Deployed soldier Robert Gabbert learned his ex sold his dog, new owners don’t want to return pup

From his position halfway around the world in Afghanistan, soldier Robert Gabbert recently learned his (now ex) girlfriend sold his beloved Shiba Inu pup, Baxster.

Unable to track the 3-year-old dog down on his own, Robert took to Craigslist to appeal for help.

I am currently deployed and my ex sold my dog. I just found out and I am trying to find the people (person) who bought him. I will pay anything to get him back. His name is Baxster and he is an Shiba Inu. I do not have my phone with me. You can email me. The phone number is my mom’s she is helping me locate him. If you have any information PLEASE give us a call or an email.

Within days, people from Robert’s Colorado community helped him find the new owners — but that’s when the situation grew more disheartening: Even though the new owners said they were unaware Robert didn’t authorize the sale, they said their children are too attached to Baxster to give him back. (It’s unclear when the dog was sold; Robert was deployed in March.)

“They keep saying they have children that are attached,” Robert’s mother, Karen, told KOAA. “Well my child is attached to the dog. Just because he’s older doesn’t mean he’s not my child.”

Animal Law Enforcement Assistant Director Jamie Norris told the news station that if the new owners stand their ground, it would qualify as a civil dispute and Robert would likely only receive financial compensation.

“The courts will generally award the victim the value of the pet itself,” she said. “It’s basically a replacement value. It’s unfortunate as pet lovers because you can’t put a price tag on a pet.”

Thankfully, one of Robert’s friends updated KOAA this week to say an agreement with the new family is underway. Robert’s family previously said they were willing to pay up to $1,400 for Baxster’s return.