The rescue agency that took back Ellen DeGeneres’s dog Iggy from her hairstylist’s family has rejected the talk show host’s teary plea to return the adopted dog.
DeGeneres explained on Tuesday’s “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” that Mutts and Moms picked up the terrier mix from her hairstylist’s home on Sunday after DeGeneres told an agency representative who called to check on the dog that she had given Iggy away because he was too rambunctious, a move that violated an adoption agreement the talk show host signed on Sept. 20.
The owners of Mutts and Moms, Marina Batkis and Vanessa Chekroun, refused to return the dog because they have a rule against placing small dogs in homes with children younger than 14. DeGeneres’s hairstylist has two daughters, ages 11 and 12.
“She [Batkis] is adamant that she is not going to be bullied around by the Ellen DeGenereses of the world,” said attorney Keith A Fink, who is not legally representing the owners but spoke to the media on their behalf. “They are using their power, position and wealth to try to get what it is they want.”
Fink says Batkis and Chekroun received several death threats as the result of all the publicity.
DeGeneres reiterated to her audience on Wednesday’s show that “the dog needs to go to the family.”
He “just needs to be in a good home,” she said.