Redditor Buys Dog From Mother Undergoing Divorce, Now Has Stalking Problem, And Asks How To Get Rid Of Her

A 28-year-old woman thought she was doing a simple, good thing, she adopted a puppy from a mother who was rehoming after a divorce.

But the moment the money changed hands, June would not leave her alone, nonstop texts asking for pictures, requests to bring her kids to see the dog, and a last message that left OP spooked. OP refused the visit, because showing up unannounced is not “just being excited,” it is a line-crossing situation.

Now OP is stuck wondering how to get rid of a former owner who seems convinced the dog belongs back in her life.

The OP's issue:

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The OP explained they have always adopted dogs:

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Since their dog died, they were considering adopting another:

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June asking for “just pictures” turned into a full-on follow-the-dog situation the second OP said no to the kids visiting.

Stalking behavior, particularly following a breakup, can stem from unresolved emotional attachments and a need for control.

They heard a mother was looking to rehome her puppy, so they paid her the rehoming fee and got the dog:

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But the mother started texting the OP, asking for the dog's pictures:

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Then she asked if she could bring her kids to see the dog, but the OP refused:

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When OP refused the visit, June’s texting did not cool off, it kept escalating into something that felt like stalking.

Moreover, stalking can create significant emotional distress for the victim, leading to feelings of fear and anxiety.

The OP's friend told her that June regretted giving the dog away:

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The last message from June got the OP worried; she doesn't know how to get rid of a persistent former dog's owner:

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A Redditor said that it's creepy.

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Strategies for Addressing Stalking Behavior

To address stalking behavior effectively, individuals should prioritize their safety and well-being.

This also echoes the AITA rescue-dog fight where family said “no” to adopting Lucky.

They advised the OP to tell June that she would no longer be responding to her texts.

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If June continues to be persistent, the OP should threaten her with calling the police.

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The OP replied:

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OP’s friend even chimed in that June regretted giving the dog away, which made the whole thing feel even more creepy.

Additionally, seeking professional help can provide individuals with coping strategies for managing the emotional impact of stalking.

A Redditor suggested to the OP how to end contact with June.

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The Redditor pointed out that June might be trying to steal the dog.

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The OP said she thought the same.

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And the scariest part, June’s behavior was already hinting at the unannounced-visit problem, the one OP would not ignore again.

While Redditors understood that June was having a hard time after giving her dog away, they advised the OP to cut all contact with her. June sold her dog; she needs to accept that.

Coming to the OP's house unannounced was crossing the line, and the OP should tell her that she'd call the police if she showed up again.

The situation faced by the Redditor highlights the troubling consequences that can arise when rehoming a pet, especially in emotionally charged circumstances such as a divorce. The article reveals that the mother, who was likely undergoing significant stress, has developed a distressing attachment to the dog, leading to stalking behavior. This underscores the need for those involved in similar scenarios to take proactive steps to safeguard their well-being. By emphasizing safety and emotional health, individuals navigating these difficult situations can find a more effective path forward.

OP is realizing that “rehoming” is not always the end of the story, sometimes it is the beginning of a stalking headache.

Before you decide on keeping a new dog, read about the puppy that caused aggression problems with a senior dog.