I don't know your brother, so I hate to sound like I am jumping to conclusions on his character. But based on what you have said about him, I don't think he really wanted the dog in the first place, but got her out of competition with you. Because you wanted a husky, but he "won" by getting one first. I don't think he really wanted to keep the dog, but refused to let you have her because then you'd have "won." Sounds to me like he is excessively competetive with a very delicate ego. I have a friend (I use the word loosely) who is exactly like that, so I'm stereotyping a bit, I know. My friend even stopped inviting me to paintball because I eliminated him 3 rounds in a row. Guy looked like he wanted to kill me after each round.

I think that yeah, she is yours. What I would do though, is walk on egg shells about it with your brother. Don't mention giving her back one way or the other, don't mention to him that she is yours now, don't even hint at any feeling of victory. Although if I were you, I'd certainly feel that way ;) Just kind of let it all go, and pretend like nothing really changed at all between you. I know this might sound passive, but that advice I give out of a desire for you and Nikki to remain together, that's the most important thing. It's a chance for him to let her go without bruising his ego too much. Let him keep his ego, you get to keep the important one in all this (Nikki). Good trade.

If tensions get sparked, by any little thing, he might demand her back and then you potentially have a problem. Guys like him, at least how I see him, HATE to lose, especially to people they're close to. And they will do almost anything, even irrational anythings, to prevent that from happening.

Here's to a long and happy life together for Octavian and Nikki :beer:

GW

This post has been edited by guthwulf on Nov 2 2009, 05:15 PM

I agree with odin26 and guthwulf. Be nice around your brother but don't return the dog unless he asks for her. After a while, posession will become nine tenths of the law.
Good luck. I hope you can stay together.
LTD

That's a great story, btrain79 and a happy ending to boot. I hope you and your rottie girl have many long years together.
LTD

Thanks for all the great advice everyone, it's really helping. I'm getting a little nervous, though. Tomorrow is the day I'm supposed to give her back...still no new mention about Nikki from my brother though. I'm hopeful, but I can't help but be pessimistic.

Wish me luck! ^_^

A word of caution here, as mentioned before by other members, a large part of what is fueling your brothers energy is seeing the control he has on your emotions, which stems from your desire to have the dog. He feeds off of your attachment. Therefore if he should ask for the dog back, it may be wise to give the dog back with love and compassion in your heart, but neutrality in your mind. Any sign of emotional attachment from you will only fuel your brother's side.

This does not mean that you have to give the dog back tomorrow. You can always say you forgot should he mention it. Just let things be easy.

Let it be your brother that "let's go" of the dog, instead of you "taking the dog" from him.

I am willing to bet that sooner or later he will let go completely when he sees that you are not grasping her "from him."

Keep the focus,

B.

Well said B, couldn't agree more!

I would say letting your brother believe he let's go of the dog instead of you taking it from him is key. Which i'm sure is easier said then done, but well worth a shot.

GOOD LUCK!

This post has been edited by sweetallis on Nov 2 2009, 10:46 PM

Supposed to be at work in a few hours, but haven't slept. Hard to, knowing what might happen tomorrow. Today was amazing, though, I had the day off. We went out and had some fun, then we came home and had some fun. Now she's asleep next to me in bed...

I don't know what will be worse, him asking for her back tomorrow and having to give her up...or him not asking for her back and fearing the day he demands her back. How long, I wonder, would I have to have her until she legally becomes mine? Would it fall under an 'abandoned property' law?

Bleh...maybe I'll call in sick? Or move to Canada? :unsure:

It's been a very long time since I've posted on these forums, but I just wanted to wish you luck with this whole situation. There has been some very good advice posted here, nothing I could say about your brother or the whole sibling rivalry theory would be anything new to the thread. Hope everything works out with Nikki, she's a gorgeous dog. :)

Define "fun".

;)

J/K

Definitely move to Canada. She would love the snow there. Or for that matter move to Illinois...It should start snowing any day now. :lol:

In all seriousness, let us know what happens.

This post has been edited by jeepdog89 on Nov 4 2009, 12:03 AM

It is good to see you around again, dogfood, if even for a moment. I remember your last thread. Really hope your endeavors brought you good things in life. :)

Welcome back!

GW

Well, the day is nearly over and Nikki is still here. I stopped by my brothers briefly about an hour ago as to not avoid him. He started to say something and I blurted out 'lets play halo' for some reason, first thing that came to mind. Played a couple games and I told everyone I had to get going. Not a word mentioned about the dog!

It's still far from over, I'm sure. But at least this chapter had a happy ending. ^_^

The outdoors fun was innocent fun, nice long walk and a trip to our favorite park. The fun at home was...fun. ;)

*Melts into the Beastforum floorboards*

Lucky... :wub:

Ohhhhh I hope it is what you mean!

I also hope you do keep the lovely dog! I'll be reading this thread waiting for you to post "SHE'S MINE"!

Quite a heartbreaking story Octavian... Count me as part of the team rooting for you and Nikki. Your brother clearly is not of sound mind or heart to claim ownership of such an innocent and beautiful animal.

It's always nice hearing about something as wrong as Nikki's abuse and neglect being corrected... Knowing there is a deep, sensual connection between the animal and savior just sweetens it a bit. ;)

This post has been edited by secret_admirer on Nov 4 2009, 04:54 AM

Nothing new to add at the moment, but I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone again for all the replies. When I first posted this thread, it was more a tool for me to vent than anything else. I felt like I had to tell somebody, anybody, about this shitty situation. But what I got back was something a whole lot more than I expected...I got people who really seem to care giving me great advice. You've been with me through this whole ordeal, and I thank you! I'm sure Nikki thanks you too. ^_^