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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (July 26, 2017)
14 Wednesday, July 26, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Paw Prints Jodi Schneider McNamee Columnist Who gets the family pet after a breakup? Splitting up is never easy, especially when there is a beloved pet involved. Whether you and your ex decide to share custody, give the dog to solely one of you, or draw up visitation rights, make sure that you have your dog’s best interest at heart. With dogs increasingly considered family members, pet parents face challenges after a breakup: Care and custody arrangements for Rover, division of expenses for feeding and vet appoint- ments, and arguments over whom the dog prefers can make an already tough situ- ation even tougher. Pet custody is a sensitive subject, not unlike child cus- tody disputes. And divorce judges are recognizing the need to consider what’s best for the pet. But splitting up the fam- ily doesn’t have to mean disaster for your furry friend. Though a breakup/divorce can be painful, in most cases it is a good thing for the peo- ple involved. Many divorced people agree that it’s better to seek a new life than stay unhappy together, and for dogs caught in the middle of an unhappy relationship, divorce can mean the end of a home filled with tension and stress. By keeping the best interests of your dog at heart, you can help make the difficult process of splitting up a little more bearable for the whole family. Pets need consistency — especially during and after a family breakup. So, however friendly or bitter your split, it’s important to prioritize your dog’s best interests during the breakup. Studies have proven again and again that what’s best for your dog is a loving, stable home with an established routine. Some “who gets the dog” situations are more clear than others. For example, if you came into the relation- ship with the dog, he should stay with you unless for some reason your partner or spouse developed more of a bond with your dog than you did. Also, if your pooch is much more attached to one of you, in most cases he will be the person who assumes custody. Many people find it works best to have one per- son remain the primary care- giver for the dog, with the other having regular, but limited time with their furry friend. But what to do in situ- ations where one or the other of you is moving to a residence that doesn’t allow pets? In that case, you can consider having that person visit the pet, or take him for walks, or to the dog park or even on vacations. If you and your partner share joint custody of chil- dren, you might think about having Rover go back and forth between residences with the kids. Depending on many fac- tors, it may make sense for some couples to share custody, while others may feel the right thing to do is to relinquish their beloved furry friend to the person better able to care for him. Whatever the specifics of the arrangement, shar- ing custody of the family dog (in amicable splits) can be a great way to keep your dog active and satisfied, and let each person maintain their relationship with their fam- ily member. The stress of domestic dis- cord can lead to anxiety or misbehaving in your pooch. Dogs are crea- tures of habit, and breakups may mean dis- ruption in his routine. Remember PHOTO PROVIDED that your dog Wolf went to the pet parent he was most attached has been used to after a divorce. He’s done very well. to sharing a home with two people, and develop an anxious barking now he’s likely splitting habit. time between two homes It’s important to be and two different sched- patient and loving with your ules. A dog who has always dog, and remember that he’s been perfectly house-trained not being “bad” — he’s sim- might have a few accidents, ply having a natural reaction or a formerly quiet dog may to a confusing situation. Fun Events & Great Food Music Thursdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Cover by donation) Barbecue Friday Nights 6 to 8:30 p.m. Free Open Mic Saturdays 6 to 8 p.m. 541-549-2572 | 250 W. Cascade Ave. Mon.-Wed. 11 to 4 Thurs. & Fri. 11 to 8:30 Sat. 8 to 8 | Sun. 8 to 5 Quilt Drawing for FURRY FRIEND S 501 ( c )( 3 ) FOUNDATION 100% of the proceeds go to Furry Friends Foundation. “Pets Just Wanna Have Fun” quilt was designed, appliqued, and quilted by Valerie Fercho-Tillery. The original design and incredible detail make this a spectacular quilt! The quilt is currently on display at The Nugget offi ce, 442 E. Main Ave. Bring your pup by for a dog cookie and have a look! Tickets may be purchased at The Nugget offi ce or online at our website www.furryfriendsfoundation.org. Tickets are $1 each, six for $5 or go for it, 25 for $20. Info: 541-549-9941 “Pets Just Wanna Have Fun” - by Valerie Fercho-Tillery (45.5"w x 57.5"h)