Your story breaks my heart and then puts it back together again. Thank goodness for the nice people who moved in next door to you and persuaded your former owner to let you have a chance at life. Surely, there had to be a higher power at work in your case but it always helps when those of us here on earth pitch in and lend our assistance. I've had experience with a case very similar to yours in which persuasion would not work; therefore, a liberation rescue was organized. I hope that you and your family will continue to enjoy your present love relationship for a long, long time. I believe rescued dogs have great appreciation for their good fortune. Their love knows no bounds.