Divorce and Acceptance Part 4

[Pax_luv]

Oh yes.... he does use the dog as leverage.

Me giving the dog up just isn’t an option. Don’t get me wrong, I understand it’s an animal with a short life expectancy, But we do have a bond. I don’t have kids and he’s the creature that I get to nurture and care for. I’ve had him since he was a puppy... he got sick on me, he looks to me when he gets scared of loud noises.i have a responsibility to keep him safe and healthy and we sure do have a lot of fun. He’s my fur baby (and I get there’s some unhealthy attachment here, but yeah I’m a crazy dog mom).

But I understand the dog is the only thing keeping ex in my world. He won’t lift a finger for the dog, and yet there I am week after week schlepping the dog back and forth in traffic because the dog is worth it to me. I’ve been doing this since 2016 as that’s when mine and ex’s relationship blew up... when he realized I wasn’t going to sign EVERYTHING over to him. Ive endured it all. Even in that period where ex held the dog hostage for 7 months.

But anyway, I’ve thought about what would happen if I gave the dog up. I understand it’s an option, but it’s not the option for me and I know that my decision will keep me stuck for a bit. Actually last night, I had a really really big cry over it. For one, I’m not feeling well and two, I can’t even imagine having to willingly say goodbye to this dog. I can’t do it. Last night, the pup could tell I wasn’t myself and he didn’t leave my side. He snuggled next to me all night. He’s up against me right now. He knows when I’m not well.

In my state, dogs are treated like children and not property so I think I have that going For me. That law came into play this year. My lawyer shared it with me when it became active. He’s a big dog lover too and has been looking out for my pup as well.

It’s weird how things can shift in a few days. I was sooooo optimistic a few days ago and I think I got lost in the fantasy of this being done. I think I was imagining ex saying,”’oh thank you pax for not gouging me and being very fair with this settlement. Let me sign right here and we can go on our merry way!” Hahahahaha. Too many hallmark movies for me.

I hope I’m wrong, but like I mentioned in my previous post, The reality hit me that there’s a slim to none chance we’re going to settle. I can’t see ex all of a sudden being willing to settle for something that is 84 times higher than his very first and best offer to me waaaaaayyyy back when he tried to settle without financial disclosures.

Thank you own for your continued insight and feedback. I very much appreciate it.