Double Dog Dare You: A Bonded Pair Equals Two Times the Love

Morty and Ricky

Occasionally, rescue organizations are asked to help with two dogs a shelter believes are bonded.  Most of the time,  when a bonded pair leaves the chaos of the shelter, the dogs can be separated and actually flourish. Grateful  Dogs Rescue, the oldest all-breed rescue group in San Francisco, recently took in three pairs of bonded dogs, all of whom are now thriving in separate placements.  But sometimes, two dogs are so attached to each other that their successful placement requires them to be adopted together. 

 Although it is special to see two dogs so connected, it also presents a big challenge. This starts with finding a foster home with the space and time for two dogs who may be shy, scared, or under-socialized.  Once the bonded pair is ready for adoption, the next challenge is finding an adopter ready for a lifetime commitment to two dogs. The dogs may have very different personalities so the potential adopter may not feel a connection with both dogs. Or the dogs may be an unusual combo. Recently, a  local rescue group wound up with a bonded pair in which one dog was hypoallergenic and the other not. We’ve also seen big dogs bonded with itty bitty Chihuahuas. And sometimes the bonded pair might be older dogs who have been together since puppyhood, meaning an adopter must consider the potential expense of two senior dogs. 

 As a result of these challenges, rescue groups will often have a bonded pair for a long time. But if an adopter comes along who is seeking two dogs, it's double the fun and love. And as more people start back to in-person work, a bonded pair has another perk: they keep each other company, snuggling, snoozing, and playing while their human is away. 

 Grateful Dogs Rescue currently  has a bonded pair of Min-Pin mixes, Ricky and Morty. We originally tried to separate them, but it was obvious they needed one another. As they’ve settled into their foster home together, they’ve not only taken comfort in one another, they’ve taken cues, too. With the help of their foster sister, they’ve learned that humans can be trusted and even fun! They’ve learned about potty training, how to sit and stay, how to sleep in their crate at night, and most importantly, that cats are not for chasing (Morty occasionally forgets this one). Slowly but surely, Ricky and Morty have become comfortable in their foster home and learned to let their hair down. They act just like you'd expect from brothers: they roughhouse, chase each other in circles, play tug-o-war, and annoy each other. When they are not playing, they’re often found in a sweet snuggle. They love to go on walks around the neighborhood and trips to the local dog park.  They've learned so much in a few short months.

 While they're usually stuck together like glue, Ricky and Morty are a great example of a bonded pair with very different personalities. Ricky is the older, more distinguished brother. He is a morning guy and is ready to start his day bright and early. It doesn't last long, though; once he's had breakfast and a potty break, he's ready to go back to sleep. Most days he acts like a shadow and follows his person around the house, supervising from a short distance. When he plays, he prefers small, squeaky things and takes very good care of his toys. Ricky is definitely a sun worshipper and loves to find that warm spot in the sliver of sunlight coming through the window. 

 Morty is the younger, sillier brother who loves to jump and prance around. Left to his own devices, Morty would probably sleep in, but he generally does just about everything his older brother does. Morty seems to pick up on tricks more quickly than Ricky, but both are very food motivated. Morty is a little more timid around humans, but he is a complete clown at the dog park; if you saw him there, you'd never believe he's a bit shy. Morty is also more of an outdoorsy  boy who loves to spend time in the backyard exploring and becoming one with nature.  

 Now that they've found their confidence and have experienced the joys of a loving home, they're ready to take the next step of their journey and get adopted. If you’ve ever thought about a bonded pair, check out Ricky and Morty at Grateful Dogs. Or reach out to your own local rescue. After all, two BFFs are better than one!