Messy divorce leads couple to rehome their golden retriever, another couple happily adopts him after theirs went over the rainbow bridge

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Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Jun 11, 2026 7:30 AM EDT

One couple's trash is another couple's treasure. 

Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful things that could happen to someone. The paperwork, financial strain, legalities, and emotional tension of sundering a marriage is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. In Reddit's r/dogs, a couple is going through a messy divorce, but they have a 4 year old golden retriever. It's one thing to go through a divorce with all the extra time, energy, costs, and emotional difficulties, but it's another thing to do it with a dog to take care of. It's really not easy to take care of a dog, it's a ton of responsibility and work, and it makes a lot of sense that they're choosing to part ways with the dog. 

That's when another couple sees the post for the dog. They are used to having a dog, and their 5 year old golden retriever crossed the rainbow bridge recently. They want to adopt another after their loss, and it just felt like fate when they saw the ad for this dog. They met the dog and instantly fell in love with his sweetness, polite manners, and playfulness. They have two young children at 4 years old and 1 year old, and they're both used to having a large dog, so there's no issue there. They're going to start by doing an overnight with the dog and see how things go. They ask the internet for advice on the situation, like if there's anything they need to know. 

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  • 01
    Some background information: my husband and I lost our 5 year old golden retriever recently due
    via u/umylobster_24
  • 02
    to a health issue. We just started coming around to the idea of finding another golden; however,
    via u/umylobster_24
  • 03
    we have been looking at rescues/ rehoming situations rather than a puppy.
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  • 04
    We came across a 4 year old golden retriever who is being rehomed because his owners are
    via u/umylobster_24
  • 05
    going through a messy divorce. We met the dog a few days ago and he was absolutely lovely. So
    via u/umylobster_24
  • 06
    sweet, well mannered, playful. We have two young kids (4 and 1) but they are both used to having had
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  • 07
    a large dog. We are doing an overnight with the dog this week to make sure we mesh well with
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  • 08
    him and him with us. No health issues that they are aware of, does well alone, housebroken, etc.
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  • 09
    It sounds like an idea situation but I'm curious what types of things you all might recommend
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  • 10
    we keep in mind / ask as we consider this. This would be our first time not getting a puppy from a breeder.
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  • 11
    PawDose Honestly, this sounds like one of the best rehoming
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  • 12
    situations you could hope for. A 4-year-old golden who's already housebroken,
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  • 13
    good with kids, can be left alone, and whose owners are rehoming due to life
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  • 14
    circumstances rather than behavior issues sounds like a wonderful opportunity.
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  • 15
    I'd ask about his routine, favorite foods, any fears or triggers, vet records, grooming needs, and how
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  • 16
    he does around other dogs and strangers. Also, don't be surprised if he needs some time to adjust after losing his family.
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  • 17
    The overnight trial is a fantastic idea. And remember, you're not
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  • It's not surprising that the couple going through a divorce can't afford to keep their dog. It's enough work when things are their best, but I couldn't imagine having to take care of a golden retriever when I'm in the midst of a divorce. Seeing a couple go through a divorce can be absolutely heartbreaking, and even more heartbreaking for the kids. Maybe people might stay because they think it's better for the kids, but ultimately the children will know what's going on, and it could be even more damaging to have to see their parents suffer together than if they just split. 

  • 18
    replacing your previous golden you're giving another dog a loving home when he needs one most
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  • 19
    Enough-Reindeer 1033 You already had one so you know how hyper Golden's
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  • 20
    can get. It sounds like you have the time and space to accommodate the dog as
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  • 21
    well. I think this could be the perfect opportunity for both you and the dog.
    via u/Enough-Reindeer1033

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