Good job FIB. If you were the low life your stbx makes you to be the judge would have booted your a$$ out the door.
The custody thing - don't get bogged down in what you call it. Shared vs joint - legal terms only. The important thing is the schedule. How often and when you keep the kids. That is all that matters.
Also, don't walk away from the table without joint LEGAL custody. You both need to have a say in the important legal stuff (school, medical, etc). Must gotta have.
Other than that you are doing well. Keep it up. Sorry about your dog but he had a lot of love; hope we do as well.
Strength and Honor.
BBA - welcome back and thanks for checking on our friend. How are you doing??