Last Thursday, Stillwater Animal Welfare (SAW) staff discovered two dogs that had been “doped” on a street in Oklahoma City.
It’s not uncommon for SAW social workers to pick up small dogs at a time, but they are used to seeing captured dogs eventually become more self-sufficient.
The staff immediately saw that these two had a particular bond in this situation.
“They traveled together, who knows how far,” said Ashlie Jerkes, an animal care worker at SAW. “But they always stayed together.”
The pair received their vaccinations with their paws open and were named Bonnie and Clyde. They were not separated, even at the shelter.
“Having them complete their attention together in the same place, where they seemed to be united, gave them a sense of unity,” Jerkes told me.
The two dogs stayed together for three days to relax and receive medical treatment. Despite their constant battle with heartworm, Bonnie and Clyde were eventually deemed suitable for adoption.
When they were temporarily separated at the adoption center, the two closest friends were excited to be reunited.
“When we gave them time outside, they would just run around together,” Jerkes explained at the time.
Bonnie quickly found herself in the shelter, while Clyde was adopted by a loving family.
The discouraged Bonnie immediately missed her best friend and began to hope that her happiness would one day come true. One day, a social worker took a photo of her curled up with her head down in her bed and posted it on the shelter’s social media page in hopes of finding her a home.
“Bonnie has been completely happy since her brother was adopted,” a Facebook post added, “and it definitely feels strange not having a sibling to interact with.”
Fortunately, his goal was achieved ahead of schedule.
“That was posted on Friday and someone came to adopt it first thing Monday morning,” Jerkes continued.
Bonnie finally found the perfect home and couldn’t be happier.
“She’s already settling in!” Bonnie’s new mom, Braden Routh, commented on Facebook. “She’s going to have a wonderful life full of adventures with her new big brother, a pastel Australian Shepherd mix.”
Bonnie was adopted just a few days ago, but her new family adores her as if she had always been there.
Bonnie will always have fond memories of her brother Clyde, but she is excited for the adventures that await them.
The Broader Implications
The phenomenon of forgotten birthdays speaks to a broader issue in our society: the superficiality of many modern relationships. As we become increasingly reliant on digital communication, the depth of our connections can suffer. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that a like or a comment is enough to maintain a friendship. But real relationships require more—time, effort, and genuine interest.
This experience also highlights the need for balance in our digital lives. While technology can enhance our connections, it should not replace the human touch. A thoughtful, personal message, a phone call, or a face-to-face conversation can mean far more than a quick, obligatory post on social media.
As we navigate this digital age, it’s crucial to remember that the tools we use to connect with others are just that—tools. It’s up to us to use them wisely and to ensure that our interactions are meaningful and heartfelt. In doing so, we can build stronger, more resilient relationships that withstand the test of time, and ensure that no one feels forgotten on their special day.
