Teacher accuses Ann Arbor principal of stealing dog she was encouraged to adopt

A teacher is suing the Ann Arbor school district over Gracie, a dog that is now at the center of an ownership battle after she was brought into the classroom.

[@kati-ana]

Lexi ADOPTED the dog, it belongs to her.

[@Bella-mx7rl]

Give Gracie back to her family!!!!!! Honestly, the teacher should have never let anyone take Gracie out of her sight. That's HER dog... why would anyone to have to take her anywhere? Very sad because it's not about what's best for the dog. The principal and district are just angry that the teacher is leaving.

[@DerakosZrux]

Idk why people let others walk over them like that. Like with the phone scams... no one can make you do anything without a court order. Threats don't matter.

[@cherylredfern8710]

Why would they take Gracie away from what she knows as her family/pack...shame on them for separating them and fighting over this...let the dog be with her family...

[@SS-iw2nq]

Probably retaliation since she chose to move away.

[@cbeautifulworld11]

Why doesn't the school district adopt a dog at one of the many overcrowded shelters to save a life rather than destroy the loving happiness of two lives? Their stance seems vindictive and cruel.

[@mizotter]

Absolutely!!!

[@joannebeauchamp1169]

This is confusing…Let Gracie stay with the teacher. Tell the principal to get another dog…Period! 😫😫😫

[@newshodgepodge6329]

As if the principal deserves to have any dog, period. 😠

[@kumudinicabandugama7038]

Give the dog back. Plus dont let this institution have any dogs if they are using shock collars to train them. Thats it

[@LadyLithias]

They outsourced the training, and the trainer they chose was one who used a shock collar. Whether they understood they were sending the dog to a trainer who would invalidate the supposed primary purpose of the dog is another story that isn't told in this news snippet. "Shock collars" sound utterly barbaric, but they really aren't. I've known people to use them when they live on a farm abutting a semi busy rural road. The dogs don't understand natural boundaries, and a leashed farm dog is pretty useless as a working animal. If they can't learn that the road is utterly off limits, would you have the dog that in all other respects is perfectly in his element sent to be rehomed? Or would you try additional methodology? I've known trainders who would never use a shock collar without first literally putting it on their own neck and testing ALL the settings PRIOR to putting it on the dog, and then being extremely careful to use it as avoidance training. If there's an uncomfortable feeling every time they near the road, they might avoid it entirely until it's utterly natural. All that said, I had a dog once. She was incredibly bright. Border Collie. For my sheep. But she was headstrong. Turns out she was fascinated by sheep, but not actually keen on working with them. I tried a shock collar on her, but only ever pressed the button once. When she was trying to kill one of my sheep. She stopped instantly. But the malevolence in her eyes, as she glared at the sheep that "hurt" her told me all I needed to know. I threw out the shock collar, kept her away from the sheep, and found her a very wonderful loving non-working job as a full time pet. I did not replace her, either, as it ended up being clear that I wasn't that good at training dogs. I don't advocate for their use, but I think that it's important to never take something like this and have absolutist type reactions. Is it cruel? Perhaps. I'd argue that yanking anyone around by a leash is cruel. But plenty of people do it, and nobody sees it as cruel. I hated the leash for my dog. I winced everytime she wanted to race off and was stopped by a ring of leather strapped around her neck. One is just more socially acceptable, but I guarantee you that there was more bruising and tissue injury with a leash than a minor tickling shock that does no lasting harm, leaves no bruises and tissue damage, and potentially keeps a working dog from being killed on a busy road.

[@Barbara-te7xz]

If the trainer knows what they are doing shock collars work. There are very few trainers that know what they are doing.

[@lorraineniece8813]

How about getting a donkey or llama to protect the sheep? I understand that they make good protectors.

[@perlitalaguna6622]

Bc a shock collar was used....the pup can no longer be certified. I seen the comments from people who say shock collars arent bad. Perhaps. I wouldn't know. But in the end, the dog is unable to be certified as a therapy dog.

[@celestiafanforever]

If Gracie is microchipped with the teacher's name legally she belongs to her. Adoption papers, vet bills, anything that proves she is the owner of Gracie. Also who the heck trains a therapy dog with a shock collar??

[@missjo2036]

Lots of people do, but not for therapy dogs.

[@askew9976]

Possession…that is Gracie’s human!

[@stanford-nf4jk]

@celestiafanforever @$$ backwards thinking individuals do. My brother is one of them. I do not let *my* dog near either of them. His dog is constantly fearful, lashing out at falling leaves, biting his own tail. It’s inhumane!

[@vulgaritar48]

lol What? You can microchip a dog with no form of ownership proven whatsoever. You just have to pay for the chip and registration. It has no legal bearing in court or of proving ownership. That would be like putting your name on a mailbox and saying, "This house is mine now."

[@MrsLadyLovely]

@@vulgaritar48 Your analogy doesn't really work here, you can't just slap your name on a mailbox, you pay for the house in which the mailbox comes with... this is more like having a vehicle in your possession doesn't make you the owner, the title makes you the owner and chips work like car titles, the person who has had the dog since birth pays for the chip, that chip comes with paperwork attached, when the dog transfers hands the chip stays with the dog (naturally) and the paperwork follows the chip. That is how transfer of ownership works. In other words, the person whose name is on the paperwork owns the dog and it should absolutely hold up in court, that is the point of microchipping the pet in the first place. So that people can't just walk off with another person's dog and claim it as theirs. Source: Experience as someone with multiple pets who came with a chip in someone else's name and then were transferred to mine.

[@titansaint]

why would you try to train a dog to be a therapy dog WITH A SHOCK COLLAR?!?! THATS SO STUPID.

[@kelleywyskiel3478]

I’ve trained therapy dogs and I’ve never even known of shock collars being allowed.

[@JadenYukifan28]

Most people think that using Shock collars is a good idea, but the truth is is that it harms the dog.

[@PointerNation]

Why in the hell would you train ANY dog with a freaking shock collar? That is absolutely cruel.

[@JadenYukifan28]

@@PointerNation In their mind, they would assume that the dog wouldn't obey them, hence why they would get them.

[@ikigai47]

It sounds bad but "shock" collars aren't what you think these days. You could have one on, have it turned on and you can barely notice it. It's super mild, just enough to get the dog's attention which takes even less than it would take with people

[@LCx829]

Why is a school district keeping someone’s dog ?

[@cocoknows]

Give Gracie back to the teacher!

[@laurens5909]

People (the administration) can be so vindictive, cruel, and petty. I hope the teacher gets her dog back quickly. ❤

[@hickokhaley]

They are so ignorant.

[@kelleywyskiel3478]

They said the dog stayed with either her or the principal so that’s an odd battle of co-ownership. I’m concerned about a shock collar being even suggested on a dog being trained for therapy. Or anything. If a shock collar is needed the human should be wearing it

[@niffy1200]

They ment while Gracie was at school

[@vesnaxo880]

BRAVO FOR THIS COMENT

[@SpiffyPenguin]

@@vesnaxo880so you’re also an idiot? Lol They said the dog stayed with the principal sometimes at SCHOOL. 😂 learn to listen

[@1_star_reviews]

Read the screenshot as the lawyer was speaking on liability. “Gracie is YOUR dog”. Yes, he put the word your in all caps. He goes on to say “she will be with you for many years to come”.

[@LoriL010]

Give Gracie back. It's cruel to take this sweet pup away from the person she considers her family.

[@americanbadass2894]

Give Gracie back to the teacher that is heart breaking

[@margie6534]

She needs to get punitive damages from the District as well.

[@goulash64]

That’s pure evil. Anyone who would try to separate a dog and it’s mommy are cruel and sick.

[@GorgieClarissa]

this is so disgusting..... they took her money and then STOLE her dog?!

[@rridderbusch518]

*Shock collars* should be OUTLAWED !

[@Edwardsjm]

Nope, they work extremely well for asshole dogs

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

How is it that so many so-called educators are sociopaths? Those scumbags are just evil. Poor Gracie.

[@freedomcat]

power trips.

[@DolphinsPlayingInAquaMoonlight]

....access to children... :/

[@suzannen.6403]

What in Covid crazy is going on in KZbin. You people calling teachers and educators crazy and being around kids is just weird. I’m so sick of this 💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩 I hate the internet anymore

[@2002films]

Democrat educators.

[@2002films]

@@suzannen.6403 Yo don't have a working brain. These same teachers are against the parents of the kids and want them arrested . They want to enforce DEI and gay agenda and will call authorities on parents if they get in the way. Parents have already been arrested and FBI has investigating parents.

[@AFloridaSon]

Dogs have feelings. Give the dog back to her family.

[@centerfear-mysterycrimerec3627]

Why did she let them take her dog away? Unless there's a warrant signed by a judge, non one can just come to your property and take something from you no matter how much it is disputed. That's the whole point of getting a judge to rule on it. Also, stop this nonsense of robbing puppies out of their personalities by forcing them into servitude. The entire industry of dog training that takes dogs away from owners for a long time is worse than the troubled teen industry. Why would anyone leave their dog for 6 months with strangers that are constantly correcting their behaviour and have not love for those innocent animals? You're literally sending a puppy into bootcamp for no good reason.

[@chrrycola2717]

Cuz shes a doormat

[@asandi4444]

Gracie needs to be returned to her family NOW. The school district should be ashamed of themselves for their heartless and cruel behaviour.

[@twentynineteen4687]

Agreed!

[@Karma20XX]

Give her back!

[@user-ln8hp4vt5z]

These Criminal Principles need to be held accountable for their crimes.

[@HobbyHound21]

It's in writing how can they just take her?????

[@jamesclark9347]

I agree with her comment. "If I knew I could loose her I would not of signed up." I had similar with a horse. The bond was incredible. The loss crippled me!

[@brinamaesantos8258]

Its like taking a child from his mother... Dogs have feelings... Gracie must be wondering where her human mom is.

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

She should get the dog back.

[@mrsdraper171]

Give the dog back to the teacher.

[@stevi6236]

Humans are so nasty…..she has a family……return her to her Mom💔

[@robg915]

Shame on that school and the principle. I would not have relinquished the dog.

[@doriannemosich232]

This story is not right, give this teacher her baby dog back, come on now they can't take the pup, respect this teacher . Bullies the way they took her. Teachers are good they deserve the most they are under paid, my Mom was a teacher, made her way designing homes & in the real estate investment business also a great teacher.

[@teresawingbermuehle4212]

Go get your Dog.......!!!😊😊😊😊😊

[@deborahfragiorgi6791]

The district is absolutely wrong! Give Gracie back to her mom sooner rather than later. The school has no rights to her dog at all! Please keep us update$ on this terrible situation.

[@audraarndt1824]

Y would they even do this?

[@2002films]

Democrats are evil

[@gailgrant3209]

Hope she gets her back. ❤

[@doberman1ism]

Gracie belongs to this woman who cared for her and raised her. What the school district is doing is blatantly coldhearted!

[@m0m0ntherun]

I know one thing for sure, NO ONE is leaving with MY DOG! The school district will lose this case. I just hope they don't do something harmful to this poor dog!

[@eBookHoarder]

Yeah, I would have been fired when they tried, emphasis tried, to take her except they say she was taken from her classroom, and I doubt she would have acted out in front of the students.

[@thehannster10]

Dog goes back to the teacher, and the school pays DAMAGES. The emotional pain they are putting her through is unconscionable. Attorney fees, although not usually paid under American Rule, definitely should be paid here.

[@anitaschvitz9749]

That principle shouldn’t be in charge of anything or anyone. What a heartless monster

[@lindaj171]

Pet are like children. To take Gracie away from her 'Mom' is traumatic for both of them. Shame on the school.

[@teresacorley7874]

The dog should get to chose and I think the dog should go to the frist lady that's had the dog the longesr 2:58

[@alltheway0ffgrid]

You think that this involves a school and teachers there would be some smart people there... You don't just separate a dog. From its person. Dogs are not knick knacks. Dogs are not things they have feelings did you ever think of the dog... Remember the dog

[@MariaGarcia-tb7xx]

So sad

[@lindabedker9105]

Give Gracie to the rightful owner the teacher loved and raise her as family! You don't take someone's baby??

[@billythecrayon983]

How comically evil can you be to steal someone’s dog

[@brooks8792]

Makes you wonder how the principal treats students.

[@suzannen.6403]

What!!! That’s her dog!! Give her dog back!!!!

[@missyrose2154]

After reading more on this and watching videos my feelings are that the district did not handle this situation correctly from the get go . I think they should give Gracie to her owner and cut their losses . It doesn’t seem like this dog can be a therapy dog now which means she can’t fulfill her intended purpose . She is loved already giving her to someone else would be cruel . I think the public backlash is not worth seeing this suite through to the end because again she can’t be a therapy dog now . The district should get a new dog and ensure it is properly trained and any new handler signs documents and papers making it clear the dog will always belong to the district .

[@Atomicqueen9]

F that i wouldn't even let them pick her up!! Is she chipped under your name she's yours!!

[@janh5199]

Who fed her? Her took her for walks? Her paid for her shots?

[@teeniequeenie8369]

GIVE THAT DOG BACK NOW.

[@icare4you123]

Gracie needs to go back to her Mom. She must be so afraid and confused and this is a case of morality and character, not law. The school never should have made this terrible decision. Shame on them and a dog never needs a shock collar. How cruel.

[@charly3575]

Give Gracie back to her rightful mommy!

[@user-fw8rm1yv3i]

Give this teacher back her dog! Shame on the district for doing this both to the dog’s caregiver who loves her and the dog who is bonded to her!

[@Rick-Rarick]

Oh hell no. If someone tried to take one of my dogs... well... I won't say what I would do, but lawyers would not be involved.

[@Zola_6]

The Principal needs to back off and give the dog back ASAP… I’m glad she is suing to get the dog back ..

[@traci635]

Give her dog back! She's not an object, she's her family! Cruel !

[@deborahbaker4770]

She should get her money back if she can’t have the dog she adopted ‼️

[@JustMe-dn9fh]

That email that the principal sent to the teacher saying Gracie was her dog, is the proof that this dog belongs to her owner. Give the dog back to her family.

[@billyjohnson9166]

Praying for you. Give Gracie back.

[@karidennis6154]

She never should have let that official take the dog, that was a big mistake, let them take her to court and try to take it.

[@reachandler3655]

Disgusting! If the district wins this in court, I hope you sue for the costs of room, board, vetinary care, and emotional damages.

[@Francis-xl2gu]

GIVE THE DOG BACK !!! DOGS HAVE FEELINGS TOO !!! This is cruel treatment of the dog, Give it Back, Sense should prevail here !!

[@egrace67]

Give Gracie back to her owner! What a horrible thing to do to the dog and teacher 😢

[@carlberg7503]

What wrong the Ann Arbor school district? Mean.-spirited and vindictive.

[@JCKershAuthor]

Now I get why vets and veteran dog owners say to chip and register their dog. To prevent people like this from committing fraud and stealing family members out of the blue.

[@aeptacon]

obviously dont get assets mixed with your organization.

[@katgurl5119]

Start a petition ❤

[@cynymin6420]

Can a dog even be legally owned by a group of people? Wouldn’t the person who has primary residential custody own the dog? Because if this entity owns the dog then there is no one responsible party for her day to day care. The dog needs a stable home and shouldn’t be moved around like used furniture. As far as I can tell the school district is causing harm to the dog by moving her around. And if she can’t ever be certified as a therapy dog the school should hire a therapy dog. How is the dog going to be owned by a school? Are they going to move the dog from home to home every few weeks? That’s not right.

[@carissafisher7514]

I mean I am divorced and my kids go back and forth.....I never thought of them like furniture. Used furniture is great and affordable!

[@glyles3747]

Poor baby. I pray you get Gracie back.😊❤

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

WELL when the dog was adopted from the shelter WHOS NAME is on the bill of sale/adoption papers? regardless of where the dog lived, or what was said on a phone text, the legal documents will likely hold up in any court.

[@lindaj171]

There's legal and then there's moral/ethical. I think ethical is more important in cases like this.

[@newshodgepodge6329]

Is that anything like being given a receipt for her purchase when she took ownership? Because that's no different from what she was given acknowledging that the dog was hers and hers alone.

[@lindasutton4014]

America’s seem to be constantly at odds with some of these School Boards for one ridiculous policy or another,It’s becoming outrageous.

[@lynncampbell9415]

OMG! I cannot believe that is happening - in what world is this right?

[@RYANSPRIVATES]

Ask the dog who he wants to go home with, and end this sh$t

[@msbee5183]

Love you momma!❤❤❤❤

[@michelemichele5204]

whoever signed the adoption papers owns the dog!

[@sandyellison8650]

Obviously whoever took Gracie doesn't care about her or they wouldn't have taken her from the person who love and cared for her. Keep fighting.

[@yvonnemurray5537]

Shame on this administration! Give the dog back immediately & stop the legal nonsense!

[@horseygurl143]

Do what Judge Judy would do. Let the dog pic who she belongs to. Gracie knows where she belongs. Let her decide.

[@m.c.5459]

That's just evil.

[@BeBeBraveSpirit]

Shame on the school district for taking away Lexi’s dog! She was the one who agreed to adopt her and she raised her and she did a loving, caring job at it. The poor dog doesn’t know another human as well as Lexi and already has a close bond. She is loved by not only Lexi but her family as well from the pictures. This school can not be a shining example to their students or parents when they do manipulative and spiteful actions like this!!

[@laquicha8159]

Poor Gracie and her mom 😢

[@karlaruter3221]

Give the dog back to her.

[@carolmccullough-kuchar4782]

OMG give that dog back to her. This is an outrageous misuse of power. Please, start a picketing march and tell the world about this abuse of the dog... give her back. It's her dog.

[@donnageoghan4328]

Why did Lexi let the school officials steal her dog?! I’d have called the police rather than hand my dog over. Something is wrong with this story.

[@seallove9187]

This is so messed up. She's heart broken 😢.

[@amapola53]

gracie should stay wth lexi. the principal is just being SELFISH

[@dianaradford1040]

Keep up fighting to get her back.😢

[@gypsyjade7170]

Give Gracie back to her fur mommy! ❤

[@shuffleaccount1985]

the dog found a great Family , so they took it from her ? CRUEL !!!!!!!

[@robertocano7398]

Dog belongs to the teacher. School district is wrong.

[@barbarawillis5187]

I want to say the principle and school district members are heartless people. It seems the principle and school district members were never taught empathy and they are in charge of educating children. And, they don't seem to care about Gracie's life and her bond with the teacher and family.

[@chrrycola2717]

Remember these people have access to YOUR children

[@teckelhut]

Anyone who's going to train a dog with a shock collar doesn't deserve to have a dog

[@Frooshchadfleadeegeehawk-he1tf]

The principal is on a power trip. Happens to all of them the second year in administration. They suddenly become “good ole boys” and only support the teachers who are in the clique (usually the school improvement team). Through my career I’ve only had ONE respectable principal and that was way back in the 90s. The dog belongs to that teacher. Period.

[@faithwagoner9203]

Sounds like the principal is heartless & controlling.. tackless!!

[@maryswanson9982]

The dog is hers. No question.

[@Amy-xoxo305]

Horrible people!! Disgustin!!

[@armageddonready4071]

That’s like taking someone’s BABY