Life often brings hardships. In those moments, having a loyal companion by your side can make all the difference. For shelter animals, that bond can be lifesaving.
Shelter staff work tirelessly to make life as comfortable as possible, but nothing compares to the comfort of having a true friend. Two dogs in Boston, Massachusetts, named Karma and Gigi, found that in one another and promised never to face the world alone.
To A Fresh Start
Though both were rescued from the same home before arriving at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), Karma and Gigi weren’t instantly close. Most of their time was spent apart, avoiding interaction.
When staff noticed that one was struggling to adjust to the noisy shelter environment, they made a decision that changed everything.
“For Karma, it was a very difficult beginning. ARL’s shelter staff decided to put the two of them in the same kennel, and almost immediately, Gigi was able to calm Karma down. From there, the bond forged very quickly!” Mike DeFina, ARL’s media relations manager, told The Dodo.
From that day forward, the pair became inseparable. Their personalities differed greatly, but their friendship only grew stronger.
A Perfect Match In Every Way
Gigi thrives on attention, running to greet anyone who enters. Her outgoing spirit gives Karma the confidence she needs to meet new people.
“Side by side, they’re comical, but they balance each other in a perfect way. Karma is very sweet, but her fearfulness prohibits her from being immediately open to new things. She warms up slowly, but once she does, she is an incredibly sweet and affectionate dog,” he added.
The longer they were together, the deeper their bond became. They began to complement each other’s quirks, refusing to do anything apart.
Now, the mission was clear: to find a loving family willing to adopt both together. Although placing two dogs at once can be challenging, ARL staff never gave up hope.
The Perfect Family Walks In
Not long after, a couple visited the shelter. They had recently lost their own “odd couple” dogs and were looking for a new pair to fill their hearts. The instant they met Karma and Gigi, they knew they had found the right duo.
The adoption papers were filed without hesitation, and the shelter quickly approved the request.
“Karma and Gigi’s dream home was one with a relatively quiet environment, where they would have the space to spread out and be themselves. Opening your heart and home to not one, but two animals is a huge commitment. We are so thankful that the two of them found the perfect situation!” DeFina stated.
Just two weeks after moving in, the dogs were overjoyed to spend the holidays surrounded by love. Despite the big change, their closeness never wavered.
“They are very gentle with one another, and after playtime, you can always find them curled up together for a nap. They are so reliant on one another, and the power of their bond is incredible!” he said.
For the ARL staff, witnessing the outcome was deeply rewarding. Karma and Gigi had not only found a safe, warm home, but they were able to stay together. After everything they endured, the result was even sweeter.“We work with animals every day, but when you see Karma and Gigi together, you have to stop and see the strength of their bond; it is absolutely awe-inspiring. We are thrilled the two of them were able to start the next chapter of their lives together and are thriving in their new home,” DeFina concluded.