divorce - shared custody/responsibility for dogs?

[littleorno]

I am struggling to cope with my two dogs at the moment.

My h and I are separated, soon to be divorced.

The problem is the dogs need a lot of exercise and I am struggling to walk them for long enough every day now I am on my own with the dcs.

3 days per week are fine for walking, 2 are trickier but do-able, but 2 days are very difficult and the dogs do not get enough exercise on those two days and go a bit stir crazy. It will be easier to walk them in a couple of years when the dcs are bigger and can all walk well,but in the mean time:

Would it be reasonable to ask my h to share the custody of the dogs, so he has the dogs living with him for 2 days per week (the two days I am most busy) or he has to collect the dogs for a walk on those days?

Has anyone done this/know of anyone who has shared custody of dogs?

I can't afford a dogwalking service and really enjoy walking/having my dogs so don't want to have to rehome them.

[toysintheattic]

My H and I separated a few months ago; luckily he lives close by but in rented house so can't have dog stay with him. We have been able to manage splitting up the walks between us though some days is really tough having to get DS up and dressed when it's cold/rainy, I'm telling myself it's character-building!

Was going to suggest dog walkers, we have someone that takes the dog 2 days a week for a good run round with his doggie friends. I think if H was not being reasonable about helping with walks I would point out that we had taken on the responsibility of looking after a dog together, not dissimilar to having a child together, just because he's left does not mean he gets to abdicate all responsibility!

I have been so grateful to have my dog around lately, it may be hard work but so worth it when he lies at the foot of the bed and rests his head on my feet.

[littleorno]

I know what you mean about being grateful to have your dog - I think I appreciate the company of my dogs so much more now I am single. They always listen to my ramblings, never interrupt, and are always pleased to see me!

Glad your h is being responsible. One of my gripes for years has been that he never walked the dogs, even if I was ill, so I don't hold out much hope for him taking any responsibility now, but you never know...

Anyone else?

[clam]

I agree it's not unreasonable to ask your ex to help out, for the reasons you state, but if he point-blank refuses, what about a local teenager who could help for a bit of pocket money? Be cheaper than a dog walker.

[littleorno]

that's a good idea clam, but at the moment there are no teenagers within walking distance. Very rural, hoping to move to village soon so could be the solution then! I might ask around though, thanks.