Labrador’s Joyful Reaction to Owner’s Ex Proves Their Bond Never Ended

After a Breakup, This Woman Still Shares Custody of Her Dog, and It’s the Best Decision She Ever Made:

Seven years ago, Joanne Kelly and her then-partner welcomed a Labrador retriever named Luna into their lives. Luna was originally Kelly’s idea, but it didn’t take long for her partner to form a strong bond with the energetic and affectionate pup. For the first three years of Luna’s life, the couple raised her together as a team. But when their relationship ended, Kelly made a choice that many might not consider: she allowed her ex to stay involved in Luna’s life.

Rather than draw a hard line after the breakup, Kelly recognized how much her ex meant to Luna—and vice versa. What followed was the beginning of a remarkable and consistent routine. Every weekend since their split, her ex picks Luna up for long walks or even overnight stays. Despite the emotional complexity that can sometimes come with such arrangements, Kelly stands by her decision, putting Luna’s happiness above all else.

That happiness is undeniable in a TikTok video that has since gone viral. In the clip, Luna waits by the window with her tail wagging furiously as her former co-parent’s car pulls up. Even four years into the routine, her excitement never fades. It’s clear she remembers, and cherishes, every moment they’ve shared.

Kelly says her ex takes Luna on the kinds of walks she loves most—long, adventurous treks she doesn’t always get with her. He even chips in financially when needed, continuing to play an active role in Luna’s care. “He can walk her longer distances and take her on the kind of walks she really loves,” Kelly explained.

The video has touched hearts around the world, racking up over 569,000 views and more than 21,000 likes. Many viewers praised the maturity and compassion behind their shared custody arrangement. “That’s your child and he is her dad,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “A real man loves the pets as much as you, whether you’re together or not.”

Though a few skeptics questioned whether Luna preferred her ex, Kelly brushed off the negativity. “Someone’s always got to say something daft,” she said. To her, the priority has always been Luna’s wellbeing.

Now, Kelly hopes her story inspires others to consider co-parenting arrangements for their pets after a breakup. When handled with respect and love, these connections can continue to thrive—proving that while relationships may end, the love shared through a beloved pet can still carry on.

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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.