Redditor Asks What To Do About Ex Who Left Her Dog for a Year and Now Demands Him Back

A Redditor thought he was just dealing with a messy breakup, until his ex decided to treat their dachshund like a forgotten package that could be picked up whenever she felt like it. The dog, Frank, ended up living with OP full-time, while his ex vanished from the day-to-day reality of care.

Here’s the complicated part: OP wasn’t just watching Frank sometimes. He was covering every cost, doing the daily care, and taking full responsibility for 14 months straight. Meanwhile, his ex made no real effort to reclaim or support her pet during that entire stretch.

Now she wants him back, and the comments are basically split between “she abandoned him” and “this is going to get ugly fast.”

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In situations like this, responsibility matters more than past ownership. OP was left to cover every cost, provide daily care, and take full responsibility for the dog over the course of 14 months.

During that time, his ex made no real effort to reclaim or support her pet. By abandoning her role as the owner, she effectively gave up her claim. OP stepped in and became the only consistent caretaker, ensuring the dachshund’s well-being.

Given the circumstances, it is reasonable to consider the dog his now. Frank’s stability and continued care should take priority, and OP has already proven he can provide both.

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Providing care for an animal for over three months makes you its legal owner.

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If OP cares about the dog, he absolutely shouldn't give it back.

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She abandoned him.

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She doesn't deserve Frank.

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Frank is OP's dog now.

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OP's ex neglected the dog.

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She's horrible

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OP didn’t just “take care of Frank,” he paid the bills and handled the daily routine for 14 months while his ex stayed out of it.

This also echoes the Redditor dealing with nonstop yelling over burping after lactose intolerance.

The timeline is what people keep hammering on, because leaving a dog for a year is not exactly a casual mistake.

When the ex finally shows up demanding Frank back, commenters point out she didn’t show up for the hard parts, only the outcome.

That’s why the thread keeps repeating the same blunt conclusion, Frank became OP’s stable, consistent responsibility, not hers.

A judge would say he is legally OP's dog now.

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OP is completely right - she did abandon the dog.

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OP should contact the police before the situation escalates.

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Leaving a dog with someone for an entire year is abandonment, plain and simple.

If she wants Frank back after disappearing for a year, she’s about to learn that abandonment is not a reversible decision.

For another baffling family moment, see why I called out an uncle who threw away dog food.