What Happens to Rover When the Marriage is Over?

Here is an engaging, informative, and no-nonsense look at the everyday situations and issues—and their legal consequences—that affect dogs and their owners. Dished up with a good deal of humor, heart, and pragmatic counsel, every chapter covers a different issue that dogs and their pet parents may face at some time. Author Patti Lawson presents these issues conversationally—not couched in legalese—so every pet parent, grandparent, or sibling will know what to expect. With real-life stories and real court cases, this book covers topics people rarely think to ask about or research—until it’s too late:Fighting city hall when a dog runs afoul of the lawThe rights of pet parents to take their dogs on public transportationProviding for a canine companion after an owner’s deathKeeping custody of their pet should they divorce or separateConfiscation of a pet by a humane officer if they violate a city ordinanceHousing rights and those of their dogBreed-specific legislationand more.Pet parents can make sure their dog enjoys every legal right and protection available with the great advice and information Lawson presents in this book. This is the go-to guide for keeping your pooch out of the pound and you out of court.

"If you love your dog, this is the most important book you'll ever read. It just inspired me to make provisions for my pets so they are protected in any and every circumstance." —Jane Velez-Mitchell, New York Times–bestselling author, Editor JaneUnChained.com"This book belongs on every dog owner’s bookshelf. Don’t let the title fool you; this book covers far more than divorce. In the talented hands of Patti Lawson, Esq. who is both a dog owner and an astute attorney, it covers every possible legal issue a dog owner might encounter. From dog bites to what to do if you see a dog who is abused or neglected, Lawson lays it out in easy-to-read, almost lyrical prose." —Darlene Arden, certified animal behavior consultant and author of Rover, Get Off Her Leg"Patti Lawson’s insightful tips as a well-established attorney and a devoted dog enthusiast allow those in this difficult and often painful situation to clearly navigate their options and ultimately make the best choices for their beloved pet (child), as well as their human family. Divorce is tough no matter what the circumstances, but add a dog to the mix and the responsibility and angst for couples or families is emotionally devastating and challenging. This is an absolute must-read for any pet owner who may be facing this life altering event." —Abby Finer, television producer and author“Even the best-behaved dog can quickly find itself in a world of trouble. This book offers insight on how to best handle such situations from a legal perspective and, perhaps more importantly, practical advice on how to avoid them in the first place.” —Joe Simon, Esq."Filled with useful and practical advice to protect your dog. A should-read for any dog owner." —Richard Bruce Rosenthal, Esq., general counsel for The Lexus Project"This book covers everything from custody of pets in the middle of divorce proceedings to renting with a pet, animal abuse cases, medical rights, dog bites, trust funds and much, much more. . . . And I'm not the only one 'bow-wowed' by the great info in this book. . . . I give the absolute strongest recommendation to Patti Lawson's book." —Pet Sitters International Magazine, "If you love your dog, this is the most important book you'll ever read. It just inspired me to make provisions for my pets so they are protected in any and every circumstance." —Jane Velez-Mitchell, New York Times–bestselling author, Editor JaneUnChained.com"This book belongs on every dog owner’s bookshelf. Don’t let the title fool you; this book covers far more than divorce. In the talented hands of Patti Lawson, Esq. who is both a dog owner and an astute attorney, it covers every possible legal issue a dog owner might encounter. From dog bites to what to do if you see a dog who is abused or neglected, Lawson lays it out in easy-to-read, almost lyrical prose." —Darlene Arden, certified animal behavior consultant and author of Rover, Get Off Her Leg"Patti Lawson’s insightful tips as a well-established attorney and a devoted dog enthusiast allow those in this difficult and often painful situation to clearly navigate their options and ultimately make the best choices for their beloved pet (child), as well as their human family. Divorce is tough no matter what the circumstances, but add a dog to the mix and the responsibility and angst for couples or families is emotionally devastating and challenging. This is an absolute must-read for any pet owner who may be facing this life altering event." —Abby Finer, television producer and author“Even the best-behaved dog can quickly find itself in a world of trouble. This book offers insight on how to best handle such situations from a legal perspective and, perhaps more importantly, practical advice on how to avoid them in the first place.” —Joe Simon, Esq."Filled with useful and practical advice to protect your dog. A should-read for any dog owner." —Richard Bruce Rosenthal, Esq., general counsel for The Lexus Project"This book covers everything from custody of pets in the middle of divorce proceedings to renting with a pet, animal abuse cases, medical rights, dog bites, trust funds and much, much more. . . . And I'm not the only one 'bow-wowed' by the great info in this book. . . . I give the absolute strongest recommendation to Patti Lawson's book." —Pet Sitters International Magazine

Patti Lawson is an award-winning author, lawyer, newspaper columnist, and public speaker. Patti’s first book, The Dog Diet: What My Dog Taught Me About Shedding Pounds, Licking Stress, and Getting a New Leash on Life, won the Dog Writer’s Association of America Maxwell Award for Dog Humor Book. In 2012, Patti was awarded the AKC Responsible Pet Ownership Public Service Award. She lives in Elkview, West Virginia, with her dogs Sadie and Rusty.