03-07-2025
Loyal Dog Won't Leave Shelter Without Sister—Then He Realizes Something
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Hearts melted over a distressed dog's reaction to being reunited with his other half after he originally thought he was leaving the shelter without her.
The previous owners of the sibling duo, Pancho and Pancha, dumped off the dogs together at a California animal shelter. From that moment on, the two never separated. Seeing how reliant the two canines were on each other, the shelter deemed these five-month-old pups a "bonded pair."
A Vet Explains Pets article stated that a bonded pair of dogs form a strong, emotional attachment to each other, often through shared experiences or living in the same household. These dogs can be siblings, a parent and offspring, or simply two canines who developed a deep connection.
In a May 10 Instagram video posted to the account @ the shelter first brought Pancho out to meet his foster family, but all he could think about was his sister. He frantically kept looking back at the building, crying and waiting for her. He wouldn't "budge."
Thankfully, the shelter knew he wouldn't be going without Pancha, and they brought her outside quickly after. His demeanor immediately changed. The two dogs jumped up to greet each other, with their tails wagging nonstop. They realized they were staying together.
Part of the caption reads: "Now they get to thrive in foster care while they wait for forever homes!"
Screenshots from a May 10 Instagram video of a dog stressing out that he was being separated from his sibling, but the bonded pair stayed together in foster care.
Screenshots from a May 10 Instagram video of a dog stressing out that he was being separated from his sibling, but the bonded pair stayed together in foster care.
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While the two besties have been enjoying a break from the shelter environment—nonstop playing on the bed—they have yet to be adopted, a representative from Let's Rescue Dogs told Newsweek via Instagram.
"They really need help, all the traction they can get," the representative said. "Unfortunately, they've had no adoption interest, and we would love to change that."
Viewer Reactions
The Instagram video amassed over 247,000 views and 26,300 likes as of Thursday. Viewers flooded the comment section with their appreciation for the rescue organization keeping the bonded pair together.
"This is so stinking adorable! It's as if Pancho feels responsible to protect his sister. The loyalty of dogs. Thank you for saving them together," wrote one person.
Another added: "Gosh, bonded pairs are truly remarkable. Thank you for all you do."
A third person said: "This is such great news!! So wonderful that they are being kept together - such a rare opportunity for a bonded pair of shelter dogs!!!"
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