Another sad story

[TimeHeals]

. She said a better home where someone's around all the time to play with the doggy would be better.

Dogs aren't little humans. You feed the dog, you walk the dog, you pet the dog, you groom the dog and take it to the vet for shots and stuff. The dog doesn't need a full-time baby-sitter, it needs feeding (and water), walking, affection and basic care.

I think you and her making the dog a pawn in this struggle is a mistake. You adopted the dog. You can walk out on that commitment if you want, and so can she, but don't dress it up like "well, it has to be done". BS.