Judge orders N.J. couple to share custody of Dexter

After Doreen Houseman and Eric Dare ended their relationship in May 2006, a New Jersey Superior Court judge ruled Dare could keep the couple's brown pug because it was in his possession.

But today, after nearly three years of litigation, Judge John Tomasello ruled Houseman and Dare must share custody of Dexter.

The six-year-old dog will rotate, every five weeks, between the Williamstown, Gloucester County, homes of Houseman and Dare.

An appeals panel earlier this year reversed Tomasello's original decision, saying the judge had failed to consider Dexter's "subjective value."

The panel said the dog was similar to a family heirloom, or work of art, that cannot simply be awarded to one person in exchange for a face-value payment.

Houseman was paid $1,500, the price of the pedigree dog, but she wanted the pet, which she frequently dressed in costumes and lavished with gifts.

Houseman, a 35-year-old customer service representative who now lives with her parents, said she was "very happy" with the ruling and said she can't wait to give Dexter "a lot of hugs and kisses" when she sees him again on Friday.

Dare, 37, a patrolman in his town, said he was shocked and may consider an appeal.

"I've had him for six years now and never thought it would come to this," he said.