This is a copy of the contract Ellen (Portia) signed to obtain the dog, Iggy. It's very clear there is no transfer of ownership right (without consent of the rescue shelter).

There are many provisions in this contract I would not sign:

- Indefinite right of home inspection
- No right of transfer
- Requirement to pay legal fees of the rescue organization in case of legal dispute.
- Indefinite right of reclaim at the sole discretion of the rescue organization.
- Not allowed to have the dog ride, unrestrained, in the back seat of a car.
- Not allowed to tie up your dog to any fixed object (ever).
- Animal must be permanently "branded" as belonging to the rescue organization (via microchip).

Basically, for all intents and purposes, an "adopted" animal remains the property of the rescue organization; an adopting family has obligation to care for the dog, but no right to make decisions about how to best care for the dog (that control rests with the rescue organization).

Families that adopt CHILDREN have more rights than these!

TMZ is amazing ... they have video on their web site of the crazy dog shelter lady, who grabbed this family's dog in their own back yard, and refused to leave w/o taking the dog with her. Unfortunately, the police let her leave with the dog. What a mess.

We just saw this skateboarding bulldog on Ellen. This dog can start up on his own and keep the board moving by pumping with his front foot. Amazing.