Woman owes no money for year of dog care

OMAHA, Neb. — The Nebraska Court of Appeals says a woman who left her dog with two friends for almost a year doesn't owe them any money for boarding the Chihuahua — much less the $2,700 they asked for.

Heather Linville asked Travis Derr and Natasha Combs in August 2007 to care for the 4-pound Lola because pets weren't allowed at her apartment.

When Linville asked that the dog be returned, Derr and Combs refused, saying she had abandoned Lola. Linville called police, and an officer retrieved the dog.

Derr and Combs sued for compensation for boarding the dog, and two lower courts sided with them.

The appeals court ruled this week that Linville owes Derr and Combs only $158 for a veterinary bill and nothing for boarding because they did not ask to be paid when they took in the dog.