There's nothing easy about a breakup, but when you own an animal together, things get even more complicated. The way one loves an animal is like nothing else — your pet is your most loyal friend, the one that brings you instant happiness, and your favorite cuddle buddy — so if your partner feels the same way about your four-legged friend, who gets custody? Of course sharing it is always an option, but the constant communication makes moving on that much harder, which is why one person usually ends up saying goodbye to their pet post-split. I've never owned an animal with anyone before, but what about you? Do tell, have you ever lost an animal in a breakup?
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Do Tell: Have You Ever Lost an Animal in a Breakup?
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THIS is my biggest fear in the entire world.
. But it is a huge fear of mine; losing them. I'd never get over it
1I have 2 little doggies right now with my LTB and if we split I dont know how it would go. Can't separate them....they go together like peas and carrots
My BF (now husband) and I adopted two cats together, they were like our children. We knew we'd get married so we never talked about the "what if" situation but in hindsight, I don't recommend crossing your fingers and hoping for the best like we did. We're both really attached to our girls and would be devastated if one of us had to give them up.
2Yup! Just happened to me last month.
My fiance and I of over 3 years just broke it off and he kept the dog that we got together. Even tho I was her primary caregiver and her favorite (she could have really cared less about him) he demanded that she stay at his house because he claimed that she was his since he paid the $60 for her from the SPCA.
Horrifically horrible feeling. I have nightmares about her being hurt and about how I cant get to her to help her.
Its pretty sick, but what are you going to do?! Apparently judges will rule in favor of whoever bought the dog regardless as to anything else that happened. Even if the person only paid $1 for it.
3wow 356UIK I'm so sorry that happened to you. That is sad
You should have your dog. If he doesnt really care, then that's a sin for the animal
But what if the pet was paid for from a JOINT credit card or something? Oh I can see that getting sticky.....
4Yes
I left my husband, and even though he was an abusive a**hole, I felt that it would be
selfish to leave him and take our kitty Isabella, leaving him completely alone. In some ways that was the hardest part of my leaving.
5Almost! While I was in the process of moving out, my ex tried to keep MY cat, who I happened to get while we were living together. Took me by surprise because he had wanted me to get rid of the cat numerous times when we were together. It ended up being a bit of a hostage situation, and I was forced to pay him a couple hundred dollars just to keep what was rightfully mine. It was a pretty low for him to do, but I'm so glad I got my cat here with me! I know that he would not have taken care of him.
6I bought my ex a boxer for his birthday. Even though it was a gift for him, the intention was that it would be our dog. When we broke up I knew that I should let him keep the dog. Next time I'll think twice before I spend over $1000 on a gift for someone.
7While my ex and I never lived together, he left his cat (that he had for one year) in my care when he moved two hours away for a job, I had that cat for 3 years, fed it, took care of it, paid for its bills (he never gave me any money towards its care) He in fact never asked for the cat to live with him when he got settled.
When we broke up, he asked for "his" cat back and I said "whos cat?" and he said "he is mine" and I said "prove it"
I had that cat for 9 more years.
8yup. i lost my lovely little kitty domino in a nasty fight. my ex's mother absolutely LOVED her. I figured I'd let her stay with him because 1) i knew his mother would end up taking care of her (which she now is) and 2) because my ex was a psycho and i didnt want to have to deal with the arguing. I'm still heart broken about leaving her
9caterpillar girl - IM SO GLAD YOU GOT TO KEEP HER! that jerk... how can you abandon an animal for 3 years and just up and decide you want it back?! probably wouldnt have remembered him anyway.
10Yeah, I'm not gonna lie I'm pretty freaking messed up about it right now. The only thing I can hope for is that he'll realize he cant take care of her and give her back.
11hells no he didnt get to keep them. I adopted two cats with my ex (I paid for all the adoption fees) shortly before I kicked his sorry @ss to the curb. After we broke up we were driving to have to cable changed into only my name and I said, "You know Im keeping the boys right?" he said, "well I dont want to split them up."
I said, "good Im glad we are in agreement" there was no discussion, he was NOT taking them.
He couldnt take care of himself or make a significant contribution towards the care of his son with another girl, like he could care for two cats. I took them with me when I moved and now they are my and my husband's boys
12Yes. The awesomely cute dog in the picture with me stayed with my ex. It was my choice, I knew he would get more attention and be able to maintain his happy little life better with him. I haven't even seen him for a year, I miss him so much! My ex and I talk all the time though, so I know what he is up to. It's the worst to lose a pet like that...
13Omg... thank goodness my ex didn't take the dog he bought for me when we broke up. I think it would have killed me.
14I did let him take the snake we purchased together though... I don't really miss it, as it was more "his" pet than mine anyway...
Aww...I never have, but can imagine that it would be horrible!!
15my bf bought me a dog for my bday 2 years ago... but i know that if we ever break up, neither of us is going to want to lose him. that makes me worried.
16Oh this JUST happened to me! I am devestated. It has been a month since the breakup and he said that we could share the dog. Then he started becoming more distant (another girl) and acted like it was a hassle to have to trade the dog off. The dog was a gift to him, but it was "our" dog. We had a huge blow out and I finally just gave up because I knew that the dog really belonged with him. It has been 2 weeks since I have seen my doggie and it is heartbreaking. I hope that this never happens to anyone else.
17ugh I lived it and it was awful. we did split custody for a few months, until I got an email saying that was it and I wouldn't get the dog back ever again. I miss him so much, but since decided I needed another little dude in my life so that's made it easier. I don't feel like he serves as a replacement, but I have resources and love that another little shelter pup could use.
18Yes, my kitty Mojo...I miss him but had to get out of that bad situation and there was not much else I could do.
19Yeah my ex got to keep our cat... I never missed my ex after I moved out but I missed the cat TERRIBLY for the longest time, and still do a year later. I loved that cat so much
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