Thoughts on getting a dog after separation / divorce?

dday_throwaway3 · 2023-02-13T21:54:23+00:00

There's a reason "dog is man's best friend".

Jbr74 · 2023-02-14T02:18:03+00:00

A dog is a MUCH better choice than a wife.

derelictherds · 2023-02-13T20:37:14+00:00

I'm not a fan of the "get a dog" as a cure for loneliness advice that you sometimes see posted here. It's not terrible advice per se, but please only get a dog if you intend to care for it properly and only after doing some research on dog ownership.

sbayrunner · 2023-02-13T22:12:53+00:00

A dog will change your life if that is what you are ready for. That being said don't take this decision lightly because it is a serious commitment for the rest of the dog's life. There are no returns.

Plenty-Entertainer71 · 2023-02-14T00:59:52+00:00

Get a older dog that way it’s not all hyper or overwhelm you unless you plan on taking it on a jog or walk everyday . Older dogs are more chill and more likely to be trained they just want to lay down and sleep or just sunbath

CaliDude75 · 2023-02-14T01:03:48+00:00

No pets, no regrets. If I had a partner/kids, maybe, but like being able to lock up the house and leave whenever I want/need to.

Wired4Data · 2023-02-14T02:15:13+00:00

My daughter had a puppy that I ended up taking during separation and divorce. If I knew 100% that I was gonna file I would never have allowed her to get a dog. A dog is ALOT of work especially if they already have bad habits. While the dog has admittedly been growing on me what kept her with me was my daughters love for her and my stbx twisting me giving up the dog or telling my daughter I don’t care about her, which she has told my daughter before.

If you are gonna get a dog would suggest they are older. I don’t really feel like I really enjoy my newfound freedom because I have to be there to watch the dog and keep her active. If I don’t mine will literally chew and destroy anything she can get to!

Malaine1 · 2023-02-13T20:32:28+00:00

I got a dog and regret it - get a cat. Already had a cat before and wish I only had the cat instead of both. Dogs are a ton of work, and if you adopt (like I did) you can end up with one that potentially had special needs (mine is a 50/50 cattle dog lab mix so insane energy).

On the flip side.. it is nice having a dog if you go for long runs like I do, and they’re very loyal/need you if you enjoy that.

1Tinytodger · 2023-02-14T04:06:05+00:00

I'd say go for it. Just keep in mind if you travel or work long hours you will need to make arrangements for care. I'd probably get a shelter dog, or better yet a non puppy. If you do get a puppy, expect to have your favorite shoes chewed, furniture and flooring damaged and your orderly home turned upside down.

someguy92614 · 2023-02-14T05:18:05+00:00

I got one about a year ago, best thing I ever did. And the women seemed to like her too.

AcrobaticStick2432 · 2023-02-15T01:16:03+00:00

Please, I beg you to take the best care of this dog you can for the entirety of its life. Their love is pure and unconditional, and they are fiercely loyal, no matter how down and out you might be or be feeling.

AstronautFragrant261 · 2023-02-13T20:24:37+00:00

get an adult cat. nobody else wants them and they'll probably live their lives in a cage or end up euthanized. if you decide it was just a bandaid you can take it back. a dog would actually care if you didn't take care of it or got rid of it. Or you can get a senior dog that needs a home. Or go volunteer somewhere in the evenings.

MoronLoserF · 2023-02-14T04:14:56+00:00

Get a cat. Hit the gym. Start some side shit. Grow your income. Upgrade your self. Better self, better manners, forgive, forget and move on. And then upgrade your ex. Make more kids.

You will be content with all your (old and new)kids on your death bed.

BurnDownTheMission68 · 2023-02-14T04:42:24+00:00

No dogs. Way too much work.

You can’t travel unless you want to dump the poor fucker at daycare.

I have a GSD and he’s great and all but also a huge pita.

Signal-Disaster-3246 · 2023-02-14T14:28:41+00:00

I got a dog before my marriage ended. Before I even knew it was ending. All that I knew was I was lonely! I have had my fur baby for 3 years and since adopted 2 more. We separated in 2020 and divorced in September 2022. My dog #3 came December 2022. I'm done getting dogs, but no regrets! Do whatever is best for you. There's so many great dogs looking for a home. Companionship is one of the top reasons people get one. Nothing wrong with you finding a friend in fur baby!

jkw118 · 2023-02-14T16:02:37+00:00

So it all depends on you, and your schedule / life..

I've got 3 kids, and seriously considered it a dozen times. But I have my kids 80-90% of the time. So handling 3 kids and a dog, I realized it'd be a bit much.. I could do it, but then the added expense of arranging stuff when I'm not around. Fighting with the kids to get them to help. Plus whatever damage the pet does. And my family is like an hour away, so it's not like I can call any of them to check on the animals daily. I mean I could rely on the ex, but ugh no.

So for me it didn't make sense, maybe when the kids grow up. Granted I'm a little alergic to furbabies.. lol

dkblue1 · 2023-02-14T17:55:38+00:00

I already had one at divorce (my son's), and didn't know how much I would love and appreciate him. He became my dog and is a blessing to have.

He's small, easy to care for, doesn't shed.

CommanderOfCheese45 · 2023-02-14T20:42:56+00:00

It can help. So can a cat. Which one's better is just a matter of preference and personality. Ended up with multiples of both and they're great. Love that I come home to dogs jumping on me so excited to see daddy, and then have some lovey purry kitties in my home office. I don't feel like I'm so f#@ing alone all the time.

FUMoney · 2023-02-15T07:29:36+00:00

I wouldn’t. First, a major lifestyle crimp. Want to jet off for a weekend or week, maybe even a month? Yep, gotta board the damn dog again. Hate it.

Even the daily sucks. Want to go out all day? Hope you have a dogdoor so the animal can relieve itself in the backyard — which you then have to clean up. Want to sleep late? Not if the dog has to relieve itself and/or it hasn’t been walked.

Now, if you own a SFH with some land/property, that’s one thing, because the dog will have space to explore, territory to mark, room to exercise, and this is appropriate for its mental and physical health.

If instead you have a postage stamp lot, or even worse, live in a condo, apartment, or downtown highrise, you have a host of things to consider. First, I hope you like walking in bad weather, because dogs need to be outside and moving, a lot. It’s terrible to keep them trapped indoors, like so many lazy pet owners do. So you best be prepared for multiple walks per day, every day, because the animal deserves it.

Second, I hope you like picking up dogshit. Because you’ll be doing that, every day, for the next fifteen years. And don’t be like the many, many lazy dog owners who let their pet shit on the sidewalk or street.

As you can tell, to hell with all that bullshit. No way. I see many people with two and three large dogs in major downtown metros, residing in small apartments or condos, scooping shit up off the street and sidewalk. The same streets are filled with dogshit from irresponsible dog owners. Truth. I think it’s beyond stupid and full-blown dog nuttery.

Title	Thoughts on getting a dog after separation / divorce?
Author	Fruitstand189
Upvotes	6
Comments	31
Date	February 13, 2023 7:38 PM UTC (3 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/Divorce_Men
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/Divorce_Men/comments/111hvgs/thoughts_on_getting_a_dog_after_separation_divorce/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/Divorce_Men/thoughts-on-getting-a-dog-after-separation-divorce.1152830 https://theredarchive.com/post/1152830

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