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Family dog at the center of a legal storm


Marcia and Rich Graham of Marshall, Washington lost their dog Harlee, a 2 year-old Pomeranian. The dog was adopted out by SpokAnimal to a new owner who refuses to return the dog. Marcia, holding Harlee's collar and leash, carries them in her car in hope of getting her dog back./DAN PELLE The Spokesman

Meet Harlee, a black Pomeranian that went missing from the home of Marcia and Rich Graham of Marshall in July.

The dog was later adopted out by SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. to a new owner who refuses to return the dog.

The Grahams found Harlee's new owner due to chance and research; their brief reunion with their pet is described here:

By S-R staff writer By Kevin Graman

When the couple entered the yard, Harlee sprang into Marcia Graham's arms as Richard knocked on the front door.

The Grahams say Notti would not discuss ownership, and sternly ordered them off his property. He also was apparently unmoved by two letters from the Grahams saying how important the dog was to the family and offering to compensate him for his expense in acquiring and caring for Harlee. They also offered to buy him a replacement Pomeranian.

Notti never responded. Nor has he returned calls from a reporter seeking comment.

Full article...

QUESTION: What do you think is the answer, here? I'm sure Notti loves his new pet... but should Harlee be returned to the Graham's?

The Grahams also have a lawsuit with SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. Read the article for those details--it complicates the situation

In 2006, then-editor Steve Smith of The Spokesman-Review had the idea of starting a publication for an often forgotten audience: teenagers. The Vox Box was a continuation of the Vox, an all-student staffed newspaper published by The Spokesman-Review. High school student journalists who staffed the Vox made all content decisions as they learn about the trade of journalism. This blog's mission was to give students an opportunity to publish their voices. The Vox Box and the Vox wrapped up in June 2009, but you can follow former staffers' new blog at http://voxxiez.blogspot.com.