June 24, 2014

Meant To Be


I was always envious of people who had animals that snuggled and cuddled with one another. Freya and Lasya merely tolerated each other's presence and the few fights they had over the years made me seriously question whether or not I'd have two dogs - especially two females - again. Pamela's lovely post at Something Wagging This Way Comes yesterday reminded me that while generalizations can be backed up by examples, so can exceptions. 

It's no secret that I hand-picked Boca out of a dozen other dogs that were ear-marked by Ruby's rescue group for hopeful air-lift to Colorado, but had fully intended to foster her and adopt her out.  She caught my attention because of her coloration, smaller size than the typical potcake, and her irresistible smile. None of those things had any bearing or any prediction of how she and Ruby would get along, matching coats or not. I have heard that choosing a second dog that is smaller, younger, and the opposite sex of your existing dog puts the odds in favor of harmony, and Boca was bigger, older and same sex. I believe that due to their individual natures, Ruby's willingness and enthusiasm for sharing her home, beds and toys and Boca's endless patience and easygoing gentleness, it was a match made in heaven. 


Boca is a great role model, and Ruby tends to follow her lead for their daily routines. A little sleepy wrestling before breakfast, sunbathing for most of the late morning and afternoon, a wild rumpus before their evening walk, chewing time before bed. Ruby's life is so much richer with Boca in the picture, and I find myself wondering what we ever did without her. Their interactions are endearing and adorable, and Boca's big sister attitude and firm but fair corrections when Ruby crosses the line are teaching me even more about dog behavior.

It's just incredible to me that these two gingery dogs from different countries - one who found herself on death row in an overcrowded shelter in the southern United States when she was less than a year old, and one who spent her early life sick and starving on the street and the past year in a tropical shelter that resembles a dog park - could adjust so easily to life in a home, coexist so perfectly and have so much love to give every day. These girls are such a gift: to each other, and most of all to me.



26 comments:

  1. They sure are lucky to have you.
    Lily & Edward

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    1. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words!

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  2. What a lovely post! It's so hard to predict if two dogs will get along - but you did well in choosing - their personalities really do seem to compliment each other! Enjoy them!

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    1. Ruby loves everyone but it doesn't always go both ways - Boca was definitely a keeper.

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  3. Very sweet post. They are so cute. It's awesome that they get along so great and just love each other so. I love it!

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    1. They have made me appreciate the importance of doggie friendships for those that enjoy the company of other dogs, that's for sure!

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  4. <3. I'm so happy for you, and for Ruby and Boca.

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    1. Thank you - they are a lot of fun together. Last night I am certain Ruby fooled Boca into giving up the "better" of the identical Benebones by running out onto the patio and barking once (which she never does). Boca went to investigate and Ruby ran back in and made a beeline for the chew bone!

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  5. This makes me so happy! They are so cute. Pyrrha and Eden are doing really well together, better than they were for their first few months under our roof, but they will never be snuggle bugs or show this much affection for each other. Maybe one day we'll have a cuddly, perfectly matched pair like yours!

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    1. The snuggling was an unexpected bonus and one of the things that made the decision to keep Boca an easy one.

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  6. Such a sweet story. I'm so glad you decided to keep Boca...I was cheering for that from the beginning...they seemed like a perfect match.

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    1. Truly one of the best pet-related decisions I have ever made, and even if I filled my foster spot, there are other ways that I can advocate for and help these wonderful dogs.

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  7. I swear, it makes me tear up to see how cute and loving they are. Lucky lucky Ruby, Lucky lucky Boca, and Lucky lucky Lara.

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    1. They are a daily delight - my house feels right again.

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  8. Ugh, this makes me not want to give Chico up. They share these same qualities. :( He goes back to his original foster on Friday. Im already sad about it because these two are so good together. Im happy that you decided to keep Boca. She completes your little family. <3

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    1. It's a very personal decision and you have some circumstances which I did not need to consider. The extra expense is nothing to sneeze at - my dog walker doesn't charge for additional dogs and if I still did day care there is no way I could afford both!

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  9. I swear that seeing Boca's and Ruby's flourishing friendship has been as fun for us to watch as it has been for you.

    I'm so glad you ignored the conventional wisdom and picked the dog who is just right for your family.

    And thanks for the shout out for the post. I love reading all the ways people have made their own rules to give their dogs a great life.

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    1. You've had a string of wonderful posts lately - I loved today's, too! I think either of my previous dogs would have been happier as only dogs but Ruby and Boca really seem to adore each other. It's been a lovely window into dog relationships.

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  10. I think Boca knew that she was home before you did! ;-)

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    1. It's true. I was trying to be such a stalwart foster mom!

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  11. ah~ so touching and so sweet! you all are so lucky to have each other! <3

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  12. I seriously can't handle how much I love those snuggled-up pictures! They are absolutely precious, and I agree with you re: Pamela's post. Those "rules" don't mean a thing when it comes down to the individual dog. So happy for you that you found your "meant to be!"

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  13. My sister, Constance, and my Auntie Blossom cuddle together a lot but truth be told, I think they're both just after the best spot on the couch, at the same time.

    Purrs,
    Nissy #Niss4Senate - tell the PM, today.

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  14. I hope to one day get a second dog; it's so easy to assume the worst when making generalizations. I love how Boca ended up in your lives - it's even sweeter when contrasted with the reasons of why it shouldn't have been such a good match. They're such great examples of how a dogs life can be enriched with dog to dog companionship; I only hope I could be so lucky if I decided to try the same.

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