<human>: Can you succinctly summarize the text in 1-3 sentences?

My ex worked at a veterinarian clinic, they received a dog that the owner didn't want. I was given the dog because my dog had recently past and I was looking for a new one.

All the vet bills are in my ex's name since she got discounts on the bills.

she moved out 8 months ago, took her two dogs with her and left my three, one of which is the dog in question. I was just taken to court and told that i am being sued and she is claiming the dog is hers. 

she has made no contact with me or the police about the dog in the last 8 months and now i am worried that a dog given to me is going to be taken away just because the bills are in her name.

I'm hoping to go the route of abandonment since i don't have much to prove that it is mine. 

I live in NY, where im sure the laws are different from other places

this just happened tonight so i have not yet contacted a lawyer. just trying to search things on my own until i do
<bot>: ex is trying to take dog back after 8 months of leaving it with me. when is it considered abandonment in ny state?