When life gets difficult, there’s something truly special about having a best friend by your side. Karma and Gigi are the perfect example of this.
These two pups, opposites in every way, formed a deep and unexpected sisterhood, united by one of the most heartbreaking circumstances.
A New Beginning at Animal Rescue League of Boston
It was late fall in Boston, Massachusetts, when Karma, a 5-year-old mix-breed dog, and Gigi, a 2-year-old Chihuahua, first arrived at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL). Though they were rescued from the same home, they weren’t immediately close upon their arrival at the shelter.
The dogs kept to themselves at first until the shelter staff realized that one of them was struggling to adjust to the overwhelming environment.
“For Karma, it was a very difficult beginning,” said Mike DeFina, ARL’s media relations manager, speaking to The Dodo. “ARL’s shelter staff decided to place the two of them in the same kennel, and almost immediately, Gigi was able to calm Karma down. From there, the bond forged very quickly!”
A Bond That Defied the Odds
Karma and Gigi’s distant relationship soon blossomed into a close, loyal companionship, overcoming their contrasting personalities and sizes.
“Side by side, they’re comical, but they perfectly balance each other,” DeFina explained. “Gigi is the life of the party; she wants to meet everyone and experience everything. Her outgoing nature gives Karma the confidence to meet new people and try new things. Karma, while very sweet, tends to be fearful, which makes her slow to warm up. But once she does, she’s incredibly affectionate.”
Despite their differences, Karma and Gigi formed an unbreakable bond. Over time, they seamlessly adapted to each other’s routines and became inseparable, whether they were playing, eating, or simply resting.
“Their favorite thing to do together is everything!” DeFina shared. “They’ve become inseparable. Whether it’s going for a walk, meeting new people or dogs, eating or sleeping, they do it all together.”
The Perfect Family for Karma and Gigi
After settling into the shelter for a few weeks, Karma and Gigi began their search for the perfect forever home. Although adopting two dogs at once can be a challenge, the staff at ARL were confident there was a family out there who would take them both.
Soon enough, the perfect family appeared. Joanie Reynolds Daly and Philip Reynolds, who had recently lost their two senior dogs, were immediately drawn to Karma and Gigi. They quickly applied to adopt the pups, and the adoption was swiftly approved.
“Karma and Gigi’s dream home was one with a relatively quiet environment, where they would have the space to spread out and be themselves,” DeFina said. “Opening your heart and home to not just one, but two animals, is a big commitment. We are so thankful they found the perfect family!”
You can see the happy family here:
A Bright Future for Karma and Gigi
Almost two weeks after arriving in their new home, Karma and Gigi, now known as Lady Gaga (Gaga), are getting ready to spend their first holiday season with their forever family. Despite the change in environment, they remain as close as ever.
“They are very gentle with one another, and after playtime, you’ll always find them curled up together for a nap,” DeFina said. “They are so reliant on each other, and the strength of their bond is incredible.”
The team at ARL is overjoyed to see Karma and Gaga thrive in their new home, a happy ending they hope to see for every animal that walks through their doors. As they continue to work toward this goal for all their residents, they fondly remember the magic that Karma and Gigi brought to the shelter.
“Every animal that comes into ARL’s care is special in its way, but watching Gigi instill confidence and calm in Karma was something remarkable,” DeFina remarked. “We work with animals every day, but when you see Karma and Gigi together, you can’t help but marvel at the strength of their bond. We’re thrilled they’ve begun the next chapter of their lives together, and they’re thriving in their new home.”