When rescuers from Stillwater Animal Welfare (SAW) found two dogs running side by side through the busy streets of Oklahoma, they could tell right away — these two weren’t just strays. They were family.
No matter how far they’d traveled or how long they’d been on their own, Bonnie and Clyde had clearly been through it all together.
“They traveled who knows how far,” said Ashlie Jerkes, one of SAW’s animal welfare officers, “but they always stayed together.”
Once safe at the shelter, the pair continued to cling to each other. They shared the same kennel, curled up in a single bed, and comforted one another through every vet visit and new sound.
Even when they were finally healthy enough to move onto the adoption floor, Bonnie and Clyde made it clear: wherever one went, the other had to follow.
“When we gave them outside time, they would just run together,” Jerkes said.
But then came the day that changed everything.
Clyde was adopted by a loving family — and suddenly, Bonnie was alone for the first time in who knows how long.
The shelter staff watched as her energy faded. The once-bright dog spent her days lying face-down on her cot, barely looking up when people passed by. It was clear she missed her best friend — and her heart was breaking.
So, the team decided to share her story online.
“Bonnie is all alone since her brother got adopted,” SAW wrote on Facebook, alongside a photo of the despondent pup. “She definitely misses having a sibling to cuddle with.”
The post quickly spread — and just three days later, everything changed again.
“That was posted on Friday,” Jerkes said, “and someone was in first thing on Monday to adopt her.”
Bonnie’s new mom, Brayden Routh, instantly fell in love. She brought Bonnie home to meet her new blue heeler–mix sister, and the bond was instant.
“She’s already settling in!” Routh shared on Facebook. “She’s going to have the best life, full of adventures with her big sis.”
After so much loss and waiting, Bonnie finally has what she’s always wanted — a family of her own. And though she’ll never forget her brother Clyde, her future now looks bright and full of love.
To help pups like Bonnie and Clyde get the care they need, you can make a donation through Stillwater Animal Welfare’s Amazon list here.
