London, England.

I bought a dog from a woman online and initially everything was great.

We bonded over the dog, but over the last week, her behavior turned erratic and unsettling.

She started sending constant voicemails criticizing me, personally and for my care of the dog. And then she would be affectionate again, almost immediately.

After 14 days of having the dog (and paying the first of 4 upcoming installments, as agreed with her), she suddenly threatened to take him back, claiming I wasn’t "grateful enough."

Citizens Advice and the police say legally the dog is mine, even if I've only paid the first installment, and that the hundreds of screenshots I have of her saying the dog is mine, is legally binding, and she cannot just suddenly back out of the deal because she's upset with me.

Despite this she refuses to sign anything officially confirming that she's selling the dog to me (I suspect she doesn't realise the texts are, within themselves, binding). I’m worried she’ll escalate things or refund my payments, to say no sale has taken place.

I’ve blocked her but fear she may show up at my house. The dog has vet-confirmed dental issues she didn’t disclose, and I’m anxious she’ll somehow manage to take my dog back.

Questions:

1. Can she take me to court and win, despite having messages showing she agreed to the sale?

2. She suddenly mentioned she felt pressured by me, despite the messages not reflecting this, even slightly. Could she say she felt pressured into the sale? The messages are affectionate, caring and kind, from us both, before it blew up. But I wouldnt put it past her to say I pressured her and therefore it wasn't a valid sale.

3. What if she refunds my payment and demands the dog back, and claims no sale has taken place?

4. How can I secure ownership and protect myself legally?

Any help is appreciated!