Dogs In Divorce

I’m in the process of getting a divorce through mediation in MA. Our agreement is signed but we haven’t been to court yet. In the agreement, it states that I am getting the dog. We have been separated for a year and I have had the dog this whole time. My ex, who lives out of state, has now requested to have the dog for “a while” because he needs her and he says that his doctor will sign for her to be an emotional support animal.

I sympathize with his mental health struggles, but I am fearful that if I let him take the dog, he will keep her. I can’t drive, so I’d be wholly dependent upon him to return the dog. I’m afraid that the law would be against me if he did take her and refused to give her back, as we have not yet gone to court. Especially considering the “emotional support” element. Am I crazy to think that?

I am thinking that if I did say yes, like he could dog sit for a few weeks, it would be wisest to delay until at least we have been to court. However, there is a four month waiting period until divorce is final. Should I wait until things are final final?

Saying he tried to keep her, what would the legal scenario be like now versus after divorce?