A dog had the ulti-mutt tail wags when she realized a rescue dog who she had previously had a play date with had been adopted by her owners and was moving into their fur-ever home together.
Five-year-old golden retriever Sadie Mae, who lives with her owners in Raleigh, North Carolina, had a very different upbringing to Rio, who was brought to the U.S. from Kosovo with many health issues.
Rio, also an English cream golden retriever, was brought to a rescue organization in Raleigh, whose website Sadie Mae’s owner, Ashtyn, 21, happened to be browsing on a whim one day.
Ashtyn admitted there was no plan to adopt, but something drew her to Rio’s story, so she reached out to set up a play date between Sadie Mae and Rio.
The pair made an instant bond, playing, sniffing and tail wagging, with Sadie Mae, who is usually quite reserved, coming out of her shell.
Ashtyn said she knew she had to adopt Rio from that moment, with the process feeling less like an adoption and more like welcoming home someone who had been missing.
Then, on the day of Rio’s arrival, Sadie Mae headed to the front door to investigate who was pulling up.
When Rio emerged from the car, an excited Sadie Mae couldn’t stop wiggling her body and wagging her tail with joy, knowing she would get to spend time with Rio once more.
Ashtyn said: “We were so excited for Sadie Mae seeing Rio that day.
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“It is always in the back of your mind that your current dog and new dog won’t get along, but they instantly clicked.
“Seeing Sadie Mae get so excited about having a new friend made us not only excited for us, but we were excited for her.
“She gained a best friend that day and it was obvious she felt that way.
“Rio’s journey to that moment had been long and difficult.
“He was rescued from Kosovo when he was about a year old, struggling with heartworm and other health issues.
“But thanks to the rescue organization here in Raleigh, he received the care he needed.
“Slowly, patiently, they nursed him back to health – body and spirit – until he was ready to find a forever family.
“And that family turned out to be us.”
