Former couple wages custody battle over dog

-- Greg Risling

A custody battle over a pet Rottweiler named after a popular Irish beer

has pitted a Newport Beach woman against her former boyfriend.

Patti Dalby is trying to keep custody of 4-year-old Guinness, who was

purchased to provide a playmate for her other Rottweiler, Roxie.

Dalby’s ex-boyfriend, Brooks Brann, sued her earlier this year and is

seeking about $25,000 in damages. Brann, who now lives in Montana, claims

he’s the rightful owner of Guinness and would like the dog back. He also

alleges that Dalby purposely hid Guinness from him.

Dalby countered that she paid for most of the dog’s care, including

veterinarian bills, and that Brann was living with her when they got the

dog three years ago.

Under state law, pets are considered property and any disputes over them

can be handled in court. Attorneys for both parties appeared in court

Wednesday, where they learned a trial date was scheduled for the summer.

Neither attorney could be reached for comment.