Spot the Poodle and Arlo the Siberian Husky were found wandering the streets of Oakland, California and were brought in by animal control and rescued by the Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV). Whether the two have been lifelong friends or met on the streets, one thing was clear to HSSV staff – the two loved each other, calling them the “most adorable mismatched duo ever.”
Read the latest updates at the bottom of this article.
Photo credit: Humane Society Silicon Valley
That’s when they knew the bonded pair would need to find a home together, no matter what.
Photo credit: Humane Society Silicon Valley
“They look out for each other and need a home together. Spot (the poodle) always sleeps on top of Arlo (the husky) and he looks out for her,” HSSV wrote on Facebook.
Photo credit: Humane Society Silicon Valley
Although the HSSV staff vowed to never separate the two, they first needed some long overdue medical care and TLC.
“Spot was actually so matted she was practically immobilized. A wonderful volunteer groomer named Cindy Perry freed her from her hair cage,” HSSV wrote.
Photo credit: Humane Society Silicon Valley
When the newly groomed Spot returned to her kennel, Arlo had to give her a sniff and a once over, just to be sure it was his pal.
As for Arlo, he may be the big dog, but his health is more frail than Spot’s. Arlo took sick with a respiratory issue and tummy troubles a few days after he arrived at the humane society and went to get medical attention with the HSSV’s emergency veterinarians.
Photo credit: Humane Society Silicon Valley
“Arlo was okay but very, very emaciated. Hard to tell under all the fur – he only weighed 53 lbs,” the humane society explained. “Both he and Spot were pretty skinny when they were found and he got very sick, very quickly.” After spending the night at the emergency vet, he’s back with them and doing better.
Arlo and Spot’s adoption has been (only) temporarily put on hold. “Once he’s back on his feet he and Spot will be back to looking for a home where they can be together.”
I’m glad Arlo is on the mend. I want both Arlo and Spot to find their forever home together. Two such beautiful dogs should never have been homeless on the streets!
Photo credit: Humane Society Silicon Valley
Update:
One month after Arlo and Spot arrived at the shelter, the two friends have found forever homes – not together as originally anticipated – but they both have loving homes nevertheless. And there’s good reason for that.
After Arlo got better, it became clear his size and energy wasn’t as good a match for Spot as they originally thought. “We LOVE them as a pair but with Arlo feeling better, he’s pretty impatient with Spot when they see each other and Spot is pretty spooked by it,” explained HSSV. “We want to make sure everyone is happy, loved, safe and has a good long life ahead of them.”
“They helped each other through a very rough time,” said HSSV, but when both dogs recovered from their illnesses, they blossomed differently. However, both dogs have found the perfect matches for them.
Spot (renamed Poppy) found a loving home with Cindy, an amazing volunteer groomer who patiently groomed Spot when she first arrived at Oakland Animal Services. So Spot/Poppy found a forever home with one of the first people to show her love!
Photo credit: Humane Society Silicon Valley
As for Arlo, Arlo found the perfect family who could look after his needs. “He is awesome but he is A LOT of dog,” explained HSSV. “He opens doors. He sings the song of his people. He runs like the wind. He pulls like a sled dog. He’s going to make some family sooooooo happy but he definitely needs an experienced home.” And he found that with his new family!
Photo credit: Humane Society Silicon Valley
Spot and Arlo’s friendship got them through one of the most difficult times of their lives and it’s wonderful to see that they both are beginning new chapters in their lives!
If you are interested in finding out more about the pets available for adoption at the Humane Society Silicon Valley, visit their website.
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