chance someone turns him in? I'm grasping at straws. I'm trying to hold it together, but I'm so scared. I just want my dog back. Update 3.

It's been a hell of a day, but I finally have some answers, just not the outcome I hoped for. I found out who took Buddy, and it's exactly who I suspected, my ex's mother. She has my dog. And she's openly admitting it, but still refusing to give him back. First, some background on how I confirmed

it was her. One of my neighbors came through for me. Their security camera caught part of the incident. Early this morning, the neighbor reviewed the footage and showed me a clip from the day buddy was taken. The video isn't super high deaf, but it clearly showed a car pulling up to my back fence and a person going into my yard. The car is recognizably my ex-mills, I know her car model and license plate, and it's a distinctive bright blue color. The video even briefly showed her face as she opened my back gate, it's unmistakably her. And worst, or best. Of all, in the footage you can see her guiding Buddy into her car. Buddy looked confused but he's so friendly he probably thought he was going for a fun car ride. My dad and I decided to confront my ex-mill

directly. My parents have been by my side since last night. They're just as angry and heard about this as I am. My dad was especially furious and insisted on coming with me, worried that things might get heated. I was nervous, but I felt like I had to at least try asking for buddy back before involving the police further. Maybe that was naive, but I thought if I caught her red-handed with proof, she might back down. So we drove over to my ex-Mills house. I walked up to her door, my dad stayed just behind me on the porch. It was early afternoon by then. It took a lot of banging on the door and ringing the bell before she finally answered. The moment she saw it was me, like she'd been expecting this. I didn't even bother with pleasantries. I demanded she

returned Buddy to me immediately. I said I knew she had him, I even mentioned I saw video footage of her taking him. At first, she tried to play coy. She said things like, I don't know what you're talking about and, you must be mistaken. But I could hear Buddy barking from inside her house. I know my dogs bark anywhere. As soon as Buddy heard my voice, he started going crazy, scratching at the door behind her and whining. I yelled his name, Buddy. And I heard him yip. I tried to push the door open further, but my mill quickly stepped in front of me, blocking the way. Then her tone changed to defensive and self-righteous. She basically admitted she took him, but she claimed it was for his own good.

Her words were something along the lines of, Buddy was miserable with you. That tiny home, you gone all day at work. He's been so depressed. I did what I had to do so he could be happy. I was absolutely floored. I told her I couldn't believe she'd kidnapped my dog and asked how on earth she thought this was okay. She kept going on about how we, she and my ex, were just looking at. looking out for Buddy's well-being. She said that my ex was heartbroken every time he saw

Buddy in my cramped place looking sad, and that they decided Buddy would be better off living at her house, where there's a big yard and someone home all day. I practically screamed at her that Buddy is my dog, not hers or her sons anymore, and that the court custody order is clear. I said if she didn't hand him over right now, I was going to call the police and have her charged with theft and breaking and entering. She did not take that well. She got this nasty, smug-smirk on her face and said something that chilled me, go ahead and try. If you involve the police, you'll never see Buddy again. I'll take him and disappear, and good luck finding us.

She actually threatened to take my dog and flee the area, possibly out of state, if I tried to enforce the court order or get the police involved. My dad jumped in at that point and told her she was insane and that she can't just steal a dog and run. She started yelling over us, saying I was an unfit dog owner, that I don't even have time for a husband, let alone a dog. I've never wanted to slap someone so badly, I just kept pleading, please, just give me buddy back. You can't do this. He's all I have, and he's probably so confused right now. I could still hear buddy scratching and whining. I was in tears at this point, hearing my dog like that and knowing he was just on the other side of the wall but I couldn't get

to him. My ex-mill wouldn't budge. She told me to leave her property, or else. I told her this wasn't over, and that she'd regret doing this. She shouted back that I would regret trying to take her grand dog away. My dad was about ready to break her door down, but I pulled him back and we left, with me sobbing in frustration and rage. After I got home from that horrible confrontation, I tried calling my ex one more time. Surprisingly, he actually picked up this time, and our conversation was infuriating. He tried to act concerned, like, I heard you showed up at moms in a frenzy. I unloaded on him, asking how he could let his mother do this, and demanding that he tell her to give Buddy back right now. He was frustratingly calm and had the gall to say, look, Buddy is just

better off there for now. You need to calm down. He went on about how the dog was really lonely since I work full-time and live alone, and how his mom can give Buddy constant attention. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It was like he completely disregarded the fact that Buddy is my dog and that he helped stealing him. I reminded him that the court decided Buddy should be with me, and that what they've done is wildly illegal. He just kept deflecting, saying stuff like, court orders don't change what's actually best for Buddy. Don't be selfish. I lost it and told him that if he didn't return my dog immediately, I would call the police and have both him and his mother arrested. He got snippy and said, if you sit the

cops on my mom, don't expect us to just sit by. We're doing what's right. Maybe you should just let him stay here, if you really love him and want him happy. That felt almost like a threat or ultimatum, like they're saying if I love my dog, I should just surrender him for his own good, or else risk him being taken far away. It's insane. My ex and his mother have essentially stolen my dog and are holding him hostage under this delusional justification that I'm not a good enough caretaker.

They acknowledge the court order but clearly don't care, they think they know better than the judge. And they've outright threatened to take buddy and vanish if I involve law enforcement. I did call my lawyer after all and he was as astonished as I am. He advised me to involve the police right away despite the threat, and also said we can file an emergency motion in court for contempt, since this violates the divorce order. I'm obviously going to do that, but I'm so scared that

if the police show up at my mill's door, she's going to bolt with my dog. I have no idea if she's serious about running, but given her crazy behavior, I'm not willing to underestimate her. Right now Buddy is still at my ex-Mills house, as far as I know. I drove by on the way back home and saw her car in the driveway, which means hopefully she hasn't taken off yet. I'm staying up tonight, trying to think this through. I want my dog back more than anything, but I'm terrified of what might happen if they make a run for it. I'm going to share all of this with the police so they understand the urgency and the risk of her fleeing. Update 4. Buddy is home safe. As advised by my lawyer, and many of you

here, I got the police fully involved first thing. I showed them the security. video of my ex-mill taking Buddy, and I also told them about her threats to run away with him. The officers took it very seriously. Early this morning, the police organized a plan to recover my dog. They had me accompany them to make a positive ID on Buddy, but asked me to stay in the police car until they secured the situation. We arrived at my ex-mill's house shortly after dawn. There were two squad cars, one pulled up in front of her house, and another quietly circled around to cover the back, just in case. I was biting my nails in the back seat of the police cruiser. I didn't know if she would try to make a run for it with Buddy, but I was

bracing myself for anything. One of the officers knocked on her door and announced they were police. For a minute or two, there was no answer and I grew really anxious that she might be trying to slip out the back. The officers at the rear later told me she briefly opened the back door, saw the second police car, and slammed it shut. Eventually, my ex-mill cracked open the front door. I couldn't hear from where I was, but I saw the officer speak to her, then her trying to shut the door on them. That's when things went from polite to serious. The police blocked the door and I could see them doing the we have a warrant kind of gesture. I'm not sure if they actually had a physical warrant in hand or were just using the probable cause of the video. My lawyer had said

he'd help get a warrant, so maybe they did. What I do know is that soon after, I heard my ex-mill screaming at the officers. There was a lot of commotion, and then I suddenly saw Buddy bolt out through the half-open front door. One of the cops had unclipped his leash. I later learned an officer grabbed his leash inside to bring him out, and my mill tried to tug him back, causing Buddy to slip free. Buddy came sprinting straight toward where I was, tail wagging like crazy. I practically fell out of the police car and ran to meet him. He barreled into me, nearly knocking me over, and just started licking my face while whining. I was ugly crying into his fur, just holding onto him as tight as I could. He was wiggling his whole body in that way dogs do when they're excited.

My ex-mill was less happy, to put it mildly. She came running out after Buddy, in handcuffs, no less, the officers had restrained her. She was screaming all sorts of nonsense like how I was abusing Buddy and that the police were harassing an old woman. The cops shut that down quickly. They placed her under arrest for breaking and entering, pet theft, and violating the custody order. The police also briefly detained my ex-husband later that day for questioning. He wasn't at the scene, but they certainly had some pointed questions for him about his involvement in the theft. As expected, he tried to play dumb and claimed it was all his mother's doing and that he had no idea she would go that far. I call BS on that, but we'll see what,

if anything, comes of it. At the very least, the cops made it abundantly clear to him that if he was pulling the strings, he was skating on very thin ice. As for my ex-mill, she spent a night in jail before my understanding as she was bailed out, likely by my ex. My lawyer and I are pressing charges to the fullest extent. I've given the police and the district attorney all the evidence, the video, my prior reports, and even the text messages and phone recordings of their threats. Yes, I had recorded some calls on my phone. The case is now in their hands. Frankly, I hope she faces real consequences. What she did was beyond insane and cruel. On the civil side, we also had an emergency court hearing regarding the violation of the

divorce decree. It was brief but very much in my favor. The judge is enforcing that my ex pay for all my legal fees related to this incident, and warned that any further interference with my dog's custody will result in serious penalties. He also granted a restraining order that forbids my ex-mill, and by extension my ex-husband acting through her, from coming near me, my home, or Buddy ever again. If they even try to contact me or see Buddy, they'll be in contempt of court and potentially face more jail time. Most importantly, Buddy is back home with me where he belongs. Amazingly, he's doing great, it's like he knew he was finally safe. After the police drama, I took him straight home and fed him his favorite meal. He's been sticking to me like

glue since coming back, following me from room to room, but in a way I find incredibly sweet. I gave him a much-needed bath, he smelled like my mill's perfume, yuck, and checked him over, thankfully he wasn't hurt or anything. If anything, he seems happy as ever now. He's napping with his head on my lap as I type this final update. Thank you to everyone who followed along and encouraged me. Buddy sends doggy kisses your way, and I send my sincere thanks.