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Two Queens Men Fight Over Ownership Of Dog Missing For 6 Years

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A fight has broken out over a Pekingese who disappeared in Queens six years ago.

Alfred Hayek said he found "Lulo" wandering the streets near his home in Jackson Heights back in 2008. He said the pooch was nearly in a coma, eating off the street and drinking contaminated water when he decided to take him in.

Hayek claims he asked around the neighborhood in search of Lulo's owner but had no luck.

During a recent visit to the vet, however, it was revealed that Lulo had a microchip. After scanning the chip, his real owner had been uncovered, CBS 2's Cindy Hsu reported.

The vet contacted the dog's original owner, Ben Choi, who lived 4 miles away in Fresh Meadows.

Choi said he couldn't believe his dog, who he called "buddy," had been found. Choi owned Buddy for eight years before he disappeared from his fenced-in backyard.

But now, Hayek says he doesn't want to give the dog back, unless Choi reimburses him $2,500 for years of expenses.

"My dog is my heart. I love this dog a lot," Hayek said.

Choi says he's outraged that Hayek won't return his dog without a price tag.

The two plan to meet again soon to try to come to an agreement over the dog they both love, Hsu reported.

If they are not able to negotiate an agreement, however, Choi says it may end up in court.

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