A couple have proved it's not just children who need co-parenting after a split - by sharing custody of their dog. Ruth Ashby, 38, and her ex, Liam Scadding, 39, welcomed miniature dachshund Mr Plum in 2021.
They got a pet dog after deciding to no longer try for a child together following five miscarriages, so he held a very special place in both of their hearts. After a split last year, Mr Plum now stays with Ruth Monday to Friday and Liam takes weekend custody.
Ruth, a cleaner and kitchen assistant, cooks Mr Plum a cooked dinner of meat and vegetables every night and treats him with dog muffins and healthy snacks. "We stay in touch over the dog - as time has gone on we have gained a friendship, as we didn't didn’t split up over anything bad," she said.
