I know it sounds really gross right? But seriously, I'm about to leave my boyfriend of four years. In that time, we've lived together, acquired some material possessions, and bought a dog together. Everything's been right down the middle. I honestly think we'll be able to divvy up everything after it's all said and done, but how do you manage to share a dog? I know it's not a kid or anything so you don't have to deal with all that legal stuff, but my dog feels like our kid sometimes. I love him so much. I know my boyfriend is gonna be really concerned about him, who he stays with and whatnot. I just don't know what to suggest for this especially since we'll be living 200miles apart. Who gets custody of the dog? Or is there a right way to have "joint custody." It's retarded I know. But if you knew this dog, you'd do anything for him too.
2006-11-11 05:51:48 · 24 answers · asked by aslgirl143 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You need to ask yourself something. Is it the dog you will miss, or the memories of you and your boyfriend with the dog. Unlike humans, dogs are very limited and predisposed to follow the same genetic physical/ personality characteristics. This means that by getting a new dog of the same breed, your chances are pretty good at him becoming the "same" dog. You, unfortunately, cannot have your cake, and eat it too. You need to understand that you are the one deciding to leave, and he should not have his dog taken from him as result of your (very good) decision on splitting up with him. I know it's very hard once you get attached to an animal, but I'm willing to bet that there is someone out there who will buy you 4 new dogs if you wanted. You will find a new, very awesome, boyfriend and perhaps you can turn a new chapter in your life. Maybe this time you should get a dog on your own, and not with someone. This way you don't have to worry about this again. Perhaps wanting to hang on to your dog/ have visitation rights is subconsciously a way to "hang on" to your boyfriend after you leave?
2006-11-11 06:29:18 · answer #1 · answered by Smirx 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i know this might sound silly but i knew these two people who had a dog and him and his girlfriend broke up but both loved the dog so the guy kept the dog since the girl worked a WHOLE LOT but on the weeked the girl would get the dog or when she was off just like a child. but since you say you'll be living 200 miles away than i would just figure out who 1). has time 2).doesnt work ALL THE TIME! 3) who REALLY can take care of the dog... i know you both want the dog but do whats right for him
good luck
2006-11-11 06:07:34 · answer #2 · answered by guineapiglover 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually if you consider it a kid you can go to court and file for joint custody so you guys ole have to share the dog. you can do all the legal stuff with a dog as you can a kid! since you guys will be living 200 miles apart my suggestion would be to go to court for the dog and let the judge hear both sides so they way the judge can decide who will get the dog or whether you guys should share joint custody. Think of your posistion on the issue because the judge will ask for it! to help you out tell the judge when she ask for your story, tell her how you guys got the dog, how much you love the dog, what you'll do for the dog, and if ya feed it, groomed it, walked it all the time tell them that to. hope ot helps!
2006-11-11 06:00:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many people dog just like with kids joint custody.
One of you will be responsible for the shots and heartworm and all the medical stuff and you should split the cost.
Spilt custody time too if you can. Have the dog live part time with each of you.
If you are going to be 200 miles apart either one of you gives up the dog or you both drive 100 miles to to meet and switch custody.
2006-11-11 05:59:43 · answer #4 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you bought the dog together, paying equal shares, it would be up to both of you to decide who gets the dog. If it was a gift from one to the other, then the one the dog was bought for would get custody, because you don't take back a gift. If one person paid for the dog to be shared by you both, that person should get the dog.
2006-11-11 07:46:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
IMO the dog should go to whomever it is more attached to and who can care for it better. You both love the dog and should be able to reach an amicable agreement. Maybe consult each other before anything is done with the dog, etc. It is hard and one of you will be upset but you need to put the DOG first and his welfare.
2006-11-11 08:37:11 · answer #6 · answered by MANDYLBH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well this one is kind of hard. There is on joint custody on pets. so the best advise is to talk it out with your ex and mabey on of you could keep the dog and the other can visit every once and while
2006-11-11 06:02:50 · answer #7 · answered by blueman2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This probably won't help because we have three dogs...but if my husband and i to spilt up he would get Belle (his dog) I would get Ruthie Rue (my dog) and Fred (my daughters dog).
Its hard I know especially since both of you love your dog..
Ask yourselves these question..
Who has the funds to take care of the animal?
Who has the place where the dog can run and safe?
How does the dog ineract with each of you?
2006-11-11 05:58:57 · answer #8 · answered by lilbit_883_hugger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If one of you are going to live where you lived when you were together then it would be easier on the dog for him to stay in an environment that he is familiar with. I hope that made sense.
2006-11-11 05:58:39 · answer #9 · answered by miss m. 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It would probably be best for the dog to stay in the same environment, This way there is less of a transition for him. He will get use to you not being around and be content with your ex.
2006-11-11 05:55:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋