When three Saint Bernard brothers walked through the doors of an animal shelter in Edmonton, Alberta, their arrival turned every head in the building.
Together, they weighed well over 300 pounds, a living mountain of fur, drool, and heart.
Shelter workers stood in awe at the sheer size and sweetness of the trio, who would soon be known as Goliath, Gunther, and Gasket.
A Giant Family of Gentle Souls
The staff quickly realized that normal kennels wouldn’t work. These dogs needed room to stretch, cuddle, and most importantly — stay together.
So, the shelter made a rare adjustment: they shut down an entire dog ward just for the brothers. It wasn’t just about space; it was about love.
When staff peeked in on them later, they found the three giants curled up in a single pile, their heads resting on one another, breathing in perfect unison. The sight melted every heart in the building.
The shelter team soon discovered that these brothers weren’t just companions — they were soulmates. They had spent their entire lives side by side, sharing food bowls, naps, and adventures.
Out of curiosity, the staff decided to run a behavior assessment to see how they would cope if separated. It didn’t take long for the answer to appear.
Too Bonded to Be Apart
The moment the dogs were placed in different rooms, anxiety filled the air. They panted heavily, paced the kennels, and refused to eat. Their eyes darted toward every sound, hoping to spot a familiar face.
It was clear that being apart broke their hearts. As soon as they were reunited, the tension vanished. Their tails wagged. Their bodies relaxed. Their appetite and joy returned instantly.
That moment convinced everyone that these brothers could never be split. Wherever they went, they had to go together.
The staff knew that finding someone willing — and able — to take on three Saint Bernards at once would be a challenge.
But they also knew that whoever opened their home to these dogs would gain something extraordinary: a lifetime of loyalty, laughter, and oversized cuddles.
A Happy Ending for Three Gentle Giants
Weeks later, after a long review process and countless interviews, the perfect family was found.
On October 17, Goliath, Gunther, and Gasket finally left the shelter for good — together. Their adoption marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another.
The couple who welcomed them are lifelong supporters of adoption. They’ve previously rescued many pets and even adopted one of their two children.
Now, their family includes four dogs — the three Saint Bernards and one other lucky pup — all sharing a beautiful one-acre fenced yard where they can run and play to their hearts’ content.
The new family asked to remain anonymous while the dogs settle into their new life, but shelter staff say they couldn’t have asked for a more loving home.
The adoption came after hundreds of applications were carefully reviewed and narrowed down through phone calls and in-person meetings.
The team wanted to ensure the brothers would have the stability, space, and affection they deserved.
When the news broke, the outpouring of joy was overwhelming.
People from around the world who had followed the trio’s story sent messages of congratulations, their hearts full knowing that these gentle giants were safe at last. But the shelter also took the moment to remind everyone of the many other animals still waiting.
In their announcement, they shared a heartfelt message: “At the end of the day, we could only choose one family for them, but there are thousands of other homeless pets who are just as deserving of a forever home.”
Inspired by the brothers’ story, the shelter launched an adoption event to help the more than 250 other animals still waiting behind their doors.
With reduced fees and open hearts, they hoped that more families would step forward to adopt.
For the staff who cared for Goliath, Gunther, and Gasket, saying goodbye was bittersweet.
They had grown used to seeing the brothers curled together each morning, greeting them with slobbery kisses and wagging tails. But watching the dogs leave, side by side, to start their new life filled them with pride.
Now, somewhere beyond those shelter walls, three enormous Saint Bernards are running across soft grass, free and loved — a family that stayed whole against all odds