Henry County family fighting to keep foster dog from accused animal hoarder

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB Fox 41)---A Henry County family is fighting to keep their foster dog from being returned to an accused animal hoarder.

In December, Terri Smith was charged with more than 200 counts of animal cruelty. She ended up pleading guilty to one, and one foster family says she'll soon be asking for some of the animals back.

Jodie and Steve Judy say they've been told one of the animals will be the dog they've been fostering.

The family loves motocross racing, and have named the dog Moto. The husband and wife, and their three sons have been fostering the Springer Spaniel, as well as a Yorkie named Angel.

"We went for one dog and we came with two, and she's been the best dog since then," says Jodie Judy.

"I love her as much as I love my own kids," says Steve Judy.

"We throw the squeaky toy, it's a fire hydrant, and it's so funny because she slides on the floor and hits the kitchen table," says 6-year-old Connor Judy.

Moto and Angel, were among hundreds of animals living in deplorable conditions in and outside a mobile home in Henry County.

The owner, Terri Smith, faced more than 200 counts of animal cruelty and pleaded guilty to one count in March.

"She can not go back to that lifestyle," Steve Judy says about Moto.

That's this something this family fears.

On Friday, Steve says he got a call from the Henry County Animal Shelter. He says they let him know that Terri Smith wants two of her horses and dogs back, specifically Moto.

Steve gave his wife the news.

"He said, she picked Moto. She wants my dog, and I stopped in the middle of the store and started bawling," says Jodie Judy.

In a matter of months Moto has followed this family everywhere, including their weekend RV trips for motocross racing.

"She is the family. She's more than just a pet. She is," says Steve Judy.

It's why they plan to fight to keep the dog they've grown so attached to.

"Because she's the bestest dog," says 6-year-old Connor.

Terri Smith will be sentenced on Monday for her animal cruelty charge.

The family says they will also be in court. They say, if Smith asks for her animals back, they plan to speak to the judge.

The family can't official adopt Moto and Angel until the court case involving Terri Smith is settled.