Judge Orders Rescue to Return Dog to Fort Benning Family

TAYLOR COUNTY, Ga. - A judge ordered a rescue organization to temporarily return a family's dog Tuesday nearly two months after they surrendered him. 

Blake and Ashley Lechner gave up their dog "Spot" to Tri-County Animal Rescue at Fort Benning in November after they learned of Blake's orders to go overseas in 2016. The couple changed their minds about giving up the family pet and tried to reclaim him, but Tri-County refused, saying the dog was not a good fit for a family with small children. 

In an effort to get the dog back, the Lechners filed a lawsuit naming the rescue and the Hoffmans, the family that operates Tri-County. 

"If I were to return the animal and it attacked that baby, that would've been on me," Thomas Hoffman said in a hearing at the Taylor County courthouse.

The rescue organization claims the Lechners missed the 12 hour deadline to reclaim the animal. They also maintain returning the dog would not be in Spot's best interest. 

Judge Maureen Gottfried granted Blake and Ashley Lechner a temporary injunction granting them custody of Spot and required the Hoffmans to bring the dog to the courthouse. 

"I think it's the most important victory for my clients," said Edward Furr, the Lechner's attorney.  "They missed their dog.  They got their dog back.  A family was restored today and that was the purpose of the lawsuit to begin with."

The family said they are overjoyed to have Spot back and they have faith he will stay with them at the conclusion of the lawsuit. 

"He's right back where he belongs," said Ashley Lechner.

Tri-County faces some legal hurdles as the lawsuit continues.  Technically, the surrender form that Blake Lechner signed when he dropped Spot off gave custody of the dog to Tri-County Rescue, Inc.  The Hoffmans cannot personally represent the corporation and must hire an attorney to do so. 

Furr said it will likely be the summer before the case is fully resolved.