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
Rigby and Finn
Meridian, MS
Unlike many of our bonded pairs, these fun-loving young boys are not littermates and did not grow up together. Two different families turned them over to rescue when their situations changed and they could no longer care for their dogs. After their worlds were turned upside down, they both needed a friend and quickly bonded in foster care. We've promised to find them a Forever Home where they can stay together.
Prior Bonded Pairs
Wesley and Daisy
Minong, WI
Wesley, a handsome liver-and-white male, and Daisy, a pretty black-and-white female, are a wonderful Springer duo! While they are not littermates, they have each been together since puppyhood, and they’re looking for a home together where they can continue to enjoy each other’s company along with their new Forever Family. Both dogs love affection and are great house companions. They connect easily to the people they meet, and they love to snuggle.
Lucy and Sally
Chisago City, MN
These sweet girls came into ESRA’s program when their elderly owners were no longer able to care for them. These dogs are energetic and affectionate. Lucy is bigger and calmer than Sally. The girls are strongly bonded, and they do everything together. If they are separated, they become anxious and whine quietly. Like most Springers, they love food, treats, and snuggling on the couch. They are now very happy in their Forever Home!
Canela and Apache
Phoenix, AZ
These wonderful Springers had their world turned upside down recently when their owner needed to relinquish them due to a change in living circumstances. These pups have always been together, and they have found their Forever Home together. Canela and Apache are rarely far apart – and when one is out of sight, the other exhibits anxiety. But this does not mean that they don’t love their humans! Once you sit down, you are sure to have these two somehow in your lap or snuggling next to you!
Jack & Monte
Dillon, MT
We are excited to announce that our bonded pair – English Springer Spaniel, Jack, and his pal Monte, a German Shepherd Dog - are now in their Forever Home! This sweet duo had their world turned upside down and are happy to be able to remain together. Both boys are loving and very devoted to their humans and each other. They are looking for a Forever Home where they can continue to be best buddies together and spend lots of time with their new family doing everything their humans do!
Remy and Clyde
Charleston, SC
Remy and Clyde, four-year-old littermates, have found their Forever Home -- one with enough love and time for two Springers. Truly bonded, these siblings are joyful, loving and active. They love their walks and running and wrestling in a safely fenced yard. With enough exercise, they chill out and are well behaved in the house. Clyde, with a freckled nose, is taller and leaner. Sister Remy is a bit shorter in height and length and is the “boss.” They live, eat, play, walk, and sit and often sleep tangled together.
Maddie & Max
Richmond, TX
Horray for Maddie and Max! This wonderful duo has found their Forever Home! They are a bonded pair with tons of charm. This dynamic duo will have the birds chirping and the squirrels shaking in their trees! They're a young, active pair of Springers. Maddie is the sweetest of girls. She loves cuddles, treeing squirrels, playing with stuffed toys, and tug of war with Max and her foster brother and sister. Max loves a good belly rub and really enjoys sitting in your lap. He loves to be the center of attention. They both love swimming, playing tug-of-war and playing with stuffed animals.
Mozart & Maxie
Brownsboro, TX
Mozart and Maxie (affectionately known as M & M) are sibling Springer mixes that have found their Forever Home! That's Mozart pictured on the left and his sister, Maxie, on the right. They are both sweet, loving and well-mannered. M & M love to go for walks, which is a great thing since both of them will need to lose a few pounds in order to regain their youthful physiques. They are both gentle and intelligent, love car rides, snuggles and being with their people. So happy for this pair to be in a loving home and be able to be together.
Pepper & Nevada
Seattle, WA
These two sweet girls recently lost their human dad. ESRA stepped up when animal control called requesting assistance. Pepper and Nevada, even though they are Springer mixes, have the wonderful loyal quality of typical Springers. They are both young (Pepper is 2 years old and Nevada is 3 1/2 years), full of love and kisses. They have found their Forever Home, where they will remain together on this new adventure in their lives.
Bandit & Junior
Port St. Lucie, FL
Dynamic duo Bandit and Junior enjoy walks, car rides, going to the dog park, meeting new people and dogs and snuggling on the couch with their favorite human. These littermates are up for any adventure as long as they can do it together.
Max & Junior
Atlanta, GA
Max and Junior are a handsome father-and-son duo in need of a new Forever Home. Both boys are friendly, active and people-oriented. They love human attention, make new friends easily and come when called. They were turned over to rescue due to their family’s financial issues. They are fully vetted, neutered and healthy and come with matching full, wagging tails.
Stunner & Luster
Atlanta, GA
Introducing Stunner and Luster, a handsome pair of bookends that need a Forever Home with enough love and time for two Springers. At nine years old, these two are well beyond all that puppy mischief but still young enough to play and enjoy walks and exploring a fenced yard. They are mellow and sweet, with lots of love to give.
Toby & Jack
Dreary, ID
Toby and Jack are happy, wiggly, snuggly 4-year-old brothers who have found their Forever Family. These two are high energy and sweet as can be. They are eager learners and are becoming more and more comfortable with life in a new environment - indoors! That's Jack on the left and Toby on the right - can you tell these boys are a truly bonded pair? These lucky guys are now living the good life!
