Hi, I’m Erin Bennett, and I’m fighting to keep my little family together.

In May 2022, I adopted a wonderful dog named Riptide. I paid the adoption fee in cash, signed all the paperwork, and took full responsibility for him. My name is on every record—adoption certificate, vet files, dog license, and more. I’ve loved and cared for him every day since.

After moving out of my ex-boyfriend’s home in August 2022, Riptide and I started a new life in our own apartment. I work from home full-time, Monday through Friday, and Riptide, my cat Jetty, and I are together every day. We are a peaceful, bonded little family.

Although I continued to let my ex-boyfriend see Riptide occasionally to avoid conflict, everything changed after I had a tonsillectomy on October 28, 2024. I had planned to recover at home, but he insisted I stay at his house—saying I wouldn’t be able to walk Riptide while healing. I agreed, thinking he would help.

Two days later, while I was still recovering, he unleashed a drunken, two-hour tirade filled with verbal and mental abuse. I recorded it out of fear. During that outburst—completely unprovoked—he screamed that he had already contacted a lawyer to take me to court for Riptide. I had never threatened custody or even mentioned it. He was the one using my dog to manipulate and control me. At one point, he told me that if I was going to bleed out, I should “do it on the floor so he wouldn’t have to clean the sheets.”

The next morning, I left with Riptide and Jetty and blocked my ex-boyfriend for my safety.

Two weeks later, he hired a powerful attorney—his college friend—and filed a civil lawsuit to claim joint custody of Riptide. He was never listed on any adoption paperwork and has no legal claim, but he’s using this case to stay in my life and exert control.

On December 19, 2024, with only two hours’ notice, I was forced to appear in a Zoom emergency custody hearing with no legal representation and no time to prepare. My ex-boyfriend logged in with a legal team. I logged in alone.

During that hearing, the judge became fixated on a Facebook post I had made two weeks after adopting Riptide—while I was still living with my ex-boyfriend. In that post, I used the word “our” to describe Riptide. That single word was treated as more significant than the adoption certificate and every legal document in my name. The judge granted my ex-boyfriend temporary weekend custody.

Under the interim court order, I am now required to drop Riptide off every second, third, and fourth Friday at 6:30 PM, and pick him up Sunday at 6:30 PM. That means three out of four weekends a month, Riptide is removed from the calm, safe home we’ve built together. Jetty becomes visibly distressed when Riptide is gone—pacing, crying, and waiting by the door until he returns.

Riptide is only 3 years old. This custody ruling means I may be forced to share him with someone who has emotionally harmed me—for the next decade. It is not just heartbreaking—it is unjust.

Unlike my ex-boyfriend, I have no financial backing, legal team, or family support system. I am doing everything I can to find an attorney in Monmouth County, NJ who will help me fight for what’s right—but I need help affording this legal battle.

I’m raising funds to cover legal fees. If I don’t end up needing the full amount, any remaining funds will be donated to the Monmouth County SPCA to help animals stay in safe, loving homes.

Please consider donating or sharing. Your support means everything—to me, to Riptide, and to Jetty.

With heartfelt thanks,

Erin, Riptide & Jetty