Custody
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Dear Frankie,
My parents have been divorced for a year. I’m the only dog, and the custody arrangement requires me to spend 50% of my time with each of them. They don’t live near one another, so I spend the first two weeks of the month with mom and the last two with my dad.
This has really been hard because it prevents me from being on a team in either place or from accepting invitations to birthday parties, pajama parties, and playdates because I’m with my other parent.
Keeping track of my stuff is another problem. If I forget a book or jacket, I’m out of luck. Honestly, I would be better off living alone with some daytime help and visits from my parents.
Tootsie
Dear Tootsie,
I’m not so sure your parents would support you living on your own.
If you are determined to go solo, you could run away and try your paw at being a street dog, or surrender yourself to a shelter and try your luck at finding an intact family. I’m not being serious; I’m just teasing you a bit.
The custody arrangement was made because your parents love you, want to be with you, and are involved in raising you. If you can come up with a schedule that would work better for you, propose it. If they are unwilling to change it, then you will need to live with it and make the best of it.
If the invitations come from close friends, you might ask them to consider your schedule when planning a party and make a checklist of items to pack for each move.
Best, Frankie
© 2026 Geneva Woodruff
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