Reputable shelters often get “bonded” pets – meaning two pets that are emotionally very tied to each other and have a very good, close relationship. When shelters see this, they will often refuse to adopt them out separately. Adopting out a bonded pair together often raises their chances of successfully becoming happy members of their new home and reduces the chances of destructive behaviors like chewing, excessive barking, depression or listlessness.
Bonded pairs don’t always exist in the form of dogs, but can also happen in the form of two cats, a dog and a cat or any other number of options. In the case of dogs, however, this can happen for several reasons:
• They can literally have been born together and lived together since birth. Their connection in this situation is usually the strongest and the hardest to break.
• They have spent a significant amount of time together (especially from an early age).
• An older and younger dog can also bond, especially if they have not been exposed to this type of relationship before (or if the older dog lost a bonded pair recently).
Dogs have very real emotions, and separating him from his life partner can be devastating. If it must be done, make the transition to his new life as easy as possible. Develop a stable routine and familiarity. Make sure to give your new pet as much attention as possible and build that relationship with him early on. However, if at all possible, try to adopt that bonded pair together. They will thank you for it.
