It starts as puppy love, straight out of a Hallmark movie: a girl adopts the shaggy puppy from the local animal shelter, the shelter's vet volunteer drops by to do a home check where they bond over their affection for the pet, fall in love, and get married. They do everything with each other and their dog, now affectionately named "Buddy." Wife works from home and takes Buddy to the dog park during lunch breaks. Husband provides all of Buddy's medical care and takes him to canine classes. Then, Wife and Husband become Mom and Dad. Although Buddy instantly bonds with the littlest human member of their family, Mom and Dad begin to fight like cats and dogs. Their marriage is undeniably breaking down. Both parties want Buddy in the divorce. After all, he has been an important member of their family since the beginning. Now, we, as family law practitioners, need to assist the parties in determining how they are going to resolve this "pet custody" issue.