Separating our dogs as we break up

Question
Dear Charlotte,

Any advice you can offer will be gratefully received. My wife and I are splitting up and I am worried about our dogs. We have 2 Dalmations - they are six and a half years old and litter brothers. They are very close to each other and to us. Ostensibly we have 1 dog each, and we are planning to take one each when go our separate ways. I would like to make sure that this is as easy on them as possible. It is not possible for them to stay together as neither of us could cope with the 2 of them alone (and neither can bear the thought of being without at least one of them). I am so worried about how this will affect them. Please help!
Many thanks
Simon

Answer
Hi Simon;
It will be, for the dogs, like it would be for any siblings to separate them.
I don't know how you could make it easier on them.
Why would it be imposible for one to handle them by themselves?
If the dogs have had proper obedience training, and have rules to go by, and go by the rules, I can't see why they would be too much for one person to handle.
The easiest situation for the dogs would be for the two of you to have joint custody, the dogs stay together and they spend time with both of you.
Our pets are just like people, and they react to separation jusy like we do.
What you are doing is the same as if you have two children and you split up, and each take a child.
The far better situation would be for the dogs to stay together, even if it means finding a new home where they will be loved and cared for, and still be together.
Charlotte