Try Couples Therapy, Not Fighting Over Fido

It’s not about the pet (“To Love, Honor and Belly-Scratch,” by Sanjiv Bhattacharya, Jan. 9). Having practiced family law for more than 46 years, I found the article most interesting. Unfortunately, I have often observed couples fighting over the children where kids are not the real issue. One or both parties have their own agenda, and they are using the children as weapons against the other to get even for preconceived wrongs.

The article correctly points out that the fights over the pet often occur when there are no children. One or both parties have to raise an issue to hurt the other. What all of these couples need, besides competent counsel, is intensive therapy.

Connolly Oyler

Santa Monica