My fiance and I have a long distance relationship at this time.

We have a virtual pet, Rex is a great dog, we write an talk over phone. This is not exactly what the author describes. I can't imagine how absent the real relationship is of anything close to communication or interest if an avatar monopolizes the husbands time. Why doesn't real time wife ask her husband if she can join the game and post to him as her own alter ego. She might want to let the avatar know, in a nice way, that she is encouraging an obsession which could result in disappointing consequences for everyone. As long as there are no threats of violence, perhaps she could suggest an on-line counseling session.