Help Me Get My Dog Back:
A Desperate Plea For Support In My Vermont Court Battle
Hey everyone and if you’re reading this, you’re probably one of the kind souls who’s followed my journey or subscribed to me. On Monday, January 5, 2026, I have a critical court hearing in Burlington, Vermont, that could change everything and I need your help to make it there and fight for what’s mine.
Let me back up and tell you the full story. Last November, I filed a civil complaint in Chittenden Superior Court (case number 25-CV-05182, Simpson v. Sterling) as a pro se plaintiff, meaning I’m representing myself because I can’t afford a lawyer. This isn’t some abstract legal dispute; it’s about getting my dog back. The defendant, Lily Sterling (also pro se), has been wrongfully withholding my beloved pet, and I’ve been pushing through every hurdle to prove my right to possession under Vermont’s replevin laws.
It started on November 20, 2025, when I filed the initial complaint along with an application to waive filing and service fees due to my financial hardship, which the court graciously granted. Since then, I’ve submitted a slew of documents and motions to keep things moving: a Notice of Pro Se Appearance, Return of Service, Exhibits, a Motion for Writ of Replevin, a Motion to Reconsider an Extension of Time, and a Motion to Clarify and Enforce Deadlines. I’ve even filed a motion to exclude any late evidence from the defendant, as her submissions came after the court’s five-business-day cutoff on December 26.
The court has been somewhat cooperative, they’ve emailed me the defendant’s filings in the past, and I’ve requested copies of my own documents to share with her as required. But here’s the harsh reality: I lost my job due to this trip here, I’m now broke, out-of-state, and facing a hearing in just a few days. I need to at court for the 10:50 a.m. motion hearing on January 5. If I win the replevin motion, I could finally get a writ to recover my dog and leave Vermont with her in tow. But without funds for a hotel stay (even a basic one for a night or two) or basic expenses.
This dog isn’t just a pet, she’s family. The emotional toll of this separation has been devastating, and fighting this battle alone has pushed me to my limits. I’ve got proof of ownership (including recent exhibits I filed showing delivery and entitlement), and I believe my case is strong, especially with the procedural edges from the deadlines. But pro se litigation is tough, and I can’t do this without support.
That’s where you come in. I’m humbly asking for financial help to cover:
A hotel room in Burlington for the hearing
Any incidental expenses help
If everyone who reads this chips in even $5 or $10, it could make all the difference. You can support me directly through this Substack, consider upgrading to a paid subscription, or send a one-time tip via the platform. If you’d prefer other methods, reach out to me or $Zoltanous on Cash app. Every dollar gets me closer to reuniting with my dog and closing this chapter.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, sharing, or donating. Your kindness could turn the tide in this fight. I’ll update here with any progress after the hearing, win or lose, your support means the world.
With gratitude!