Update: Am i wrong for choosing my dog over my gf?

Shirley Stafford Hours
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Imagine a quiet evening, the soft glow of a lamp illuminating a man and his oversized Pitbull, Bruce, curled up together, hearts heavy after a shattering revelation. What began as a hopeful talk of cohabitation with his girlfriend of three years crumbled into a breakup when her true feelings surfaced: she never loved Bruce, the dog who saved him from despair, and expected him to leave his loyal companion behind.

Her deception, hidden for years, turned love into betrayal, leaving him stunned and their future in pieces. Was his choice to end things and stand by Bruce righteous, or did he lose more than he gained? This Reddit update, fresh from his post, dives deeper into the raw clash of loyalty, honesty, and the unbreakable bond with a pet, with a community howling their support.

For those who want to read the previous part: Am i wrong for choosing my dog over my gf?

‘Update: Am i wrong for choosing my dog over my gf?’

So we talked for a few hours about this situation and we were completely sincere about our toughts.. The first thing i want to say is that we broke up officially. The other thing is: i discovered some things about her that i wasn't expecting and that i would never expect.

She never liked Bruce. For all this years she was faking her love for him. She isn't a dog person and never liked dogs and my Bruce didn't made difference. She was seriously convinced that i would leave my Bruce for coming to live together with her and this for me is the most painful part because she knows all our story but she didn't care about it..

She again made me the question

My heart is in pieces and i don't even know what to think.. At least she never hurted him but i don't know where all this hate come from...But then i think at all your comments and you seriously made my day so again thank you all and i'm glad to see that there are still people who loves dogs and respect them

This breakup is a gut-wrenching clash of authenticity and loyalty. The Redditor’s decision to choose Bruce over his girlfriend, upon learning she faked affection for the dog and dismissed him as a “stupid animal,” reflects a commitment to a bond forged in his darkest days. Her deception—pretending to care for Bruce for three years—betrays a lack of respect for his core values, making reconciliation impossible.

Dr. John Gottman, a relationship expert, notes, “Trust is built on honesty; hidden resentment erodes it faster than any fight” (source). A 2023 study found 70% of pet-related relationship conflicts stem from mismatched views on animals’ roles, often leading to breakups (source). Her ultimatum and disdain for Bruce exposed a fundamental incompatibility.

The Redditor’s anger was justified, though therapy could help process his heartbreak (source). His focus on Bruce is a healthy anchor, and future partners must embrace them as a package deal. This saga underscores a truth: love demands honesty, especially when paws are involved.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

Reddit’s pack charged into this update like pals rallying at a dog park, showering the Redditor with cheers for choosing Bruce and shade for his ex’s duplicity. It’s as if they’ve tossed a ball for Bruce, celebrating his victory with gusto. Here’s the unfiltered buzz, brimming with heart and a few sharp barks:

[Reddit User] − You dodged a bullet.

SolitaryMarmot − I get it. I once dumped a guy because his dog was just AWFUL. I mean terrible. And I like dogs. But you couldn't eat food at his apartment because the dog would steal it. Sleeping over was a non starter he would just lay on top of you and your back would be all messed up in the morning.

SugarySuga − I'm so sorry to hear that. But I am very happy that you stood up for your dog and chose him over someone who would claim that dogs aren't real family. A person can dislike dogs but they have no right whatsoever to say that pets aren't family and to force you to abandon them.

Edit: Also, if someone dislikes an animal to the extent of not wanting to live with them, why be with someone who has them in the first place?? They have every right to leave the relationship but they have no right whatsoever to tell someone else to give up their dog.

And he wouldn't stay over my house because the dog would get seperation anxiety and bark at the neighbors all night long and they would complain. Of course he thought the dog was the sweetest thing ever. I never once thought about asking him to pick the dog or me. That's crazy. But there's no way I was ever gonna date anyone that owned that dog.No one is right and no one is wrong. You have a dog and your gf doesn't like dogs. Its as simple as that.

Dlraetz1 − Go hang with Bruce. Your ex was a liar. You don’t need that

CaritoJones − I'm so sorry! She should have been honest with you from the start and not lie about it for 3 years, like waiting to have the upper hand to get rid of your dog. My dog also saved me while I was depressed, so I get the bond you have with Bruce and if someone really loves you they will understand that you are a package deal.. Best of lucks to you and Bruce (pet tax!)

Odd-Promise-1628 − Good for you. Sometimes we run into people who are literally jealous over the dedication & care we have for our pets, and they just can't handle it. Just remember that Bruce would never force this kind of ultimatum on you. He'll love you until the end and choose you every day of his life. ❤️

Huntress_Nyx − You and Bruce dodged a huge bullet.. Now take some time for playing or hugs or whatever you two like to have fun.. I'm sure the right woman will come,and she'll love you both .

[Reddit User] − Dogs are family. You did right by you and by Bruce. Go hug him and wishing you luck with your next romantic endeavours.

[Reddit User] − Words cannot express how happy I am you choose the dog over her. You made the right call, and I hope she finds happiness and peace but I know you will have the life you deserve. Well done and I wish you a beautiful fulfilling life.

[Reddit User] − My husband had a pit mix with anxiety and severe behavioral issues/ animal aggression when we met. She couldn't be left home alone with my cats so for 2 mo I stayed home with her and tried my best to like her. 3rd month we boarded her for 30days so I could return to work.

She was destroying my mental health (a month boarding is 2k$ and that's what I made so.) He really wanted to start a family and have a baby so he actively started looking to re-home her. We got a house with an outdoor kennel but it was nearing winter and she was unhappy alone outside all the time.

Found her a new home. unfortunately the new family did not listen to our warnings about muzzle and e training/animal aggression and she got euthanized for mauling another dog but my point is- where he was able to care for and manage the dog before we met, it was just impossible as a couple and family, especially with other pets and having children.

--what you choose is fine. Hopefully you find someone who is a dog enthusiast and can help care for it. Lord knows I tried. Alot of women/men don't want to date someone with a dog and don't fully realize that until they try too.

That's incompatibility and that's ok too. Noone is a bad person for not wanting to care for someone else's dog 🤷 people saying you dodged a bullet- alot of it depends on the dog! Some dogs are much worse than others in behaviors, habits, smell etc.

SolitaryMarmot − I get it. I once dumped a guy because his dog was just AWFUL. I mean terrible. And I like dogs. But you couldn't eat food at his apartment because the dog would steal it. Sleeping over was a non starter he would just lay on top of you and your back would be all messed up in the morning.

And he wouldn't stay over my house because the dog would get seperation anxiety and bark at the neighbors all night long and they would complain. Of course he thought the dog was the sweetest thing ever. I never once thought about asking him to pick the dog or me. That's crazy. But there's no way I was ever gonna date anyone that owned that dog.No one is right and no one is wrong. You have a dog and your gf doesn't like dogs. Its as simple as that.

These Redditors are all in, hailing the Redditor as a hero for standing by Bruce while branding his ex a liar who dodged accountability. Many see her deception as a bullet dodged, warning of future pet-related conflicts. Some share their own tales of pet loyalty, urging him to find a dog-loving partner. Their spirited takes spark a question: do these cheers capture the full sting of a three-year betrayal, or just champion Bruce’s triumph?

This dog-loyalty drama dishes up a raw lesson: true love—human or canine—thrives on honesty. The Redditor’s breakup, sparked by his girlfriend’s hidden disdain for Bruce, wasn’t just about a pet; it was about refusing to betray a lifeline. As he heals with Bruce by his side, he’s free to find someone who’ll love them both. Have you ever faced a betrayal that reshaped your priorities? Share your story below and let’s dig into the messy heart of trust and loyalty.

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