How long will it take the Texas courts to go through with this situation?

Okay so I kind of have 2 questions. The first one listed above, and then the second one is listed below. I am 19, my (soon-to-be ex)husband is 20. We lease an apartment together, we have absolutely no cars together(My car(which he was using) was put only in my name and was a gift to me, so its separate property). I am currently in the 60 day waiting period, we filed on June 24th. We have no children, but we do have 1 dog. My husband wants to see him on weekends. If we put these visiting rights or whatever for our DOG in the final decree of divorce, will it be mandatory that every single weekend he has to see the dog by law? If he does not see him one weekend will that be against the law? I was wondering if somebody with any significant knowledge in the practice of Family Law or just anyone with good knowledge of this process could help me out. Now on to the first question I asked in the title. If my husband signs the Respondent's Answer to Divorce, which is where he would still have knowledge of whats in the Final Decree of Divorce but he doesn't have to be there when the case is finalized, will that lengthen the process for the divorce to be finalized? My husband's mother(basically his lawyer) said that it is most likely going to be uncontested. Now, I want to set up my court date right away, no waiting around for court dates. The lady at the court said that if he signs an Answer that the process could take months. I need more knowledge! Can anybody help? Thanks.