Courtney Stubbs and her husband Jack Millar have come under fire for getting a new dog after getting rid of their pet due to ‘behavioural issues’.
The reality TV stars took to Instagram on Tuesday to confirm that they have welcomed a new dog, a border collie called Kobe, to their family.
Love Island Australia star Courtney posted a jovial video of themselves on the beach with their daughter Penelope, 12 months, and their new puppy Kobe.
In an accompanying caption, she told how they were forced to rehome their other dog Finn with Married At First Sight star Jack’s parents due to ‘behavioural issues’.
She said Finn’s behaviour had become ‘severe’ over the past 18 months, making it ‘dangerous’ for Penelope, leading them to take the difficult decision to rehome him.
However, the couple came under fire in the comments from some enraged fans who criticised their decision to get another dog so soon after rehoming Finn, particularly considering Penelope is still young.
Explaining their decision in a lengthy caption, Courtney wrote: ‘We are so excited to welcome our little boy Kobe to the family.
‘A little secret we wanted to share with you, although one that does come with mixed feelings. To explain the absence of Finn… Both of us have received lots of messages about Finn and where he is.
‘He is OK but is no longer living with us. Over the past 18 months Finn has had some behavioural issues that have become quite severe and dangerous around Penelope.
‘A lot of time was spent trying to train him ourselves and with a specialist. We set spots for him away from Penelope but unfortunately nothing worked.
‘Sadly, now Finn lives with Jack’s parents where he is very loved!
‘Jack and I always wanted Penelope to grow up with a dog, just like we did as kids. The decision to rehome Finn and for us to find another dog was not a decision we took lightly.
‘Kobe and Penelope have already connected and it’s so beautiful to see them grow together everyday. On to this chapter for our family.’
However, some fans took to the comments to criticise the couple for getting another dog so soon after having difficulties with Finn and while Penelope is still young.
Others also shared their concern about the couple choosing to get a border collie, which need a minimum of two hours exercise every day and a lot of early training.
However, border collies are often considered to be a good family pet because they are energetic, even-tempered and generally good with children.
One wrote: ‘I don’t understand getting rid of him then topping it off and getting another dog!! That’s what it makes it 100 times worse!!’
Another said: ‘I will never understand people that get dogs and then give them away and then get another, let’s hope this one lasts a bit longer.’
A third penned: ‘I’m curious why you removed a dog to keep Penelope safe and then got another dog whose predictability and temperament you will not know.
‘I’ve known lots of people have issues with border collies including myself, border collies can get very confused in domestic settings as it goes against their natural instincts. Would love to know what you’re going to be doing to make this a success.’
A third claimed: ‘You should not have got another dog. Poor Finn.’
Another added: ‘This is why charities rarely adopt to families with young children. Safety reasons being the fundamental one.
‘They shouldn’t have replaced the dog and waited until their child was older. But it’s their life and I’m sure this dog won’t get passed on too.’
While it is not known exactly when the couple rehomed Finn, he has not featured on their Instagram pages in a number of months.
Courtney hit back at fans who remarked that border collies need a lot of exercise, writing: ‘Penelope and I go walking almost everyday and now we get to bring Kobe along which is amazing! We also have an outdoor area with grass for both the kids.’
Other fans also took to the comments section to defend Courtney and Jack, praising them for deciding to rehome Finn with Jack’s parents, rather than a shelter.
One shared: ‘If people actually took the time to read… I’m pretty sure Jack’s parents will provide Finn with all the love and care he needs.’
Another wrote: ‘You don’t need to explain yourselves to anyone, your child is your number one priority, I wish you both nothing but the best. Blessings for you all.’
A third commented: ‘I’m so sorry you’ve got people critiquing your parenting/dog raising – border collies are beautiful and my two adore kids and always have! They thrive in chaos.’
Another added: ‘Absolutely understand, beautiful family and especially gorgeous parents love love your posts and welcome to the family Kobe, so happy Finn is happy as well win win situation .’
Jack also responded to fans who shared their concerns about rehoming Finn, explaining how he has a heart disorder which causes ‘high levels of anxiety’.
He insisted the decision to rehome Finn wasn’t easy in the slightest and said he still sees the pooch on a regular basis.
He shared: ‘Finn was and is my whole world. To answer all of your questions, Finn has a heart disorder that causes high levels of anxiety. This can’t be treated with any medicines.
‘Due to his behavioural issues stemming from this, my parents are taking care of him. He is still part of our family.
‘Unfortunately happy isn’t something Finn is much of at the moment. He is very aggressive and angry when tired, and he tired easily.
‘To use the above ladies words, ‘misguided’ would be to assume a full picture when that full picture has never been given. I still do love, and see Finn very often for clarity.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Courtney and the RSPCA for comment.
Courtney and Jack have been dating since July 2022 and they found out they were expecting their first child together just eight months later.
The happy couple welcomed their daughter Penelope on November 10, 2023, and are gearing up to celebrate her first birthday on Sunday.