Bonded Pairs
Adopting a bonded pair is not the answer for every home, but it's the perfect answer for many.
In some cases, a bonded pair is a parent with an offspring. Sometimes it is two littermates — puppies, teenagers, or even seniors. Occasionally the two dogs are simply long- or even short-term companions with no blood relation at all but with a well-established bond through their shared life experiences. These are dogs who, even though they may be otherwise well socialized, have come to depend upon each other as a survival technique. They seem to rely on one another for their social cues, for confidence building in new situations, and for stress relief from any uncomfortable predicament they may experience.
We’re not talking simply about any two dogs who have come into the ESRA program together, despite the fact that they may be connected by blood or previous family situation. Two such dogs may very well be placed in separate homes so that they may both become “the best dogs they can be.” One dog may thrive away from the shadow of the other, more dominant dog. In contrast, a truly bonded pair honestly has a visible cadence that seems to control their every move and their every response to their environment. They deserve to be kept together.
Why adopt a bonded pair?
- First, there is the undeniable realization that you have brought not just one, but two dogs, baffled and confused by an unexpected turn in the world they previously knew, into a safe, secure, and loving home. What a feeling!
- Second, the adjustment into their new environment is eased simply by the fact that these dogs still have each other. Security trumps fear in so many cases!
- Third, having a built-in companion and playmate provides stimulation that reduces boredom, destructive behavior, and potential separation anxiety.
Recent Bonded Pairs
Marshmallow & Bridget
Red Wing, Minnesota
Twice the love – and twice the joy!
Marshmallow (aka Marsha) and Bridget are bonded sisters. At 6 years old, they have lots of spunk and lots of love to give to a Forever Home where they can continue life’s adventures.
These adorable Springer mixes are so charming and so much fun to see! Watching these two together is pure entertainment. Whether they're quietly lounging side by side or making each other laugh with their silly antics (like Bridget walking right underneath Marsha!), it's clear they enjoy each other's company. They're not inseparable, but they bring out the best in one another, and we'd love to see them stay together.
If you're looking for two sweet souls who will fill your home with quiet companionship, gentle affection and double the love, Marsha and Bridget are ready to meet you. They may have arrived in rescue together, but we're hoping their happiest chapter is still ahead—with you.
Archer & Nelson
Eugene, Oregon
Meet these two boys that are quite the pair!
Archer is a Springer Spaniel and Nelson is his companion who thinks he's a Springer, too! Both boys have lived together and it is our goal that they will remain together in a new Forever Home.
The boys are house trained, ride well in a car, walk well both on and off leash. Their foster Mom describes them as the best fosters she has ever had. Both dogs get along well with other dogs. They lived with a cat before coming to ESRA and Archer will ignore the cat in his foster home. Nelson wants to play with the cat, so unless your cat will keep him in his place, he needs to be in a home without cats. Both boys do well with children.
The boys are happy to snuggle on their dog beds and sleep well there at night. They enjoy being with people but are fine left alone together when the family needs to be away from home.
Ginger and Bo
Boca Raton, Florida
Meet Ginger and Bo, a bonded pair of sweet four-year-old Springers! This dynamic duo enjoys going for long walks, playing together, and giving bear hugs to their favorite people. Both pups know basic commands and are polite and well-behaved at home and out and about town.
Ginger learned the doggie door almost immediately and walks beautifully on her leash. Bo is a very dignified gentleman who does well out and about, whether visiting an assisted living facility, a car dealership, or a park. They also get along well with other dogs.
Prior Bonded Pairs
Bentley and Barkley
Livingston, Montana
This loving pair has found their Forever Home!
Bentley is a bench-bred English Springer Spaniel, and his best friend, Barkley, is a cocker spaniel. Recently, their world was shaken when their owner became unable to care for them any longer. These good-natured gentlemen are looking for a wonderful Forever Family who will enjoy their sweetness and allow them to stay together.
They love playing with balls and toys, chasing birdies, and swimming. These boys would be happiest in a home where their person or people are at home most of the time. They need a good deal of daily exercise, as well as lots of snuggling and love from their humans.
Ladybird & Tanner
Dallas, Texas
Our darling dynamic duo, Ladybird and Tanner have found their Forever Home! Not only are they a beautiful, gentle bonded pair, they are mother and son. There’s something extra special about these two—everyone who meets them falls instantly and madly in LOVE!
Ladybird and Tanner are priceless together. Where you find one, you’ll find the other. They’re always giving each other kisses, hanging out alongside each other, or bounding around the yard and playing. Their connection is priceless.
Ladybird (pictured here sitting in the back) and Tanner (in the front) are both active, typical Springers. They love running in the yard, having fun and chasing critters. They would love a stay- or work-at-home family who has lots of time for them. They would be happiest with a large yard with plenty of room to run, daily walks, lots of fun trips in the car, and to be included in lots of adventures.
Lucy and Tux
Lakeside, CA
This sister and brother are a delightful pair of Sprockers (Springer/Cocker mix), and they are now a wonderful addition to the lucky family who has adopted them! At only six months old, they are already housetrained, well behaved, and showing their delightful puppy personalities to their doting foster mom.
Their new home includes a yard where they can run zoomies and play ball with their humans. Lucy is turning into a great ball player, and she will frequently return the ball and drop it at your feet. Tux, however, is more interested in chasing his sister than the ball! Both puppies are extremely active until they crash. Then it’s a nap and a recharge before taking off again! These two are very well socialized, and they absolutely love every human and dog that they meet on their walks.
Lucy and Tux are so happy to have found their Forever Family.
Hyde & Huck
McMinnville, Oregon
Huck and Hyde are litter mates who are going to continue to spend their lives together! These two lucky boys have found their Forever Home! Many life changes have directed their family to contact ESRA to assist in finding a loving Forever Home for these amazing boys.
The boys get along with most other dogs and have been good with cats. They love to play together. They are jumpers and could benefit from additional training to learn not to jump on their people. They have experience with small children in the home.
Huck (pictured here on the right) and Hyde (on the left) are young happy Velcro Springers. They love to snuggle and are ready for that Forever Family that will love having a Springer in your lap.
Jack and Monte
Dillon, Montana
Our previously adopted bonded pair – English Springer Spaniel Jack and his best friend Monte, a German Shepherd Dog have found their Forever Home!! This sweet duo had their world turned upside down recently when their ESRA adopter unexpectedly passed away. Jack, who is seven, and Monte, age ten, spent their last four years being loved and pampered. They have always been best buddies and will absolutely need to be adopted together.
Both of these boys are very loving. Jack is a typical Velcro Springer who just wants to be near his humans. Monte is a sweet, gentle soul. Monte is just a big lover boy who is always willing for a snuggle! He is quite mellow and will accept everyone and everything. Jack is the more outgoing of the pair, a real social butterfly.
We are grateful to all who inquired about Jack and Monte - a unique bonded pair.
