Dorien talks about Saul & Sebas
In 2024, Dorien adopted the inseparable duo Saul and Sebas after they were rescued from a lifetime of confinement in a bathroom.
How did the adoption go and how are they doing now? And is it extra challenging to adopt a pair, or is it mostly double the fun?
Adopter Dorien shares here the heartwarming story of how her pack doubled from two to four dogs…
"Hello, my name is Dorien van Boekel and I live together with my four dogs in a beautiful area close to the forest."
In the past, I once adopted a dog from the shelter: Pluto. Because of the traumas he had gone through, he came with quite an instruction manual. I consulted three different animal behavior specialists for this, and eventually, I was able to understand and communicate with him.
Three years ago, I adopted a pair of senior dogs through another foundation: Paddy (15 years old) and Portus (13 years old).
I came across Sebas and Saul on Facebook. My heart melted immediately when I saw their video: so sweet and touching! When I read the comments from others – ‘I hope they can both be adopted’ – I thought straight away: why not with me? The idea of them being separated made me very sad. If two dogs can live together in their final years, then four can too.
Few people consciously choose senior dogs, but I have a soft spot for them. I really want to give them beautiful years, because they have so much love to give. I didn't have to think long and reached out to Perro&Co. After meeting Saul and Sebas, the choice was quickly made, and they were more than welcome.
Before they came to live with me, they visited twice to see how the interaction with my other two dogs would go. This went better than expected.
I myself felt more tension and doubts (is this really going to go well?). But the dogs were really relaxed. It seemed as if they had known each other for years!
The initial period was actually never difficult. In fact, it felt as if they had always belonged together. From the moment they came to live with me, they immediately formed a beautiful pack in which everyone found their place.
Portus had always been calm by nature, but my oldest dog Paddy became even more playful after Saul and Sebas arrived.
Saul and Sebas are both super sweet, social dogs, each with their own personality. Sebas was given calming medication at first because of his anxieties, but we were able to reduce it quite quickly.
By now, he clearly indicates what he wants and needs. I monitor his boundaries because his cup can sometimes fill up quickly. And even though he is occasionally very present, he can now also take his own rest.
Saul is actually very affectionate and prefers to stay with me all day. He follows Sebas in everything and happily 'gives paws' all day long.
Saul is actually very affectionate and prefers to stay with me all day. He follows Sebas everywhere and happily gives his paw all day long.
During the day they roam throughout the entire ground floor and can freely walk around in the garden, at night they have their own bedroom.
For me, it took a little getting used to going from two to four dogs; the house suddenly became a lot busier. My daily routine also needed some adjustments.
After they had been there for a while, I started training them to walk together. I do this six times a day, which means I go out with two dogs at a time three times a day. By now, we take nice, long walks in the forest.
There they can happily sniff around and play together. They enjoy meeting their regular dog friends and always respond very enthusiastically.
When it rains, they wear a raincoat, and in winter, a winter coat, which they put on without any problems. During these walks, a whole world opens up for them, both literally and figuratively – a huge difference from being stuck in a bathroom day in, day out!
Their first snow day was a real adventure. They went outside very carefully and were especially hesitant about doing their business in this cold, white layer of snow. In the end, I cleared a large part of the lawn of snow so they still had enough space.
In my garden, I have now also had to put up some barriers, because during his explorations Saul keeps coming across something new to investigate – and he’s not always very careful! After all those little adventures, it’s wonderful to play a bit inside with all the dogs and relax on the couch.
It gives me a happy feeling to know that after everything they have been through, I can now give them a cozy bed in a loving home. In short: I wouldn't want to miss them for anything, and I hope to enjoy many beautiful years together with the four of us!
Dorien's story shows that even for dogs who seem difficult to place at first, there is ultimately that one perfect match.
It often takes a bit more patience to find a suitable adopter who opens their heart and home to an older dog and/or a dog with a difficult past, but it is not impossible!
Even more. if it also concerns a duo who, after years of surviving together, is now looking for a shared place, it can feel as if you are actually hoping for a little miracle, that one needle in a very large haystack…
Fortunately, Perro&Co does not shy away from such challenges; they are committed to these animals so that they can finally enjoy a well-deserved golden old age.
When you then hear that these former unfortunate dogs have now become real lucky little dogs, it's really the cherry on top of the dedication and involvement of all the people who contributed to this!
An ending twice as good for this special, double adoption!
Lonneke
