‘My BF says it’s not like she’s an actual pet, like a cat or dog, and it’s kinda weird that I’m so attached to a spider.’: Partner’s lack of empathy for a man's attachment to his pet tarantula leads to a cruel act of violence and an emotional breakup

Author image for Laurent Shinar
Laurent Shinar • Writer and Editor
Sep 22, 2025 1:00 PM EDT

Right, it is time to set the record straight once and for all. No matter what kind of creature you decided to call your pet, and that you invest time, love and effort into, they are your pet in just the same way as a cat or a dog might be for other people.

Attachment is attachment, and just because someone chooses to love someone else who might not be considered to be societally 'normal' does not make their love any less real. And this story we have lined up today not only proves this point, but also lays out a stark warning to those who would dare get in the way of this kind of love. For, as the boyfriend of our spider loving protagonist would come to find out, getting in between a pet pawrent and their pet does not end well for anyone.
 

Is your inbox feline too professional? Add some cats falling off counters. Subscribe here!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!

Advertisement
  • 01
    I'm 25M. My bf is 27M, we've been dating for 2 years and we're thinking of moving in together. The issue
    via pangolinprince
  • 02
    that we are having is centered on Agnes, my pet tarantula. I've had Agnes for 5 years now. I know she's not your typical pet, but I've always loved bugs and she was a gift from my parents.
    via pangolinprince
  • 03
    She's adorable and friendly in pet spider terms. I can hold her and she's very docile with me. My bf knows about her and has seen her. He
    via pangolinprince
  • 04
    told me he thought it was 'strange' but I'm used to it. I know not everyone and their uncle has a pet tarantula.
    via pangolinprince

  • Yeah, that is a pretty reasonable reaction to a pet tarantula, and much like the father of this spider getting used to people being freaked out by his pet, so should the boyfriend have gotten used to the idea of Agnes being his partner’s pet. It's not that big a deal…

  • 05
    My rent has been climbing in my complex and this year I can't afford the increase. My lease is up in 3 months, and my bf
    via pangolinprince
  • 06
    bought his own house last year, so the topic of me moving in with him has come up. Apartments are really expensive right now, and the cheap ones are
    via pangolinprince
  • 07
    Cheezburger Image 10556399104
    via Mark Kostich and Drobot Dean via Adobe Stock

    Disclaimer: This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 08
    'COVID deals' where the rent would increase exponentially within 6 months to a year. My bf says I'm totally welcome to move in with him, but only if I ditch Agnes. I know it's
    via pangolinprince
  • 09
    stupid but I don't want to part with her. She was there for me when I was alone. My bf says it's not like she's an actual pet, like a cat or dog, and it's
    via pangolinprince
  • 10
    kinda weird that I'm so attached to a spider. He doesn't want Agnes in his house and is pd that I'm 'choosing' Agnes over him.
    via pangolinprince

  • Wow, how fragile does your ego have to be to get all enraged just because your partner, the person you care about and love does not want to give up on a soul that they have come to care about and love too. Some people defy all logic.

  • 11
    ETA: y'all are getting your panties in a twist over my comment about how she was all I had. Please stop DM-ing me that I'm insane.
    via pangolinprince
  • 12
    When COVID first started I was WFH. My complex has a no pet policy. I couldn't see my family, or my friends. So it was largely just me and my spider.
    via pangolinprince
  • 13
    ETA 2: I know I said I would post spider tax but I came home from work and Agnes isn't around. Her cage is closed like it was so I'm just trying to find her.
    via pangolinprince
  • 14
    Am busy but will add spooder tax later once I find out where she is, I'm a little paranoid rn bc of comments so I just wanna spot her lol
    via pangolinprince
  • 15
    Update: no spider tax rn. My now ex bf d Agnes. She's gone. Thank you for all the kind words and everyone who shared their spider stories. He let her
    via pangolinprince
  • 16
    Cheezburger Image 10556399360
    via Pixel-Shot via Adobe Stock

    Disclaimer: This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 17
    out and squished her while I was at work, or something along those lines. Hug your critters for me please.
    via pangolinprince
  • 18
    I broke up with him. I'm single now. Idk what happened. He's telling me she escaped and was aggressive with him so he squished her.
    via pangolinprince
  • 19
    She's not big enough to lift the top of her cage. It's physically impossible. I'm just
    via pangolinprince
  • 20
    kind of a mess rn honestly. I'm just gonna have a drink and lay here tbh
    via pangolinprince

Check out our Instagram for more hilarious animal content!

Love our stuff? Shop for some of our pawsome merch here.

Tags

boyfriend cat dogs animal cruelty violence animal stories pets emotional spider reddit story partner empathy breakup weird
Scroll Down For The Next Article