Dogs bring order. discipline,

Perry Souchuk and Valerie Cihylik

You’ve heard of vacation home time-shares. Two New York friends share dog guardianship. The idea occurred to the Manhattan neighbors as they were bemoaning the fact that neither had time to devote to a dog – then a friendcalled and said there was a scrawny little puppy chained to a fence on East 18th Street. “Val and I went to meet her,” says Souchuk. “She was a black Lab mix, and so cute! We figured it was meant to be.”

The newly minted canine co-owners took their charge to the vet for herfirst checkup. That was nine years ago [as of 2005] They’ve been happily splitting all dog responsibilities – including vet bills, food costs, and TLC – ever since. Gracie spends weekends with Souchuk and weekdays with Cihylik. Unorthodox it may be, but for them and the dog it’s the best of both worlds. They get to enjoy canine companionship and unconditional love without the 24/7 responsibility.

Gracie with her humans, Perry and Valerie

Scott Pasfield