Karma, a 5-year-old Pittie mix, and Gigi, a 2-year-old Chihuahua, lived in the same home but weren’t friends. That all changed when they were rescued and brought to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) this past autumn.
Initially, the two dogs were placed in separate kennels and didn’t appear to have a strong bond. However, when ARL staff noticed that Karma was scared and struggling in the shelter, they decided to try something new. They brought Gigi to Karma’s kennel—and something incredibly heartwarming happened.
Animal Rescue League of Boston
“For Karma, it was a very difficult beginning,” Mike DeFina, ARL’s media relations manager, told The Dodo. “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!”
The shelter staff observed that while the dogs have different personalities, they complement each other beautifully.
Animal Rescue League of Boston
“Side by side, they’re comical, but they balance each other in a perfect way,” DeFina said. “Gigi is the life of the party; she wants to meet everyone and experience everything. Her personality helps Karma have the confidence to meet new people and try new things. Karma is very sweet, but her fearfulness makes her cautious about new experiences. She warms up slowly, but once she does, she’s incredibly sweet and affectionate.”
Animal Rescue League of Boston
The bond between Karma and Gigi grew so strong that ARL decided they needed to find a home together. Before the Christmas holidays, the shelter spread the word that Gigi and Karma were looking for a loving home to share for the holidays.
@nbc10boston An unlikely bonded pair of dogs at the American Rescue League of Boston are seeking a new home for the holidays together. Karma, a female 5-year-old American Bulldog, and Gigi, a female 1-year-old Chihuahua, were not surrendered as a bonded pair, but the two formed a bond while in the shelter and are now inseparable. For adoption info visit arlboston.org. #nbc10boston #boston #massachusetts #dog #rescue #puppy #adoptdontshop #cleartheshelters #holiday #christmas #news #video #fyp @cleartheshelters ♬ original sound – NBC10 Boston
And ARL’s plea was answered! Joanie Reynolds Daly and Philip Reynolds had recently lost their two “odd couple” senior dogs. When they saw Karma and Gigi they new they wanted to adopt them. They applied and just like that Gigi (now named Gaga after Lady Gaga) and Karma are with their new family.
“They have been settling in nicely since arriving at their new home, with lots of cuddles and plenty of playtime,” ARL shared on Facebook. “Gigi is now named Lady Gaga (Gaga for short!) and Karma now has a yard to show off her best zoomies in.”
Reynolds also shared that with Karma and Gaga home for the holidays, “We plan to chill with them for the first few weeks until we settle in, and gradually introduce them to family and friends.”
It’s the happy ending ARL hoped for.
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