Dog custody dispute erupts in Brooklyn after neighbor’s offer of care leads to legal action from original owner seeking return of pet.

In a troubling case from Brooklyn, a woman is fighting to reclaim her dog, Grace, after a neighbor allegedly refused to return the pet that was temporarily entrusted to her during a time of personal crisis. Valerie D’Angelo, 65, filed a lawsuit in Kings County Supreme Court outlining her distressing situation, which has drawn public attention.

D’Angelo adopted Grace, a terrier mix, from Sean Casey Animal Rescue in 2018 as a means to cope with the profound grief following the loss of her 18-year-old son, who died by suicide in 2013. D’Angelo described Grace as not just a pet, but a cherished family member who has provided her with companionship and support.

Approximately two years ago, Catherine Feijoo-Nickell, a resident of the same building, expressed interest in Grace. As detailed in the lawsuit, Feijoo-Nickell engaged in what D’Angelo initially perceived as friendly gestures, including knitting sweaters for Grace and offering to assist with lifting furniture, which allowed her greater time with the dog.

However, the dynamics shifted last December when D’Angelo faced severe health issues, including seizures and intense bowel pain attributed to Crohn’s disease. As she prepared to place Grace in a no-kill shelter for a temporary stay, Feijoo-Nickell urged her to let them care for the dog instead. D’Angelo accepted the offer, believing it to be a kind gesture.

In a turn of events that has left D’Angelo distraught, one week after she entrusted Grace to Feijoo-Nickell, the neighbor informed her of intentions to keep the dog permanently. D’Angelo insists that she clearly stated the arrangement was temporary and that she wanted Grace returned once she recovered.

As communication between the two deteriorated, D’Angelo became increasingly concerned. After multiple failed attempts to retrieve her dog, she involved law enforcement, only to be told that the issue was a civil matter rather than a criminal one. The New York Police Department has not issued any statements regarding the situation.

D’Angelo’s lawyer, Ezra Glaser, criticized the situation, arguing that dogs play a crucial role in the lives of their owners, especially for those who have faced significant adversity. The lawsuit seeks not only the return of Grace but also monetary damages due to the claim of larceny.

Community reactions have been mixed, with some neighbors expressing surprise at the legal escalation and hoping for reconciliation between the two women. Feijoo-Nickell has not responded to requests for comment, leading to further speculation about the escalating tensions in this multifaceted dispute.

The situation highlights the complex and often emotional connections that individuals develop with their pets, as well as the legal challenges that can arise from seemingly benign arrangements. The outcome remains to be seen as the legal process unfolds.