Hi everyone — this is very embarrassing and uncomfortable for me to share, but I’m in a really bad situation and could use some help.

3 months ago, I left my ex-fiancé and moved to Illinois. We both had put money on a truck for me for my birthday. It was my truck, but we were both on the title, and he could use it when he wanted. He insisted I pay him back after I left, and had an understanding that I would buy him out within a few months, or that he would buy me out of my portion so I could buy a new car. I was very close to resolving it financially (this week), but on February 8th, he stalked me to find my home address, traveled from Pennsylvania, trespassed onto my property and stole the truck and my property inside it. He has the truck in Pennsylvania now and is trying to get me to give him my dog and meet with him in person, which I do not feel comfortable doing. He now refuses to let me buy him out or buy me out of the thousands of dollars I contributed to the truck unless I give him my dog and see him in person, and is refusing access to my only way to get to work and live my life. I’m without transportation. He already has a car, and is doing this to try to take my dog and get me fired. I recently started working in person again. This has made getting to work extremely difficult and is creating unexpected financial strain while I try to sort everything out properly.

I’m working on saving up for another car, but in the meantime I’m trying to cover the remaining amount I paid toward the truck and stabilize my transportation so I can keep working and stay on my feet. Without the thousands he refuses to give me back for my truck, I’m terrified I’ll get fired and won’t be able to take my dog to vet appointments, groceries, or future court dates for the months that this will take to go through the courts. I’m considering moving again because I’m afraid he’s going to show up again and break into my apartment for my dog.

If you’re able to help, even a small amount makes a difference. And if not, positive thoughts are genuinely appreciated too. Thank you for reading — I’m hopeful this is just a short chapter and I’ll be back to being stable again soon.