Overweight dog at center of custody lawsuit
PORTLAND, Ore. – A 70 pound dachshund is at the center of a custody battle.
Obie the obese dog captured national attention as his caretaker, Nora Vanatta, put him on a diet.
Vanatta said Oregon Dachshund Rescue owner Jenell Rangan filed a lawsuit this week, claiming Obie belongs to her.
“They say I’m exploiting him,” said Vanatta. “They say I’m misusing his funds and they claim he belongs to them.”
Vanatta said Obie is getting healthier, having lost 15 pounds in the last two months. She's collected thousands of dollars in donations for Obie from supporters, and said the money is being used for his care.
Vanatta believes everything that’s happened to Obie in the past two months is only beneficial.
“He’s famous and he’s touched so many people and I think they regret not taking him on in the first place,” Vanatta said.
Oregon Dachshund Rescue originally heard the dog was in need of a home and put out an online plea for help. Vanatta offered to help soon after and an Oregon Dachshund Rescue volunteer picked up Obie from his former owners’ home and delivered him to Vanatta.
Vanatta told KATU News there was never any paperwork or verbal agreement exchanged between the two parties about Obie’s ownership. She said she doesn't believe Obie is now hers, but she doesn't think Oregon Dachshund Rescue has a claim to him either.
Jenell Rangan did not agree to a formal interview with KATU News, but said she believes Obie belongs to her and Vanatta is not providing good care.
All parties are expected to appear in court Monday morning.
“I just want what’s best for him,” Vanatta said. “And he’s doing well here. It just doesn’t make sense to take him away now.”
Good Grief!
Sure sounds like Oregon Dachshund Rescue is in it for the money rather than for the dog. Jenell is probably alienating a lot of people who otherwise might want to help her organization. The appearance of Greed tends to turn people off who are inclined to be charitable.
If the system fails this dog and gives it up to greedy Janell, there should be an out pouring of outrage!!!
I say make Nora the owner of Obie!!!
The original owner relinquished their rights to the Dachshund Rescue- who then asked for help in fostering him- the foster "parent" has taken great steps in getting the public involved concerning pet obesity- this poor little guy is HUGE- Â and has lost 15 pounds in 2 months! that is really good news- Â on the surface I don't see any neglect- Â and why wasn't any formal foster papers signed? Â When I was with the Bird Rescue- I had to sign a document which said all birds I was fostering belonged to the Exotic BIrd Rescue- and they were still very much involved with the care and providing food and new toys for all the birds that were placed in my home ...it was all about a type of teamwork.... sounds like this Dachshund Rescue fails to see the value, benefit and partnership with the fostering-partnership from the very people they ask to step up and help with their cause..... kudos for Nora Vanatta!
Jenell Rangan of Oregon Dachshund Rescue is suddenly "concerned" now about establishing "ownership" only because there is money at stake (for Obie) due to Nora Vanatta's working to bring his situation to the public's attention. It's obvious the "concern" isn't about his welfare as Vanatta has clearly taken great care of him. If there was no money involved I'd bet that greedy Rangan wouldn't be doing this. People like her are disgusting!
All you have to do is look at his FB page and see how amazing he is doing to get the answer. I dont know how Janell can say he isnt receiving good care he has lost 15 lbs, he is walking, the vest made to help protect his underbelly now has a lot of extra material. I dont understand what lack of care she thinks is happening with him he looks happy and so much healthier then he once did. Janell just wants him back now because he has dollar sign potential and that is horrible!!!