They're Not Always a Bonded Pair

That "DON'T SEPARATE THEM!" comment may actually make two dogs harder to save. And in an overcrowded shelter, harder to save can mean they don't make it out alive.

We know you mean well. You see two scared dogs curled up together and think separating them would be cruel.

Loving Each Other Isn't the Same as Being Bonded

Dogs are social animals. In the terrifying environment of a shelter, they often cling to another dog for comfort. They may sleep together, play together, and look inseparable.

That tells us they find comfort in another dog. It doesn't necessarily mean they can't live happily without that dog.

In fact, when adopted into a home with another friendly, compatible dog, many dogs will form a new relationship and begin looking to that dog — and their humans — for companionship, security, and comfort.

What the Label Actually Costs

Truly inseparable bonded pairs exist. But the label should be used carefully, because the moment we call two dogs a "bonded pair," we aren't looking for two adopters anymore. We're looking for one person willing and able to take two dogs:

• Two adoption commitments.
• Two mouths to feed.
• Two vet bills.
• Housing that allows both.

The pool of possible fosters and adopters just became much smaller. And comments like:

• "Please don't separate them!"
• "They HAVE to stay together!"
• "It would be cruel to adopt only one!"

can make someone willing to save one dog feel like their offer isn't good enough. Now instead of finding two homes, we may find none.

Leave the Call to the People Who Know the Dogs

If experienced shelter or rescue professionals determine that two dogs truly cannot thrive apart, that's different. But please don't make that determination from a photo of two dogs snuggling in a kennel.

Two dogs alive, safe, and loved in two separate homes is a beautiful ending. Two dogs who didn't make it out because everyone was waiting for one person to take them both is not.

What to Do Instead

Before you type "DON'T SEPARATE THEM!":

• Share the post instead.
• Tag someone who can foster one.
• Tag someone who can adopt one.

Sometimes letting them go separately is exactly how we save them both.

Willing to be that one person for one dog? Apply to foster or meet the dogs looking for homes.

Read the original post on Facebook.