I bought two bichon frise bitches 18 months/2 years ago. I have since learned that this breed is notorious to house train! Both settled in well with us, as a family, but the younger one remained quite anxious, started to develop some fear based aggression when out walking and was still having regular accidents in the house despite my best efforts. I also have to say that I think the older bitch was a bit of a bully, especially around food, but as soon as I realised I separated them at meal times and then for the most part they got on well. So... I get them professionally groomed once a month and I was telling my groomer about my woes with the little one and that I had started to consider rehoming and she said she would have her in a jiffy. I said that as I was only exploring the idea and have 5 year old twins who are most attached to her, we would have to have a weekend trial initially and then a period of reflection to which she agreed. I suggested Saturday to Sunday/Monday but the groomer asked for her on the Friday instead and so I took her to the lady's shop then. The family had a much calmer weekend and the older bitch seemed happier, the twins had a little cry but we're bolstered by the promise it was only a trial and no firm decision had been made. Anyway on Monday morning I texted to ask could we come pick her up and the reply was no I'm keeping her. I was genuinely shocked. She said her young son had become too attached over the weekend, she had settled and we were apparently treating her like a toy. I said the kids would be devastated if she didn't honour the plan especially as they are adopted and find it very hard when the ones they love just disappear out of nowhere. This had no impact on her whatsoever. She said we could meet halfway and they could come and say goodbye with her there. I refused this, I'm not taking my children to some car park to say goodbye to their beloved dog after 18 months with the 'new' somewhat aggressive family standing guard.
After calmly appealing to her and realising she wasn't going to budge, I phoned the police. Two policemen called her and she still refused to give her back. I was then told they could do no more, it's a civil matter and to get her back I will have to go through the courts which could take months and cost thousands. Also, she will have become attached to the new owners and I couldn't put her through the upheaval again.
My dilemma is this. She had no intention of honouring the agreement. She saw her and wanted her at any cost and the impact it will have on my kids is unforgivable. On the other hand, she is a real animal lover (former vetinary nurse, dog rescuer, dog groomer) and the dog will have the best life. I just feel sick at how she has gone about it. What do I do? I could send a solicitor's letter and I'm told I have a very strong case as I have all the evidence but I'm trying hard to think about what's right, it can't be just about winning.