Boy meets girl. Boy and girl fall in love. Boy and girl get a dog. Boy and girl break-up. Who gets the dog?! A new book titled We Can't Stay Together For The Dogs by Jennifer Keene is a manual for figuring out just that dilemma. I spoke to Jennifer and asked her a few questions in case there are some Pet Trends readers out there who are mending a broken heart and fighting for custody of the pooch.
Tell me about this book and why you wanted to write it.
We Can't Stay Together for the Dogs is the first book for dogs and their people when a relationship breaks up. When my marriage ended, we had two dogs and wanted to make sure we did what was best for them.
Even after deciding the custody issue (in our case we split the pack, each keeping one dog) there were still a lot of issues surrounding being a newly single pet parent. There were not any resources available, so I had to figure things out as I went along. I wrote this book because I wanted to share what I learned and help others who find themselves in this situation.
Do you see the struggle to decide who gets the dog as an emerging trend in relationships?
I see not just the decision of who gets the dog, but also how to handle visitations, sharing custody, new people in your dog's life, and being a successful single pet parent as emerging trends (or challenges) in relationships. 88% of American dog owners consider their dogs to be beloved members of their families, so it makes sense that people are considering how their breakup will affect their dog.
What are your tips for deciding who gets the dog?
First, know your dog. Looking at personality, activity level, and whether there are any special needs will help you figure out what type of situation will be best. Then, know yourself and what the lives of you and your ex will be like after the split. Communication, compromise and canine-centricity are key in finding the best solution for everyone.
What Hollywood couple do you think make great pet parents?
I love that Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz included Hemmingway, their English Bulldog into their wedding as the ring bearer. It shows that he is definitely part of the family. I also really appreciate the celebrities who adopt dogs from rescue groups and humane societies.
What's your favorite pet trend?
Positive training! More and more people are realizing that with positive training methods they can have a better relationship with their dog and still have a polite pooch. I am also really excited about the increasing popularity of activities that dogs and their people can do together, like agility and therapy dog work.
Thanks, Jennifer! You can purchase Jennifer's book on Amazon.com or visit her website, jenniferkeene.com for more information.
Want my own relationship tip? The moment you decide to get a dog with the person you see a future with, talk about what happens if you break up. I know it's not very romantic, but hey, pretending like all relationships last forever is silly. The conversation only has to be had once and it may save you the pain of fighting over the dog, because breakups are bad enough, aren't they?
My favorite piece in my own wardrobe (yes mine, not Dixie's) is my Magaschoni shawl. I take mine everywhere. It goes with every outfit, and since I'm always a bit chilly it's my must have. Dixie can't have all the fashion fun!
