Michigan Vet Is Being Charged For Stealing A Houseless Man’s Dog

Those of us who are dog owners can all agree that our pets are treated and thought of as part of the family. For some people, pets are the only children they have and all of their love is poured into that animal.

There are some who truly view animals this way, including those who are experiencing homelessness. The feeling of having everything taken away from you, I can imagine, can feel like the most gutting thing in the world. But at least in a situation like that, you’ve got your pet to give you some kind of sanity. But imagine if that pet was taken away from you.

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That’s allegedly what happened recently to a houseless person who claims that a veterinarian illegally, took his dog. Wood TV is now reporting that a veterinarian is officially being charged because she stole a Grand Rapids man's dog:

Kent County’s prosecutor charged Amanda Hergenreder, a veterinarian with a practice near Frankenmuth, with misdemeanor larceny under $200. The dog she took belonged to Chris Hamilton, who lives in Grand Rapids but is currently homeless.

Was She In The Right?

She told reporters when she found the dog, he looked malnourished and lethargic. She said she contacted authorities and shelters before deciding that, even though she was told the dog belonged to someone, she would take it.

She ended up pouring in over $3,000 to clear up a UTI and a rotted tooth from the dog, but now the owner is saying he wants the dog back.

Should The Owner Get The Dog Back?

As the owner Chris Hamilton explained, this dog is a major part of his life:

I just want my dog back. I had my dog for 15 years. Never neglected him and, you know, we loved each other. I mean, I felt like I lost part of my body after that. Never felt the same after losing him.

Police have apparently done multiple check-ins with this dog and have not found any cases of neglect. You can read a much more in-depth report of the case here.