Dogs are often the forgotten casualties of divorce. Obviously the couple splitting up has a lot to deal with, and their priority should be any children involved, but then spare a thought for the dog. He's got used to how things are, and life with his pack. Then all of a sudden for no reason his pack is in pieces, and he may find himself moving house - that's if he's lucky enough no to find himself in a rescue shelter.
Apparently, not content with fighting their divorce battle about who gets the kids, who began dating who when, and generally trying to claw themselves more than their fair share of newspaper and Internet column inches, Katie Price (AKA Jordan) and Peter Andre are at loggerheads about who gets the dogs. They have two Bulldogs called Pepsi and Hugo. Pepsi was a Christmas present from Jordan to her husband, and understandably he wants his dog to live with him. Actually he wants both dogs -but is that fair? And what about the dogs' feelings? - would they be happy apart, or would they be better in a shared custody arrangement? It's a minefield isn't it?
In Episode 68 of DogCast Radio author Jennifer Keene talks about her book We Can't Stay Together for the Dogs. Jennifer wrote the book after her own experience of going through a divorce which affected her dogs, and she discusses the different arrangements that are possible, and where to look for practical help and support. Our dogs help us deal with the stress we suffer - it's only fair that in turn we don't inflict unnecessary stress on them.
Take care,
Julie x