the mom is on disability, she probably had like maybe 400 or 500 away for emergencies but she legally cannot have over 2000 in liquid assets (cash or in the bank) without getting her benefits taken. She also probably lives paycheck to paycheck and $5000 is a lot to save especially when its like 20% of your annual gross salary if you're working for $12/hr or getting disability. No one thinks oh my dog is going to need $5000 for a surgery. And no family member should tell you "hey either let your dog die or legally give it over to me". That contract could be considered to be signed over legal duress, and could possibly not be valid. I could see the potentially being the case that a lawyer would make if they went to court about it.