There is nothing more tragic than losing a pet. Many don’t understand the heartache we go through.
That is why, after losing their dog at nine years old, Kathryn Birster had no intention of moving on. She and her husband were still grieving, understandably.
As Kathryn sat down at her computer and scrolled through her social media feed, a photo came up of two sweet dogs snuggling together. She read through the article.
The bonded pair of Pit Bulls, named Bonnie and Clyde, sat in a shelter together. They needed a home badly but finding one where they could stay together proved difficult.
Source: @gusandnina/Instagram
After reading the comments, it became apparent that there was a lot of interest in Clyde but no interest in Bonnie. This broke Kathryn’s heart.
After all she and her family had been through with their dog, she couldn’t imagine Bonnie being alone.
There was a possibility of the two being separated and that didn’t fly with Kathryn. She got on the phone with her husband immediately.
Source: @gusandnina/Instagram
Kathryn’s husband wasn’t ready to move on just yet and adopt again. Plus, two dogs?! That’s a lot! But after a few days of going back and forth, and finding out that Bonnie and Clyde still needed a home, Kathryn was able to sway her husband to go and meet the dogs.
When they met the duo face-to-face, it was as if this was all meant to be. The Birsters knew it wouldn’t be an easy transition but they also knew they had to open their hearts, and their home, to the sweet dogs.
Source: @gusandnina/Instagram
They made the adoption official and took Bonnie and Clyde home that same day! First, they changed their names to Nina and Gus.
The pair had been surrendered as “Nina and Boss” and the Birsters thought if they kept their names close to their original ones, they’d feel more comfortable.
Source: @gusandnina/Instagram
The pair, at three and four years old, surely had plenty of energy. They were immediately thrilled to be inside a home again.
In the shelter, all curled up together, you could see their fear and trepidation but now, in their forever home, they became their silly, goofy selves.
It’s four years later, and the family is still going strong. They all love to go hiking together. And the pups love toy puzzles. They’re really smart!
The best part: the dogs that are truly a pair, are still together. Nothing will tear them apart. Thank you to the Birsters and ACCT Philly for Gus and Nina’s happily ever after!
Source: @gusandnina/Instagram
