Page 18 - Southern Exposure - April '25

Page 18, Southern Exposure

Pet matterS

The Pet Cottage Post

Bonded Pairs: Two Hearts, One Home

At The Pet Cottage (TPC), many of
the pets who come to us arrive in
bonded pairs—siblings or lifelong
companions who have spent every
moment together. When they lose their
human, they rely on each other for
comfort and security. Separating them
can cause profound distress, anxiety, and depression,
making their transition even more heartbreaking.
That’s why we are dedicated to keeping bonded pairs
together. Through our Lifelong Guardianship Program,
we ensure that these pets remain by each other’s side,
finding a new home where they can continue their journey
together. Skylar and Sofia Sofia and Ellen Simba and Smokey

The Comfort Of Companionship Forever Homes For Lifelong Friends For Smokey and Simba, bonded brother cats, staying
together meant everything. After their owner suffered a
Just like people, animals form deep emotional bonds. Some of our most heartwarming success stories severe injury, The Pet Cottage ensured they were placed
Whether they’re littermates, lifelong housemates, or best come from bonded pairs finding their perfect Forever with a loving Forever Guardian, where they continue to
friends who found each other later in life, their connection Guardians. thrive—even after Simba developed diabetes. Thanks
provides stability, confidence and a sense of security— Sofia and Skylar, a bonded brother-and-sister to TPC’s lifelong medical support, they remain healthy,
especially during times of upheaval. Maltipoo duo, lost their mom suddenly in 2023. Alone happy, and together.
When bonded pairs are separated, they often and terrified, they were rescued by The Pet Cottage and
experience: placed with Ellen and Bryan Daly, where they have since How You Can Help
• Depression and withdrawal—losing interest in food, thrived. Now, they spend
play, or interaction. their days happily by each By becoming a Lifelong Guardian for a bonded pair,
• Increased anxiety—pacing, whining, or destructive other’s side, completely you’re not just giving them a home—you’re preserving
behavior as they search for their missing companion. adjusted and loved in their a relationship that means everything to them. The Pet
• Health issues—stress-related illnesses or weakened new home with their dog Cottage ensures that no Guardian has to take on this
immune systems due to emotional distress. companion, Betty. commitment alone, covering veterinary care and offering
Keeping them together eases their transition into a new For Shamus and Fiona, ongoing support.
home, helping them feel safe and secure as they adjust to two senior dogs left behind If you’re ready to change two lives forever, consider
their new environment. after their owner’s passing, welcoming a bonded pair into your heart and home.
staying together made all Your support makes these matches possible. Donate today
The Reward Of Welcoming A Bonded Pair the difference. They found and help us keep best friends together, where they belong!
comfort and stability in The Pet Cottage
For Guardians, welcoming a bonded pair into their their Forever Guardian Wendy Derhak Founder/Executive Director
home means twice the love, twice the joy! These family, allowing them to Shamus To schedule a tour or for more information contact us
pets bring an instant sense of family, often providing continue their golden years at (561) 818-5025. Learn more at thepetcottage.org.
companionship and entertainment for each other. They with the love and security they deserve. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
play together, nap together and look out for one another,
making them easier to integrate into a new home than
many expect.
Many bonded pairs are already well-adjusted,
socialized and trained, making the experience smoother
for their new families. Plus, there’s something truly
special about witnessing the deep unspoken connection
between two animals who have spent a lifetime together.