My parents were married for 18 years before they got divorced. I was in 8th grade when it happened and it was actually a relief to me. Having them away from eachother was better than listening to the fighting or the awkward silence of them not talking at all. Sorry to hear about that TLB but sometimes it is actually better than continuing to live with someone you constantly argue with. I'm sure they'll get through it and I'm sure you will too, eventually. Just talk to both of them about it and tell them how you feel about it. I don't really know what to say about the dog or the house you grew up in. I'd just make sure to tell them to have a background check on whoever is interested in the dog and then give it to the person that they deem the best fit. For the house I would just try to remember all the good memories of growing up there. When you come back to Wisconsin make it a point to drive by the house. That should bring back good memories. That's what we always do when we go back up and visit family. Always go past our old house, to the park we used to go to when we were young, go down to Lake Michigan. I don't remember a lot but it brings back some of my earliest memories.