Question
My father recently passed away and someone gave him a dog. It's been 3 months since he moved in with me. After he died the old owner wants her back. Can I get in trouble if I refuse to give her back?
Answer
I am sorry for your loss. People who give their animal away generally have no further rights to that animal even if the person to whom they gave the animal dies. Rights to the animal after the animal’s “parent” dies would typically be dictated by the terms of a will or trust. If a person dies intestate (without a will) and there is no trust for the animal, next of kin would inherit the animal under most circumstances. I hope that everyone involved considers the long-term best interests of this dog!
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