One Piece of Advice I Often Give Clients Going Through a Divorce

Jordy Duncan

As a private investigator, I have worked with countless individuals navigating the difficult journey of separation and divorce. Every situation is unique, but one thing remains remarkably consistent—the overwhelming feeling of loneliness that often follows the end of a relationship.

Over the years, clients have occasionally asked me if I have any advice beyond the legal and investigative aspects of divorce. My answer often surprises them.

Invest in a dog. Not because a dog can replace a spouse or erase the pain of divorce. Nothing can. But a dog provides something that many people desperately need during this chapter of life—unconditional companionship.

Divorce changes your routines overnight. The house becomes quieter. Weekends can feel empty. Even simple things like coming home from work feels different when no one is waiting. A dog changes that.

They don't care about court dates, property settlements, or who was right or wrong. They greet you with excitement every time you walk through the door. They encourage you to get outside, take walks, establish a routine, and reconnect with the world around you. Those daily walks often become more than exercise. They become opportunities to clear your mind, meet neighbours, and slowly rebuild confidence.

I've also found that dogs can be incredible conversation starters. They help people reconnect socially without even trying. Many lasting friendships have begun with a simple conversation at a local park while two dogs introduce themselves.

As investigators, we spend our careers observing people. One thing I've learned is that emotional healing rarely happens all at once. It happens through small, consistent moments that restore a sense of purpose.

Feeding a dog.

Taking a walk.

Playing fetch.

Laughing when they do something silly.

Those moments matter more than most people realize.

My own dog, Jordy, has been far more than a pet. He has been my companion through long days, stressful investigations, quiet evenings, and life's inevitable challenges. His loyalty has never depended on success or failure. He's simply always there.

If you're going through a divorce, I encourage you to think beyond the legal process. Protect your emotional well-being just as carefully as you protect your financial future.

A dog won't solve every problem. But they will remind you every single day that you are needed, appreciated, and never truly alone.

Sometimes the best investment you can make after a divorce isn't in another possession.

It's in a loyal friend who will stand beside you without judgment, ask for nothing more than your time, and help you discover that healing often begins one walk at a time.

Happy Canada Day!