So things didn’t work out for you and your partner and you’ve decided to call it quits, but isn’t there someone else that you’re forgetting? You know, that little fur ball that is just as much part of the relationship as the two of you; the one who thinks you’re mom or dad?

Angie Aristone, psychic/medium and animal communicator here in London believes that it is very important for people to take their pets into consideration when ending a relationship.

“Pets – especially dogs – reflect our issues and energy back to us and they feel our stress, so a stressful split would certainly affect most dogs negatively,” Aristone said. “They are also very much sentient beings that deserve to be considered in any family changes.”

How should a couple handle a breakup where a family pet is involved?

“Consider who it is the dog [or other pet] is bonded to most with as much priority as the logistics. Moving the animal from house to house is less ideal than having their former owner happily come visit them at their new location,” Aristone said. “However, I know of cases where the dog and the child go from mom’s to dad’s each week and the dog does too. Since the dog and the child are always in it together they are both perfectly content with the arrangement, but mom and dad are also in an amicable relationship, which makes a massive difference.”

Maybe those who had their parents divorce when they were younger can understand the feeling. What is going on? Why is this happening? Is it my fault? How come I don’t get a say in this? Surprisingly a pet is no different and can also feel this way.

“They struggle most when we pity them because they don’t understand the problem and they feel like something is wrong with them but can’t tell what it is. It affects their confidence and well-being,” Aristone said. “They will look for people who seem to be missing but they tend to understand the circumstances since they were around for the split and the move. They remember but they don’t dwell.”

This being said, it is important for the welfare of your pet to be immersed with positivity to help them move forward with this new information, like you would do for a child who is experiencing a separation. As a parent, you would not break down in front of a child about your divorce because – although you may be looking for comfort – he/she does not understand.

“If they live with you through an emotional time then they need a break from the emotional climate in the house too,” Aristone said.

“I have to say that there are far too many dogs sitting in the place where a therapist should be. Too often we as humans dump our emotional baggage on our pets,” Aristone said. “We all communicate with our animals through thoughts/pictures in our minds and with our feelings. Whether you’re aware of it or not, this is the way you really talk to your animal all the time so it’s important to be mindful of what you’re sharing.”

They’ve joked about it in movies and on TV, people get their pet to choose which owner they like more, but can a pet actually choose who they want to live with?

“Of course they can!” Aristone said. “In some cases it really is a no brainer but in other cases there has to be a discussion, but just because we all love the dog doesn’t mean the dog should get carted around from house to house for the rest of his/her life. They usually have declared an affinity for one person already. That’s usually who they should go with unless that bond isn’t healthy. They adapt best in environments with happy people who can spend time really regarding them. Look them in the eye. Pet them. Smile. Feel how much you love them while you pet them and they will know everything is going to be okay.”

A family pet is someone who deserves respect like any other family member. Considering them when going through a break up shows that you are a good owner and love your pet just as much as they truly love you.

“We can learn about love just by watching a dog play with their human. No words will teach the lesson...just watch and learn,” Aristone said.