‘Unlikely’ Shelter Dog Duo Comfort Each Other Until Something Amazing Happens

When life gets tough, there’s nothing more comforting than having a best friend by your side. Just ask Karma and Gigi: two polar opposite pups who formed an unlikely sisterhood under the most heartbreaking circumstance.

It was late fall in Boston, Massachusetts, when Karma, a 5-year-old mix-breed dog, and Gigi, a 2-year-old Chihuahua, first arrived at Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL). Although they were rescued from the same home, they weren’t particularly close when they first got to the shelter.

The two dogs mostly kept to themselves until staff members realized one was struggling to adapt to the chaotic shelter environment.

“For Karma, it was a very difficult beginning,” Mike DeFina, ARL’s media relations manager, told The Dodo. “ARL’s shelter staff decided to put the two of them in the same kennel, and almost immediately, Gigi was able to calm Karma down. From there, the bond forged very quickly!”

Karma and Gigi’s distant relationship quickly became a loyal companionship that defied the odds, given their different personalities and statures.

“Side by side, they’re comical, but they balance each other in a perfect way,” DeFina said. “Gigi is the life of the party; she wants to meet everyone and experience everything. Her personality helps Karma have the confidence to meet new people and have new experiences. Karma is very sweet, but her fearfulness prohibits her from being immediately open to new things. She warms up slowly, but once she does, she is an incredibly sweet and affectionate dog.”

Despite their differences, Karma and Gigi developed an unbreakable bond that only strengthened over time. They seamlessly adapted to each other’s routines and refused to part ways no matter what they were doing.

“Their favorite thing to do together is everything!” DeFina said. “They have become inseparable. Whether it’s going for a walk, meeting new people or dogs, eating or sleeping, they do it all together.”

After settling into the shelter for a few weeks, Karma and Gigi embarked on a new adventure: finding the same forever home. While finding a family willing to adopt two dogs at once can be challenging, the folks at ARL knew someone out there would want this packaged duo.

Before they knew it, the perfect family arrived. Having just lost their two “odd couple” senior dogs, Joanie Reynolds Daly and Philip Reynolds couldn’t help but fall for Karma and Gigi. They soon applied to adopt the sweet pups and were quickly approved.

“Karma and Gigi’s dream home was one with a relatively quiet environment, where they would have the space to spread out and be themselves,” DeFina wrote. “Opening your heart and home to not one, but two animals is a huge commitment. We are so thankful that the two of them found the perfect situation!”

You can see the happy family here:

It’s been almost two weeks since Karma and Gigi, now named Lady Gaga (Gaga), arrived home, and they’re gearing up to spend their first holiday season with their amazing forever family. Despite the change in environment, the two pups remain as close as ever.

“They are very gentle with one another, and after playtime, you can always find them curled up together for a nap,” DeFina said. “They are so reliant on one another, and the power of their bond is incredible!”

The folks at ARL couldn’t be happier to see Karma and Gaga thrive in their new home: a happy ending they wish to see for every animal who walks through their doors. As they work towards making that dream come true for every new resident, they can’t help but reminisce on the magic Karma and Gigi brought to the shelter.

“Every animal that comes into the care of ARL is special and unique in their own way, but to see how Gigi was able to instill confidence and calmness into Karma is amazing,” DeFina said. “We work with animals every day, but when you see Karma and Gigi together, you have to stop and see the strength of their bond; it is absolutely awe-inspiring. We are thrilled the two of them were able to start the next chapter of their lives together and are thriving in their new home.”