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Breaking Up: What About the Dog?
By Dustin Vissering
I found this on the doggie-advice section of some random Web site and thought it was really interesting:
My soon-to-be ex-husband is insisting on joint custody of our Lab — but I don’t think it’s good for the dog. Since I don’t have a choice, what should we do to make the transition easier for her?
So beyond that fact that I’m blown away that there really is a dog advice column out there (coming soon to AvenueK9.com?), the question itself illustrates an issue that is sure to be growing in the U.S.: What happens to a dog if a family splits up?
Should the person who takes care of the dog the most keep the dog?
Joint custody?
Court ordered?
Coin flip?
Oh yeah…and what IS best for the dog?
What do you think? Comment your heart out below.
Dustin recently realized how deep his love for dogs was when he caught himself whistling while picking up dog poop in the back yard.More posts from this author (160) | Elsewhere online
Joint custody wouldn’t be so bad if the people lived near each other and there was a stable schedule – this way, the dog knows what to expect. I think what ISN’T good for the dog is unpredictability, so as long as that’s managed, then joint custody would be okay. Assuming that both parties involved are good caretakers and most importantly, that the dog likes both his humans!
see who the dog runs to when each one calls its name =P i don’t know, man. that’s a tough one especially if the couple is living in two separate states, for example. i’d assume that either one would have to say that long goodbye… dogs are like permanent kids and need stability.