They say that dogs are man's best friend, but when a dog forms a bond with another dog, it can simply melt your heart. Stevie the shar-pei is blind. His best friend and constant caretaker is a senior Chihuahua named Jimmy. The adorable duo were picked up as a pair of strays in Southern California. They were taken to the Ramona Humane Society. Unfortunately, no one came forward to claim the pair.
During their time at Ramona, it began to become clear that the two had a history together. Stevie relied on Jimmy, who happily took care of him and stuck by his side. When a photo of the two came to the attention of the California Shar-Pei Rescue, the staff there knew they had to help these friends out. Despite being a breed-specific rescue, there was no question in anyone's mind that Jimmy and Stevie needed to stay together. Now the adorable pair are looking for a forever home together.
When Stevie the shar-pei and Jimmy the Chihuahua were found, it was clear they had a special bond.
Jimmy, who is estimated to be about 5 years older than Stevie, stuck by his buddy's side and tended to him.
A picture of the two caught the attention of the California Shar-Pei Rescue. In fact, a volunteer and board member at the rescue, Neda Rosa, told the Dodo, "We have never — in our 30 years of rescue — seen a bond like these two. And it’s interesting because it’s like Jimmy the Chihuahua knows his partner is blind, and he’s taking care of him. He’s just stuck to him like glue. He’s constantly grooming him, and he showers his face nonstop. And he just wants to be with him."
Despite the fact that the rescue is shar-pei-specific, staff knew they couldn't split the pair up. "[W]hen we saw how bonded these two dogs were," Neda explained, "we thought that there was absolutely no way we could leave his little friend behind."
Jimmy has proven to be a fierce protector and trusty companion to Stevie, and it's the sweetest thing you've ever seen.
"He’s just constantly next to him, and he stands in front of him,” Neda explains. “He’s like his protector, and you can tell that they’ve had some time together. And Jimmy is always licking [Stevie’s] eyes, and he's always taking care of him and doesn’t want to leave his side."
Although it seems like the two share a history and may have previously lived together, there's no way to tell what their story actually is.
Since arriving at California Shar-Pei Rescue, the two have gotten lots of love from the rescue and those following their story online.
These glamour shots of the pups are one of many things that are being done to help the two find their forever home.
CSPR has stressed that the two are a package deal, meaning they'll only be adopted out to someone who can take the both of them.
The lucky person who will take this dynamic duo home also needs to understand the needs of these senior dogs.
While many of the minor issues Jimmy has have been taken care of, Stevie will need ongoing medical care.
After suffering from a number of seizures, Stevie has received medical care but will likely need medication for the rest of his life.
This guy is a fighter, for sure. He's already doing so much better thanks to the medication and has even been cleared for a surgery that can possibly restore some of his eyesight!
Once Stevie's medical issues are sorted out and both dogs have been fixed, they'll be ready to go to their forever home. We hope the special bond the two have only grows to include the person whose heart is big enough to welcome them both.
