Man's Fight For Dog Custody Amidst Relationship Fallout

"She knows I love the dog so she called me to ask me to pay."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• February 12, 2024

In the aftermath of a breakup, the division of shared belongings often becomes a painful task. Yet, nothing compares to the difficulty and emotional turmoil of deciding who keeps a pet.

This story from Reddit encapsulates a heart-wrenching dilemma involving a man, his ex-partner, and a dog named Bruno—a husky mix caught in the crossfire of a relationship's end.

OP bought Bruno as a gift for his then-girlfriend, fully committing to the dog's well-being by covering food, and vet bills, and ensuring he got enough exercise, especially under less-than-ideal weather conditions. Despite these efforts, Bruno was legally his ex's dog, a fact that became painfully relevant upon their breakup.

When the relationship ended, the ex took Bruno, leaving him with her parents, who were ill-prepared to care for an energetic and demanding husky mix. The situation took a turn for the worse when Bruno escaped into the bush during a cold snap, resulting in a significant vet bill due to the injuries and issues he sustained.

Faced with the financial burden and unable to afford the costs, the ex reached out to the OP for help. In response, the OP offered to pay the vet bills on the condition that Bruno's registration be transferred to his name, ensuring the dog would live with him.

His ex accused him of being petty in the wake of their separation, misunderstanding his intentions. For the OP, it was never about rekindling a lost relationship but about ensuring Bruno's well-being and safety.

This situation raises several poignant questions about the responsibilities pet owners face, especially when relationships end. It highlights the need for clear agreements regarding pet custody and care, underscoring that pets are not mere possessions but sentient beings requiring love, attention, and stability.

After their breakup, OP's ex took the dog he bought for her.

OP asked to temporarily care for him until she found a suitable place, but she declined, leaving him with reluctant parents.

He escaped into the bush briefly, but the cold snap proved too harsh even for a husky, now she is facing a hefty vet bill, she can't afford it and her parents won't help.

She called OP to ask him to pay and OP agreed under the condition that his registration shifts to his name, and he comes home with him.

She refused temporary care for her dog from a caring person while she searched for a new place.

If she insists it's hers, then she should take full responsibility for its care, including food, shelter, exercise, and vet bills.

OP needs to act fast to get Bruno.

If she hasn't handled any maintenance before, she may end up rehoming him and keeping him from OP out of spite.

If she truly cares for his well-being, she'll hand him over.

If she can't afford the bills, she might give up the dog.

Once she claimed Bruno as hers, she took on financial responsibility.

Refusing to pay his ex-girlfriend's bills sets a clear boundary and avoids establishing a pattern of financial dependency.

If OP's ex says Bruno is hers, then she should be the one taking care of him, feeding him, giving him a place to live, taking him for walks, and paying for his vet bills. OP wants to make sure Bruno is okay, so he's trying to get him back.

But there's a worry that if the ex hasn't been taking good care of Bruno before, she might not do it in the future. She might even decide to give Bruno away just to make the guy upset.

If she cares about Bruno, she should give him back to the guy. And if she can't afford to take care of Bruno properly, she should end up giving him to OP.

Damjan