Leaving an unhealthy relationship is never easy.

In this story, a woman finally broke up with her abusive ex after five years together.

They shared a dog and had agreed on a custody arrangement during their breakup.

But once she ended things for good, he started using the dog as leverage against her.

Now, she has a decision to make.

Read the full story below to find out more.

AITA for letting my ex keep my dog?

I (25F) recently broke up with my ex (27M).

We were together for 5 years.

We have had a dog in common for all of our relationship.

The last two years have been a living hell.

This woman left her ex-boyfriend for good.

Finally, after a lot of therapy, I realized the relationship was abusive.

I finally left him for good.

We have been on and off for the last 6 months.

We had agreed to each have the dog for a month.

Her ex wanted to keep their dog.

Since I decided to end the relationship for good, he is threatening to keep the dog from me.

He is not letting me see him ever again.

He said he got him for me, so he can easily take him away.

She loves the dog and doesn’t know how to deal with the situation.

Now, would I be the jerk if I let him keep the dog?

I love that baby with my whole heart.

I know my ex is using him as leverage against me.

I do not know if I can take the back and forth forever.

What would you do?

Aww… that poor dog! Leaving an abusive relationship is already a difficult decision.

When a pet is used as leverage, the situation becomes even more painful.

Letting go might hurt, but peace matters, too, right?

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a person who abandoned their own D&D campaign when their friends stopped paying attention.

Let’s read the responses of other people on Reddit to this story.

This person offers some useful advice.

Here’s another valid point from this user.

This comment makes sense, too.

Here’s another personal thought.

Finally, another helpful remark.

Sometimes, choosing yourself means letting go of what you love most.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a tenant who decided to stop returning his neighbor’s misplaced laundry after two years.