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Who Needs a Partner When You Can Have a Dog?
By Sarah Thompson
Oct. 7, 2017
I affectionately refer to our yellow lab, Charlie, as the “Divorce Dog.” My children and I adopted him from the local Humane Society just one month after finalizing my divorce.
Charlie was nearly a year old at the time—thin, weary, and sporting a bandaged tail that wagged hesitantly against the concrete of his kennel. We had considered a few other dogs, including a lovely border collie named Bella, but after Bella nipped at one of the kids, I spotted Charlie in a cramped cinder-block enclosure and said, “How about this little guy over here?”
After we took him for a short play session, he dashed around with the kids, showing a fleeting interest in a tennis ball (which he hasn’t touched since) before wandering over to me. He nestled against my legs, looked up, and let out a deep sigh.
That moment sealed the deal.
Charlie came home with us that evening and has been my steadfast friend ever since. He provided comfort during the lonely weekends when the kids were with their father, motivated me to get outside for walks year-round, and reminded us all that love can be unwavering, especially in tough times.
For over a decade, he has kept watch over us, guarding against squirrels and the rustling of leaves. Though I sometimes wonder if he would choose us or a tempting bag of treats, he truly feels like part of our family.
While we were finalizing the adoption paperwork for Charlie, a neighbor who was also there to adopt a dog stopped to chat. He remarked, “Every child needs a dog,” and I smiled, pondering how every divorced woman might need one too.
Here’s to Charlie: the ultimate foot-warmer, happy companion, and couch-lover who has been our Divorce Dog extraordinaire.
I recently shared this tribute to my furry friend on my social media, inviting others to post photos of their own “Divorce Dogs” (and cats!). The response was overwhelming!
Looks like Charlie has plenty of furry pals out there, and many fortunate families do too.
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In summary, embracing the love of a dog can bring joy and companionship during challenging times. They can fill the void left by human relationships and teach us about loyalty and unconditional love.