Some animals in shelters pass quickly into new homes. Others remain, week after week, until their faces become familiar to staff and strangers alike. Among those, a pair waited longer than most.
They were kept near one another, but never too close. There was a reason for that. A reason that visitors could sense, even if they could not explain it.
The husky brothers had a history that changed them, leaving behind a rift that still showed in their silence.
By the time their story reached wider attention, the truth was clear: their bond was real, but so was the danger of keeping them together.
What Exactly Happened?
Ozzy Pawsborne and Bark Wahlberg have very interesting names and an even better story, but everything changed when the two of them turned on each other.
Not too long ago, they were sent to the Benton-Franklin Humane Society by their previous owner. The shelter development coordinator, Jennifer Pierce, noted that they were sent here because they did not get along.
Even though the two huskies were brothers, age had changed them and they turned on each other.
Jennifer continues by saying that this was not that uncommon. What the two of them share is called littermate syndrome.
Dogs who were raised together can end up suffering from separation anxiety and fear. They can also be aggressive towards other animals and people.
Another concern is that littermate syndrome can happen later in life as it did for Ozzy and Bark. After being taken into the shelter, the pups were treated for injuries and are now doing fine.
They Are Struggling To Find A Home
The Washington rescuers are looking for a forever home for both of them, but separately, of course. When they are not together, the difference in their behavior is staggering.
Pierce told People: “Ozzy Pawsbourne can be a very playful and energetic boy! His favorite activities are playing in the water, stuffed squeaky toys, car rides, and vanilla ice cream. Bark Wahlberg is a loving but independent guy who enjoys car rides, going for runs, and giving his best model poses for the camera.”
Given how sweet they are, Pierce and other rescuers are baffled by how the two of them still haven’t found a home.
They are 6 years old and haven’t adjusted to living in a home, but that is also changing. They would need a stimulating environment and patient owners.
Pierce ends by saying: “There is no answer to why they have a hard time finding their forever homes! We only see the wonderful personality traits that we fell in love with the first day we had the pleasure of meeting them.”
None of this should be a problem for sweet dogs like Ozzy and Bark, so hopefully, they won’t have to wait much longer.