I recently inherited a dog from my best friend but his landlady refuses to release the dog to anyone.?

There was nothing in writing but he had told his family, friends and pastor that i would get the dog when he passed away. He does not owe anything for the rent in fact only lived there 2 weeks before he died. The family has asked her to release the dog, her pastor has asked her to release the dog and now she is stating that she will sue for the dog. Does she have any rights? Do I have any recourse.