When a litter of seven Labrador puppies parted ways at just eight weeks old, each pup was sent off to a different service dog training school, destined to become a support companion for someone in need.
But for one pup’s adoptive family, that early separation wasn’t the end of the story—it was just the beginning.
Paul and Matthew Castle, who welcomed one of the pups, Maple, into their home, never forgot that their new guide dog had siblings out there.
Paul, who is blind, immediately bonded with Maple—affectionately called Mr. Maple—a loyal and hardworking companion who took his duties seriously when in harness, but loved a good rest once off the clock.
Still, the Castles couldn’t shake the thought of Maple’s littermates. Were they doing well? Would they still recognize each other?
Determined to find out, the couple tracked down the rest of the litter: Major, Marathon, Mikey, Mascot, Matrix, Murdock, and Madrid.
The first reunion was with Major, now a therapy dog at a high school in Washington State. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, sparking the idea for more sibling meetups.
Next on the list? Mikey, now living in Hawaii and working as a hospital therapy dog. The Castles didn’t hesitate—they booked a flight to the islands to arrange a long-overdue reunion.
When Maple arrived at Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, he was all business. Wearing his harness, he calmly accompanied his family around the hospital grounds, seemingly unaware of the familiar yellow Lab nearby. But the moment both dogs had their vests removed, everything changed.
“As soon as the harnesses came off, it was like flipping a switch,” Paul Castle told The Dodo. “Maple went from focused and composed to full-on puppy mode.”
With wagging tails and joyful yelps, Maple and Mikey charged at each other, instantly recognizing something special. Though it had been years since their last play session, the connection was as strong as ever.
“You could feel the energy,” Castle said. “They weren’t just playing—they were remembering.”
The brothers wrestled, chased, and frolicked like no time had passed. Normally shy around other dogs, Maple came alive with Mikey, and Mikey responded in kind.
“It was like they brought out a part of each other no one else could,” Castle said. “Maybe it was scent, or maybe something deeper—but they knew.”
After their joyous reunion, Mikey’s handlers gave the Castles a full tour of the hospital, complete with leis, balloons, and celebratory snacks. It was a heartfelt day none of them would forget.
Now that they’ve located all seven siblings, the Castles have their sights set on an even bigger goal: a full family reunion.
“We’ve already booked our next flight,” Castle said. “There’s just something incredible about watching these dogs reconnect. It’s a reminder of how deep and lasting their bonds really are.”
You can follow Mr. Maple’s journey—and keep up with plans for the full sibling reunion—on Instagram, where the Castles share his adventures with the world.
