OkcPets Magazine July 2021

12 OKC Pets • July/August 2021 able to proceed with a method of resolving the conflict with an option that would address the underlying issues and allow both parties to be valued as well as find a resolution for the animal? If the issue is the enforcement of a con- tract or agreement, then look at the ways that the intent of the parties can still be honored in different ways, which some- times may lead to an even better outcome. We even see animals become a source of disagreement in divorce and family matters deciding who gets possession and who shall bear expenses and responsibility related to the household pets and other animals and for children’s activities, such as horseback riding. These issues all cut to a very emotional response, often needing problem-solving to allow for the continuation of the time with the animal or activity, with sharing of care and expenses while taking the child’s well-being into consideration. Some creative options have been worked out that include divorced couples sharing custody of their pets with a visitation schedule or allowing children to take pets back and forth to each parent’s home. Finding ways for children’s riding activ- ities to continue can be a source of acri- mony, but allowing for options that take into consideration costs and time are better resolved in a problem-solving environment than by a judge who does not have the benefit of delving into the needs and inter- ests and must make a decision only based on facts and information presented in the limited court time provided. Many disputes arise because the parties fail to use a clearly worded written agree- ment or from sight unseen transactions whether from online or long-distance arrangements. All of these disputes end up coming down to a battle of perspectives that can become very costly and time-con- suming to try to prove one’s position. When involved in traditional litigation, the parties engage in many processes out of their own control, including filing and responding to pleadings, discovery which can entail providing detailed responses to written requests, taking the time to provide copies of documents, in-person depositions, and hiring and paying experts for their opinions. All of this is controlled by the court process and attorneys who are on their time schedule, not yours. In the meantime, continued costs for caring for the animal which is the subject of the dispute accrue, or possible opportu- nities that are in dispute are missed because of the length of the process. Either way, it is not an efficient means to resolve disputes. It can take years to resolve with out-of-control costs that could end up with less than desirable outcomes, whereas ADR can provide avenues of options that are focused on the needs and interests of the parties. If you ask almost any person if they want to have a lengthy, costly, emotionally drain- ing process to resolve a dispute, or would they rather engage in a process that allows them to express their concerns and explore various ways that they can find an accept- able outcome and move on with their lives, we know what the answer will be. Being able to move more directly into a process that allows for creative prob- lem-solving, that explores the needs and interests of the parties and also the animals, provides a much more tailored result that Alternative Dispute Resolution Molly, a 1-year-old female, was neglected by her breeder, resulting in a bilateral amputation from frostbite to her rear feet. Self-Serve DogWash and Local Home Delivery NORMAN 360 24th Ave NW (405) 310-2549 YUKON 335 S. Mustang Rd #E (405) 265-2950 Pawtopia.net PremiumDog&Cat Foods • UniqueToys • NutritiousTreats • Supplements • Accessories • Like us on Veterinarian Formulated Pet Nutrition