From the Associated Press:
• Dog's owner died January 1, leaving $2 million estate but no will• Owner's parents, fiance, and ex-girlfriend wanted custody of Alex the dog
• Judge decided to split custody between owner's divorced parents
• They'll trade Alex back and forth every two weeks
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (AP) -- A man who had not written a will left a $2 million estate, but the most hotly contested item in court has been his golden retriever, Alex.
The four-way dispute over the 13-year-old pet was so intense, an attorney was appointed to represent the dog's interest. On Monday, the judge decided the man's divorced parents should split custody, The Commercial Appeal reported.
"At first glance, the petition seems almost frivolous, but after speaking with all parties, it is evident that this is a highly emotional issue for all involved," said Alex's attorney, Paul Royal, in his report to the probate court.
Ron Callan Jr., 35, committed suicide on New Year's Day. He had been a partner with his father in Callan Salvage & Appraisal Co., and the father was named the estate's administrator.
In the consent order the judge approved, the elder Callan and his ex-wife, Esther Snow Gnall, will trade custody of Alex every two weeks. Both parents also agreed to take the dog to the veterinarian for arthritis treatments and any other needed procedures.
Before the agreement was reached, the elder Callan had custody and took Alex to work during the day. The father has cats at home, though, so at night, the dog stayed with Callan Jr.'s former girlfriend, who had known Alex since he was a puppy.
The son's fiancee also was interested in Alex, and Gnall had said if she won custody, she would allow the fiancee to spend time with the dog.
Royal, the dog's attorney, said he believes all four people love Alex and would take good care of him, but they were using the fight for the dog to punish each other for past transgressions.
"This case is similar to a bitter custody battle involving children where each party loves the children, but the kids are stuck between two people who cannot coexist," the attorney said in his report.
Posted by anthony at May 8, 2007 09:08 AM | TrackBackHaving had parents who went through a vicious divorce and custody battle for my brother and I, that sounds about right.
If they don't want the $2 million, I'll take it off their hands.
Posted by: Brad at May 8, 2007 12:11 PMOuch!
Posted by: anthony B. at May 8, 2007 12:56 PMAs a native Memphian, I am not surprised to hear this kind of news coming out of there. It is weird, quirky and a little sad. Hmmm, I wonder if there is any connection to the relational dynamics and the man's suicide.
Posted by: Archie at May 8, 2007 02:26 PMI'm sure there is a connection. I'm also sure that the custody battle over the dog has almost everything to do with guilt/lack of control over this man's suicide. Something tells me I'm glad I'm not part of that family.
Posted by: dramaturge at May 8, 2007 09:08 PMIf Alex the dog needs a good therapist, I know of one he could see.
Posted by: j brown at May 8, 2007 09:55 PMHmm, being a dog owner I can understand the attraction to a Goldy...
Sin is a crazy thing, the idea they would punish each other by fighting for the only living possession of their sons estate. We talk a lot about the power of sin in Reformed theology but usually we're talking about its present work and not its memorial role. This is a good illustration for the latter.
Lets hope they know what Alex's diet and exercise routine is.
Thanks for the story Anthony
Posted by: Tony Stiff at May 10, 2007 09:49 AMRon Jr. was a friend of mine, and while I recognize that this story sounds odd and maybe even a little bit humorous to people reading it, don't judge him or his family. Ron literally loved that dog more than anything in the world. He would have given up everything he had for him. He used to tell me all the time that Alex was his best friend and the only real constant he had in his life for so many years. He also loved his family, issues and all. And as far as his parents go, is it really so strange to want to hold on to something that was so dear to your child, especially considering the sudden and tragic manner in which he died? I only knew Ron for about 2 years before he died and I miss him, so I cannot even begin to imagine how much his parents miss him, regardless of what their personal situations are. Ron was an absolutely wonderful person. I have no idea why he did what he did, but you won't find a better man or friend than he was. Happy Birthday, Ron.
Posted by: friend of ron's at November 27, 2007 03:36 PM