Can original owners take a dog back after two years?

Question

A little over 2 years ago, regulars at my brother's work offered us a pitbull because they couldn't have him around their newborn baby. Eventually we agreed to accept the dog because we didn't want him going to a pound or shelter. When we got him, his nails weren't cut, he wasn't potty trained, his ears were torn up, and he wasn't neutered. He's a male pitbull, and it's illegal in Nevada to own a pitbull that isn't neutered. We got him cleaned, cut, neutered and potty trained. He has been a great part of our family and is registered under my name as an emotional support animal and is doing amazing now. However, the original owner wants him back. He has been pursuing us and found the address where my brother works. It has been over two years and he wants the dog back. He even changed up his words to say that we stole his dog when before he stated that we didn't. This could all be easily proven with screenshots of messages from the beginning when we first got him. Can he win in court and take my dog from us? I am former military and I have chronic depression and having this animal in my life helps. I don't think he could win in court, but I just want to clarify with someone in a legal sense. Also, we haven't checked if the dog was chipped.

Answer

I think it is very unlikely (based on the information contained in your email) that after two years a court would order the dog to be returned. If sued, I suggest you retain an attorney (but many more people make threats of lawsuits than actually sue). Good luck!