A Florida family is grappling with a distressing situation involving their poodle, Lucy, after asking a dog sitter to care for her during a challenging period. Hanna and Roger Bustos sought the help of a dog sitter at the beginning of 2026, as Hanna was battling cancer and the family was in the midst of a move. They expected to reclaim Lucy once their circumstances improved, but the dog sitter has since refused to return the beloved pet.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Sitter-Took-Familys-Puppy-826-09072026-af87e90a99c34c4385993103dafa9bba.jpg)
Initially given to their son as a gift, Lucy had become an integral part of the Bustos family. However, in November 2025, a series of challenges emerged: the family was relocating, caring for Hanna’s mother, and Hanna received her cancer diagnosis. Faced with these difficulties, the family arranged for Lucy to be fostered without charge while they settled into their new environment and Hanna focused on her health.
In August 2026, Hanna attempted to retrieve Lucy, but was met with an unexpected response. The dog sitter, claiming Lucy was now a permanent member of her household, refused to return the dog. Hanna recounted that the sitter expressed an unwillingness to “remove Lucy from her pack,” expressing emotional attachment to the pet.
“Her response was that she was not going to give up the dog because she says that she was not willing to have her leave her pack,” Hanna recounted, highlighting the sitter’s assertion that Lucy had become part of her family. This sentiment was echoed in several texts, with the sitter stating, “I’m not willing to reconsider my decision of keeping her a permanent part of my family.”
Hanna noted the absence of any formal documentation indicating that the sitter had ownership rights over Lucy, asserting that she had made it clear from the beginning that this foster arrangement was temporary. “I felt like instant betrayal because I know that my son trusted me to trust her,” Hanna reflected, highlighting the emotional strain this ordeal has placed on her family. “How was I going to tell my son?” she added, revealing her heartbreak over the situation.
The emotional ramifications have been significant, with Hanna revealing how vital Lucy has been to her family’s wellbeing during her cancer treatment. Her husband Roger shared the impact Lucy’s absence has had on their children, particularly their son, who frequently inquires about when Lucy will be returning home. “The twins scream her name,” Roger said, conveying the anguish and longing felt by the children.
Despite their ongoing attempts to resolve the matter, the dog sitter has maintained her refusal to return Lucy. “I am very sorry you are going through this, but this doesn’t change my decision,” the sitter allegedly told the Bustos, reinforcing the family’s sense of helplessness in the face of the situation.
In response to the crisis, the Bustos family has taken formal measures to reclaim their pet. They have filed two police reports and engaged an attorney, pursuing legal action in civil court to find a resolution. The ongoing saga illustrates not only the intimate bond families form with their pets but also the potential complications that can arise during vulnerable times.
As the situation develops, the Bustos family continues to navigate the personal and emotional turmoil of their predicament, holding onto hope for a reunion with Lucy. For them, this story serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connection between pets and their owners—a bond that many families cherish and rely on during life’s most challenging moments.