I'm stuck in New Jersey (Xeph)

Xeph, call your breeder & tell them exactly what is going on.  Even if Delphi goes back to her breeder for a bit, if the breeder knows what is going on maybe they will help get her back to you.

I DID!  I've contacted her and told her what's going on every step of the way and was told that Delphi would be sent back to her handler, and that it would be my job to get her there.  I've sent pictures, and video and all sorts of updates, and I get no responses.

She's still planning on sending me all of Delphi's stuff (yes, she knows I'm back in WI currently sans Delphi).  I have contacted all sorts of people, and now I'm having information withheld from me about my own dog.  I'm sorry I ever left Wisconsin.

 Are you the legal owner?

 She's gone.  It doesn't matter anymore.

I'm done....I'm just done.  Strauss is my first and my last.

 ?

Xeph, if you're the legal owner, everything else is irrelevant, and you should get your dog back.

 Wait, what just happened?

My name was never on Delphi's actual registration certificate, because it was never sent to me (it was supposed to be in the mail).  I signed a contract, and that is all.

All that things that have happened have all happened so close together, I'm not even sure I can believe it anymore.

Clearly I do not think well on my feet....the consensus is that, regardless of the fact that I was being threatened with police removal and possible incarceration, I abandoned my dog, and that is my fault.

Hey, Delphi's safe... it's done.  I'm done with the Shepherds.

 I'm sorry to hear things turned out this way.  Maybe at another point in your life when you're more settled you can try again.  At least everyone is safe.

swamper

 Wait, what just happened?

I don't know?  I feel like I just finished a book.  You mean someone just took it upon themselves to give your dog away and that's ok?  Where is the dog? 

 Most breeders on the level of Delphi's breeder have pretty iron clad, legally enforcable contracts. It is necessary for the continuity of their breeding plans. Even if things are misconstrued, the breeder has first rights to the dog, period. The contract is there, for her protection, and the protection of her dogs. Sometimes, it's not ideal, but it's what it is, in a co ownership situation.

Xeph, I'm sorry things have ended up this way, for you.

I'm so so sorry. It must hurt badly. I wish it could have turned out differently. I'm glad she's safe, but this is terrible for you. I was without Oliver for a few months after my divorce so I understand what you must be feeling right now.

I would hope that whoever is responsible for taking back the dog (breeder? someone else?) is only doing it for the best interests of the dog, whatever that may be (not really knowing the background or what the original agreements were, maybe they are being fair, maybe not).  I would take the opportunity to get yourself settled back in WI, make sure YOU (and Jon) are OK and taken care of, then get your dog back.  I would focus on putting this mess behind you and getting yourself back on your feet.  The dog will be there and hopefully whoever is responsible for her now will have a little compassion for your situation and re-consider the arrangement.

 Did you get a receipt when you got Delphi?  Did you also get a copy of the contract you signed?  Would those count for anything?

Jeez, she is YOUR DOG!  Some people tried to keep my dog recently and I turned in to a Mama Bear, ready to break their door down to get my dog back.  He's a bit like (but not really like) my first child.   So I guess I am really struggling to understand "where" you are right now.

If you are only leaving her where she is because you feel that it is better for HER in the long run, and maybe better for you too, (I recall you saying you were more and more disappointed with her when she didn't take to herding asyou had hoped) then I hope you can find some sort of peace for yourself in this whole situation.   If you don't feel that she and you are better off with her being wherever it is that she is, then I don't understand your giving up..... But then I don't understand why she is not coming home to you and I don't understand why this situation would prevent you from continuing to be involved in Shepherds either...  So I guess I'm pretty useless as an offerer of advice, sympathy or support and should no longer participate in this thread.

I really do hope Delphi is OK.

I could be way off but the gist I got was that whomever the contract was with felt that she had broken it by "abandoning" the dog when she had to leave her behind when she went home to WI.

I'm sorry if I'm wrong, Xeph!!