I'm Over Him, but Not the Dogs Seattle Weekly: 03.26.08

I'm Over Him, but Not the Dogs
Seattle Weekly: 03.26.08

Judy McGuire's advice column in the Seattle Weekly featured the plight of one reader who, after breaking up with her boyfriend, found it even more difficult to say goodbye to his dogs. Indeed, the presence of pets in our homes can feel so natural that it can be hard to cope when they move out with a former housemate, like so much furniture.

McGuire gives the very good and practical recommendation that the writer volunteer at an animal shelter to work through their grief. However, we wonder what else might be helpful to either honor or avoid memories that remain tied to the home.

• I'm Over Him, but Not the Dogs - Seattle Weekly

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Comments (11)

my bf always says he's always missed his ex's dog more than he missed her.. lol

posted by animalhouze on September 17th 2008 at 9:21am
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I'm friends with two exes with pets and I find myself asking about the pets when I talk to them. I definitely miss Jerry and Chloe but I'm glad I'm not with either of their owners anymore.

posted by sciencegeek on September 17th 2008 at 9:26am
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I suggest getting your own pet. And the advice of volunteering at a shelter is good.

posted by creolesugar on September 17th 2008 at 10:24am
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Some people enjoy fostering animals for shelters/rescues as well. One might even think about asking to "borrow" a friend's dog & take them walking or for playtime.

posted by MoJonson on September 17th 2008 at 10:25am
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luckily all my ex's didn't have any pets so there was nothing to miss!! :)

posted by witchbaby on September 17th 2008 at 11:08am
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I also had to break up with two dogs when I left an ex.... but was richly rewarded a year or two after when they had a litter and my ex called and asked if I wanted first pick! I say that dog is my "granddog", since he was my "babies' baby".

posted by MelissaLeigh on September 17th 2008 at 11:38am
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This makes me think of an old Best of Craigslist, "To my Ex-GF's Cat". Amusingly, also from Seattle.

posted by squidlette on September 17th 2008 at 1:16pm
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My husband can leave whenever he wants to as long as he understands this: THE CATS ARE MINE!!!

posted by williamsweyr on September 17th 2008 at 2:37pm
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My ex actually left the house while I was crating my cats when I moved out...he didn't mind me going, but had grown very attached to my girl cat, Dakota, and didn't want to watch her leave. She didn't miss him at all :)

posted by amiencc on September 17th 2008 at 4:09pm
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That's really sweet. I think it's important if you're getting a pet and you live with your partner to decide in advance who gets them if you split up. We did this with our rabbits-officially they're mine, registered with me alone at the vets etc. Now if we ever split up maybe my boyfriend would still put up a fight but at least we did make a decision in advance which might help the situation.

posted by Sian on September 18th 2008 at 2:14am
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Thanks Squidlette! I had a good laugh.

posted by Snugglitas on September 18th 2008 at 7:53am
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