Well, do keep us up-to-date.

If the actual owner can resume custody, that might be best - that and he never trusts this woman with another animal ever - can you imagine going away, thinking you are doing the right thing by leaving your dog with a pperson, and having all this happen? Every dog owner's nightmare!

If that can't happen, of course, then I think it's obvious (to everyone) that Nookie belongs to you far more than that woman.