A woman who had long pleaded with her husband to get a dog finally realized the heartbreaking reason he had been against the idea.
Alexina Bonnaventure, 31, and her husband, Anthony, 32, live in Texas and are the proud owners of Australian shepherd dog, Stilton. He has become a bit of a social-media star, thanks to his dedicated Instagram page, @stiltontheaussie. The account is filled with the dog’s adventures, from long walks and drives, to being showered with love by his owners, including sales manager Anthony.
But, as Bonnaventure told Newsweek, “it took me two years to convince him” that they should get a puppy.
Bonnaventure had previously owned a cavalier King Charles, who lived to the age of 15, and when she broached the subject of getting another dog, Anthony repeatedly refused. “He kept telling me it was not the right moment, and that he didn’t really want a dog,” Bonnaventure said.
However, eventually, in 2020, Anthony relented, and the couple picked up Aussie dog Stilton—who then joined them in the big move from France to their new home in the United States.
“We are so grateful for Stilton; he’s our ‘first born’ son, and we take him everywhere with us,” Bonnaventure said. “He’s a wonderful dog, and he brings us, and all of our Instagram community, so much happiness.”
Bonnaventure began reflecting on how long it had taken for Anthony to agree to get a dog, and a recent video on Stilton’s account, revealing the reason why, went viral with more than 140,000 likes since being posted on November 28.
Instagram @stiltontheaussie
In the clip—a sweet video montage of Stilton and Anthony playing and cuddling together—words across the screen read: “You will never believe the reasons my husband didn’t want a dog.
“For as long as I can remember he was always against us having a dog. At first I thought it was because he didn’t like animals but that was not the case,” the caption added.
“It’s because he knew he would fall so deeply in love he wouldn’t be able to imagine a life without one. And he was terrified of loving something so much.”
Bonnaventure told Newsweek: “I came to the conclusion that all the excuses I was getting for not getting a dog were actually push back of being too attached to the dog.”
Instagram users were left in tears, as one commenter wrote: “This made me weep. First Thanksgiving without my love bear since 2011. Aussies, all dogs, are the best.”
Another posted that the clip “gave me such a big smile & some tears,” praising the beautiful relationship between man and dog.
A third commented: “I’m not crying you are. This is so true and beautiful.”
Instagram @stiltontheaussie
Bonnaventure said: “My husband and Stilton have a very special bond. It’s true love.” She also praised Stilton and Aussie shepherds in general, saying they are a special breed.
Australian shepherd dogs are known for their intelligence and exuberance, and in 2023 placed 12th in the American Kennel Club’s list of the most-popular dog breeds. With a life expectancy of up to 15 years, they are a popular family pet, thanks to being good with young children.
“I have been around many dogs, but Aussies have a little ‘je ne sais quoi,'” Bonnaventure said. “It’s as if they could speak to your soul, through their eyes.”
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