Last updated: 21 Mar, 2023
Published on: 12 Jul, 2021
When humans come together for a special pet ✨
Natasha has always had a home full of furry friends. When her dog of 14 years, Timmy, passed away, she changed homes as she couldn’t bear the thought of living in the same house without him. After Timmie crossed the rainbow bridge, Natasha adopted her beautiful girl Bella via PetRescue.
Unfortunately, this summer Bella was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
As Natasha was determined to fill Bella’s last few months with love and happiness, she once again turned to PetRescue to find another companion.
“I can't stand the thought of Bella passing on, but I want her to show the ropes and help appease our new addition that this is a loving home,” said Natasha.
And that’s when fate connected her with Maggie.
Maggie, who was adopted by Natasha via PetRescue's pet owner support service, Home2Home
Maggie had been listed on PetRescue via PetRescue’s pet owner support service Home2Home when Natasha found her and sent an enquiry.
“I was so happy the owner got to be so thorough in her search for Maggie’s new home. She set up a zoom interview that quickly felt more like a social catch up sharing thoughts and dreams of Maggie’s future life. I got to visit Maggie with her foster parents a couple of times and even joined her for a walk. I just knew Maggie would love her new life in Chelsea with Bella and I. It was bittersweet but I knew Bella would have some peace of mind knowing I’d have someone there to care for when she was ready to pass.”
Support from Maggie’s previous owner
Natasha recalls that helping Maggie settle in was much much easier than expected thanks to the advice offered by Maggie’s previous owner as a part of Home2Home.
Maggie was truly lucky as her humans communicated and kept each other updated throughout the adoption process. This had an immense impact on how well Maggie adjusted in her new home and with her owner.
Take a look at some of the screen grabs from their conversations below:
Natasha, Maggie’s new owner, (white speech bubble) and Kelly, Maggie’s previous owner, communicated throughout the adoption process.
On adjusting in a multi-pet household
Bella loved being a big sister, as long as Maggie didn’t encroach on her meals! A boundary quickly established assertively and without a second thought from either of them.
I’d been warned Maggie would take a while to settle in and didn’t like walks on the lead. Bella and I made a bit of a game of it, walking around the yard on the lead, venturing onto the street with the lead, just gradually getting Maggie to feel safe.
She went from a very loving home to another with her foster parents all in preparation for her new forever home. I ask which side of the bed she wants and she sprawls over both sides like only a dog can perfect. When I squeeze my way in she sleeps against me with her dulcet little snore to let me know she’s safe and content. I am so grateful to Home2Home and to Maggie’s first mum for giving me the chance to have another furbaby fill my heart and home with love.
Maggie (left) with Bella (right)
Maggie becomes an anchor of support during tough times
When it was time to say goodbye to Bella, Natasha was glad to have Maggie around to comfort her during this difficult time.
“Even in that darkest hour I was glad Maggie was there to see the outpouring of love and respect in Bella’s goodbye. When I came home alone she instinctively knew it was time for snuggles on the couch as I sobbed.”
We often don’t realise how much furry friends can help us cope with loss. Even though Bella had a special bond with Natasha, having another dog at this time gave her the strength to deal with her grief.
That day Maggie became her shoulder to cry on, her best friend, her guardian angel.
We’ve all felt scared and vulnerable, and wished for a companion to get through the difficult times. And this is why having a pet is so special. Their bounty of selfless love is unmatched.
Is there room for a special pet in your heart? Start your adoption journey here.