Sophia made Tri-Cities Animal Shelter feel like her home when she arrived in August. Sometimes Sophia felt lonely. But the good news is that she knew she could always look over the wall to see Duke, her neighbor and supporter, if she felt the need.
“It’s touching to see two dogs find comfort in each other,” Julie Saraceno, a shelter volunteer, told us.
Saraceno noticed this behavior for the first time when she was recording a video with Duke. Sophia appeared on the opposite side of the wall and interrupted Saraceno’s video. Saraceno was touched by their sweet interaction.
“I could tell [Sophia] had done this before,” Saraceno said. “I’m always happy when the shelter dogs find a way to make their time there a little less sad and lonely.”
Sophia and Duke’s bond was an unlikely one. Sophia was well-known for her energy and wit, while Duke is calmer and more reserved.
“Sophia is a loveable goofball and enjoys leaning her entire body into you for pets,” Saraceno said. “Duke is more serious, but lets his softer side out occasionally.”
Nevertheless, Duke was clearly charmed by Sophia’s affection. Perhaps he felt connected with her as they arrived together at the shelter after having been stray dogs.
“Sophia was desperate for a doggy friend!” Saraceno said. “We think she eventually wore Duke down with her persistence and gorgeous Dumbo ears.”
By September, Sophia had found her forever family, but she will surely never forget Duke’s comfort and kindness.
Duke is still searching for a place to call home, where his family will, just like Sophia, be happy to show him affection. The calm, gentle boy, who is currently the shelter’s longest resident, can’t wait to find his perfect match.
