Am I Wrong for Rehoming the Rescue Dog My Partner Adored?

by Maryjane

30 Nov 2025

In today’s Reddit thread, we delve into a poignant situation that many pet owners may find relatable: the emotional and practical challenges of caring for a rescue dog. The original poster (OP), a 28-year-old man, recently adopted a senior dog named Max alongside his partner, who had fallen head over heels for the furry companion.

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However, after a few weeks of caring for Max, the realities of his health issues and the financial strain began to take their toll on the couple's lives. Faced with overwhelming responsibilities and the fear that they couldn’t provide the quality of life Max deserved, OP made the heart-wrenching decision to rehome the dog.

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This choice, however, led to a significant emotional fallout, particularly for his partner, who felt betrayed and heartbroken at the thought of losing a pet she had grown to love deeply. As the discussion unfolds, Reddit users weigh in with a variety of perspectives, debating the ethics of rehoming a pet versus the practical realities of pet ownership.

As we navigate the complexities of this situation, we invite you to share your thoughts. Is it ever acceptable to rehome a pet, or are such actions a breach of trust?

How can couples better communicate about the responsibilities tied to pet ownership? Join the conversation and explore the nuances of love, commitment, and the challenges of caring for our four-legged friends.

Original Post

I (28M) recently stumbled upon a rescue dog shelter. For background, my partner (26F) and I have been discussing getting a pet for a while, and she's always had a soft spot for animals.

During our visit to the shelter, my partner instantly connected with a sweet, senior rescue dog named Max. Max was abandoned by his previous owners and really touched my partner's heart.

She was in tears seeing him and begged me to adopt him. However, I had reservations about caring for a senior dog due to potential health issues and financial commitments.

After some deliberation, I agreed to adopt Max. Fast forward a few weeks, caring for Max became overwhelming.

His health issues required frequent vet visits, costly medications, and special care. It was taking a toll on us emotionally and financially.

I felt like I couldn't provide Max with the best quality of life he deserved. I made the difficult decision to rehome Max to a family with more resources and time to care for him.

When I broke the news to my partner, she was devastated and accused me of betraying her trust and breaking a promise. She feels like I took away a part of her heart.