‘Judge Judy’ Case Turns Into Real Dogfight
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Jesse Grant/WireImage(LOS ANGELES) — A dispute over a dog has boiled over into a real dogfight — with allegations of violent threats and pet-napping — after two women recently squared off on an episode of Judge Judy.
In the episode, taped May 23, Teresa Gardenhire, a foster parent for dogs, claimed Kari Whitman, owner of Ace of Hearts pet adoption agency in L.A, owed her money for taking care of one of the agency’s dogs while the organization searched for a permanent owner.
Judge Judy ruled in favor of Ace of Hearts. But the battle didn’t end there.
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Whitman claims Gardenhire began harassing her, even making violent threats.
In the documents, Whitman alleges that Gardenhire warned her, “Watch your back b****” and threatened to steal Whitman’s dogs in retaliation.
TMZ reported that Whitman was so frightened that she filed a request for a restraining order, claiming “[I am] afraid the threats will become real actions.”
But Gardenhire tells TMZ she’s the real victim, believing that she had adopted the dog she had been fostering. Gardenhire claims Ace of Hearts stole the dog and she even filed a police report.
Looks like the matter is headed for a real court this time. A hearing on the restraining order is set for June 28.
As for the dog at issue, TMZ reported that it has been already adopted by another family.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio