When two people decide they are ready for a committment, they may take a number of steps.
They could take standard paths like move in together, agree to throw out their little black books and start sharing their belongings.
Another step is to adopt a mutual pet. This also serves as a good test to see if the couple can handle taking care of children.
When relationships fail, most people describe the awkward 'Returning of the Stuff' event. This is when everything that Person A obtained from Person B is returned in a cardboard box. In some cases these items might be set on fire on the owner's lawn, but that is an entirely different issue.
Like anything mutually obtained, questions may arise as to what happens to the pet.
Instead, these pets can be the center of fierce custody battles, according to a Court TV report for CNN.com.
The report mentions a Web site, www.petcustody.com. The site offers "legal forms and news for the 'other' family member." Forms include topics like guardianship. Just like a child, if something happens to the adopted pet's owner, a guardian is assigned to the pet. More recent topics include a prenuptial agreement.
So when a couple decides that they are ready to tie the knot, they can also get their lawyers together to draw up a plan for what happens to Mr. Whiskers if they decide to split.
The site claims that new pet legal cases are beginning to change the way court systems view the topic of pets. It also offers links for attorneys interested in taking pet-related cases.
Pets are considered part of most families. They are spoken to as though they are humans. They receive rewards and reprimands from their parents.
Pet owners really are not owners at all. They are guardians, providers, or family.
This is why cases regarding pet custody and care are springing up in court rooms. People want to make sure the pet remains part of their life. In some situations, pets are used as a method to get back at the other person. In others, people really want what is best with the pet.
Courts should start treating pets almost like children. Pets are emotional beings that need to be cared for just like humans.
When it's time for the little black books to be tossed out the window or it is time to see if a couple is ready to raise a family, people should take adopting a pet into consideration.
It is easy to return CDs, but not as easy to find a visitation schedule for Mr. Whiskers.
Write to Lauren at lauren_phillips@lycos.com
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