Bubs, I think the first thing is that you need to look at what the decree says and talk to your attorney. What you need to do is going to depend almost entirely upon what the paperwork says and what agreement you had with your ex when he took possession. If the paperwork gives you possession, the groomer thing is a good idea. Ask the ex to drop them off at a groomer on X date at X time because you have arranged and will pay for them to be groomed. Then YOU pick them up.