06/19/2026
A Paws for Pets “BONDED LOVE” -by Susan Rodabaugh
At times we find it extremely difficult to find homes for any of our dogs. This may be due to their size, s*x, breed, and/or behaviors. However, we really struggle to find homes for dogs that are a bonded pair. They may be bonded from birth as litter mates, or they become bonded because they lived in the same home for some time together. Regardless, it is love between the two dogs that you can only understand when you see them interact with each other. We also get to see how they react in the absence of their other half. They have depended on each other for companionship, self-confidence, love, and safety for years. They read each other’s senses like we watch each other’s body language.
Not all dogs who live together are bonded to a degree that they actually need their bonded half to make them feel complete, calm, secure and even at times a little defiant. There are two bonded pairs that, indeed, share the love of each other. It might be because they were not socialized independently or it might be because they were. Our special bonded pairs include: Dee and Asia along with Nikko and Shadow.
Dee and Asia, 6-year-old Heeler mixed breed dogs. This pair are litter mates. These two were brought to the shelter because their owner was arrested. Once her time was served she relinquished them to the shelter. They have been here 905 days. They are very low maintenance. Come when called. We just say girls, and they respond, running to us. They get along with other dogs and cats and just seem to love everyone they meet. Currently they are in foster care. Although they were easy to care for at the shelter, they started to get kennel sour. They love their bed, but would prefer your bed and couch. They only issue with them, as Dee is allergic to all poultry so they are fed beef products.
There are two loving souls. Dee and Asia have officially traded in their herding boots for a lifetime achievement award in professional lounging. They have reached that golden, sweet-spot age where their greatest passion in life is simply being near people. They are absolute superstars with humans. Whether you are welcoming guests into your home or meeting someone new on a casual stroll, these two treat every stranger like a best friend they just haven't met yet. Also, they understand the assignment when it comes to home life. No chewing up shoes, no pacing the floors, and no demanding five-mile runs at dawn. They are content with a cozy bed, a couple of short walks, and an abundance of head scratches.
Nikko and Shadow are 8-year-old Alaskan Malamutes. These two were brought into the shelter because their owner died and their only option was to live on a concrete pad at the bottom of stairs in an apartment complex. They are the “distinguished gentle-giant duo.” Weighing in at about 100 pound each. Male and female pair, litter mates too. They offer all the loyalty, beauty, and presence of the Malamute breed, but with a much appreciated, lower-gear energy level. Have you ever looked at a giant, majestic cloud of fur and thought, "I wish I had two of those"? Well, today is your lucky day! A stunning, deeply bonded pair, who are looking for their ultimate retirement home together.
Although Shadow bosses everyone around, including her brother, they are very friendly, outspoken and in need of a new home. A large yard would be best to keep them occupied and allow them to lay whenever they want. Their double coat of fur will leave fur glitter all over too. They are people friendly, but Shadow tends to want to be protective of her brother which results in them needing a home without any other dogs.
As bonded senior pairs, they bring a built-in sense of calm. They comfort and rely on each other, which actually makes them incredibly easy to care for—they don't suffer from the typical separation anxiety that single dogs might face because they always have their best friend by their side. If you are looking for twice the love with none of the chaotic puppy energy, look no further than either of these pairs. These four beautiful seniors are proof that some things truly do get better with age. Yet, they all still like human companionship including brushing, walking, belly rubs and head scratches. These two pairs are perfectly bonded and need a home to fit all their needs.
