Hello,

I need some advice. My ex and I were together for a year and a half and we broke up 3 months ago. We went together about 5 months ago to the humane society to adopt a dog. We picked out a dog we both felt we could love and care for. . I filled out the paper work and paid for everything and we even picked out his name, Slayer. When we broke up I moved back home to my parents house which is about 3 hours away from him and I was unable to bring Slayer because my parents have a huge bull mastiff that could have harmed Slayer. So I was unable to bring him and my parents moved so I moved on to a new place and the couple I live with allowed me to have a dog. My ex and I had been going back and forth the last three months fighting over Slayer and so just yesterday I drove 3 hours to finally cut ties and give him his phone back (we were on a phone plan together) and get my dog Slayer. I had to call dispatch to bring a police to the home because he said bring the police if you are trying to take Slayer. I was allowed Slayer and now I have him home with me and I am so happy to be reunited with him. However, I feel guilt that I took Slayer away after leaving him in the care of my ex who grew attached to him. I went with my gut and what I thought would be right for me to move on from this relationship. I wanted a companion and someone to love me and be there next to me and that is why I went and got my dog back.

The break up was terrible and it was an all around unhealthy relationship and we are both equally to blame for the demise of the relationship. I am feeling a sense of relief after cutting ties but then when I’m not keeping busy I start to think and then I just fall back to the same depressing negative mindset. It is tough for me to let someone go who was apart of my every day life and someone I invested all of myself into and loved more than anything. I never wanted to hurt him and I know he is hurting real bad, but Is it wrong of me to have taken the dog? Should I not have closed that chapter of my life in that fashion? I feel as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, but at the same time my heart is heavy because I never wanted to hurt my ex. The guilt almost makes me want to take Slayer back. I’m so indecisive because I always am concerned about others feelings more than myself and what’s best for me. I just don’t know how to find balance. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!