Dania Beach man reunites with dog after being separated for 91 days – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
(WSVN) – The dog fight is over for a Dania Beach man whose beloved pooch was adopted from Broward County Animal Care. The Yorkipoo should be under protective treatment during his hospital stay.
7 Investigates was on site at the reunification.
This is Karen Hensel.
Timothy Sweat/Bears Owner: “My baby bear. I know. I miss you so much. Oh my goodness. Dad is here.”
Timothy Sweat has spent the last 91 days fighting for this moment.
Timothy Sweat: “My little boy. My little boy.”
On July 26, someone tried to take their dog, Bear, while they were walking in Dania Beach. Timothy fought off the person, but he was severely beaten and taken to the hospital. Police took Bear to a shelter for safekeeping, but the shelter failed to keep the Yorki-Poo safe for Timothy.
Timothy Sweat: “The minute I got out of the hospital, still bleeding, still had the markings on me, I got to the shelter and they just politely walked out and said, ‘He’s gone and we gave him away. ‘“
Through 7 Investigates, Timothy made a public appeal to the woman who adopted Bear, Sharon Barnett
But Barnett refused to answer his calls and ours. She didn’t talk to us when we met her at home.
Having no other choice, Timothy took her to court.
Barnett told the court she gave Bear to her godson and the dog was in New Jersey.
The court ruled that Bear probably belonged to Tim and he “had the right to take possession of the dog.”
Gregory Elder/Timothy’s attorney: “So I think she knew there was counsel and that the day of reckoning would come.”
Attorney Gregory Elder was preparing to ask the court to order Barnett to return Bear to Florida, but the family in New Jersey suddenly said they would return Bear.
Gregory Elder: “It was the culmination of terrible events that happened one after the other, you know, and the worst part of it, of course, was that he had to resort to the legal system.”
7 Investigates flew Timothy to New Jersey for the reunion he feared would never happen. He was nervous until the bear ran into his arms.
Timothy Sweat: “My baby. We go home. Yes, we’re going home.”
Timothy flew Bear here to Fort Lauderdale that same day. He’s still considering suing the animal control agency over the money he spent on lawyers and flights, but for now he’s just happy to have Bear back where he belongs.”
Timothy Sweat: “We’re just going to enjoy each other’s company and just go back to our normal routine and start our lives over.”
A life full of joy that a precious pet can bring.
Karen Hensel, 7News.
CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATED:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com
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