I dont knkow about the laws in Texas but here in PA if you have the dog
licsence in your name, the dog is yours and you do not have to give it
back.  My parents went through this a few years ago, they gave the dog
back only to find out it was being abused and we did some research and
found out that since my parents had paid for the lisence and the vet
bills for shots they could have legally kept the dog.  I hope this helps
you.  Maybe if you look up the animal laws in Texas it might help.
 
Shirl, Fang, Smoky & Iggy
[Posted in FML issue 3935]