But Who Gets the Dog?
5 things the playground can teach us.
Once married, we'd like to think that everyone lives happily ever after, but take a look at the divorce rate. It’s not great. And when a marriage does hit the rocks, splitting one life into two can be a real mess. The latest custody issues? The pets. Namely, the dog, according to newsday.com.
In fact, it seems to be enough of an issue that a book was just released on the topic: We Can't Stay Together for the Dogs: Doing What's Best for Your Dog When Your Relationship Breaks Up (TFH Publications, $22.95).
Really? Is there that much to say about it? And I am a hardcore dog-lover. I treated my dog like a child. I had a canine custody issue when I broke up with my college boyfriend. It lasted all of 10 minutes and went something like this:
Him: What should we do about Isaac?
Me: Will you come home right after class and work? And will you stay home on Friday and Saturday nights to keep him company?
Him: Um, Probably. Yeah, I guess.
Me: No you won’t. I’m keeping him.
Him: I want to visit him sometimes.
Me: Fine.
Case closed. No manual needed.
But who knows. Maybe if both parties are equally dedicated, it’s more difficult. The upside: That dog is loved.
Discussion
It was completely silly when I went and got myself a dog after I spent months and months looking at the shelter mug shots online so I wouldn't be tempted to go out and make any sudden choices until the Sunday in November 2006 when I spotted that poor sad little dog that was destined to become mine. This was despite the protests and outright proclaiming of anything that said dog would require would be my responsibility and mine alone to deal with - since it was a big deal and all....but that all went out the window one day, despite being the only person on her licensing info and vet records. Even now it's my belief that it's better to not have any visitations that could be confusing for her, and were at one time a threatened course of action that would potentially have been filed in court...
My ex husband and I share custody of the kids and the dog. I miss the dog but she enjoys spending time with her daddy more than the kids do. He treats her well and their is no issue. Of course - we haven't had any vet bills yet and it was difficult to get him to purchase the same dog food so she wouldn't get sick to her stomach.
In reality, I don't have the time to dedicate to my dog. She needs both her pet parents to be involved.
