Cuoco explained that Shirley’s “mega fights” with her fiancé Tom Pelphrey’s dog ultimately led to the placement.

“In short, she is a very special dog to me, as you all know. And when the love of my life came into my life, Tom, who is also a huge dog lover, moved across the country with his beautiful German Shepherd, Blue.

“Unfortunately, Blue and Shirley got into mega fights a few years ago,” Cuoco continued.

The star explained that Shirley was “determined to kill Blue” and that the situation continued to get worse.

“I loved her so much, but I was really scared. I didn’t want anything really bad to happen or for someone to potentially accidentally be there and get hurt,” she said.

Cuoco placed the dog with her zookeeper, Tony, and his wife, Angie, who helped her care for Shirley.

“They loved her so much and it was an agonizing decision,” she explained.

The actress then shared that Shirley recently died from “a very aggressive bone cancer.”

“She was almost 14 years old, which is an incredible life for a dog,” Cuoco said, crying. “And I just wanted to tell her story and tell what we had to do.”

Following her confession, Cuoco faced backlash on social media from fans unhappy with her decision.

“If your boyfriend brought his child to your house, would you give away his or your child if they didn’t get along?” wrote one. “There is no chance I would give my dog ​​up for any friend. Poor Shirley was never considered family; She was just a disposable animal!”

A second complained: “One day he’ll be out of her life and she’ll regret making that decision.”

“She’s a victim because she threw away her DOG? GET LOST,” commented another, and a fourth slammed: “Really? No, take his selfish ass back home!”

“Why didn’t the friend give up his dog? Why didn’t they put both dogs through a training/behavior program?” wrote another.

“There’s no way I would give up my dog ​​for a new guy and his dog.”

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– Additional reporting from NZ Herald.