They're building a house? Probably have a construction loan right now that will have to be converted to a permanent mortgage. I'd slap a lien on that property so fast, Judge Wapner would come back from the dead just to high five me.
Costs $50 around here to file a lien. You may never get the money but they're going to have a heap of headache and attorney fees trying to get that title cleared before conversion.
It may not be worth the trouble to you, but it would give you a chance to take some of your power back.
Is the puppy a German shepherd or a chihuahua? Maybe they think you're racist against Germans or Mexicans. 😛