Adopt: Bonded Pair Pandora & Prime

By Alyssa Schor

They’ll entertain you – and each other.

Pandora and Prime will chase each other around and take turns hiding and popping out from under the bed, said Helen Bodron, the dogs’ most recent foster.

“They bring out the silly side in each other,” Helen said. “These two – they’re guaranteed to entertain you. Every day they make me laugh with their antics.”

The pair of pit bulls arrived to City Dogs Rescue from Smyth County, Va. in early January 2015, after the owners had to surrender because they could no longer afford to keep the dogs. Many wonderful people stepped up to foster this duo, including Megan Blevins in Smyth County before they came to DC. Mary Clare Gumbleton and Jaime Gracia have hosted them twice, and Julie Tankersley has also cared for them twice now while their foster families have had travel plans.

Helen, the dogs’ current “long-term foster” previously had a brother and sister dog in her home for 15 years and has been an amazing foster to these siblings.

“I’m a big fan of having two dogs that are companions for each other,” she said.

---

Pandora and Prime adjusted to their new environment very well and quickly, Helen said. They came from “good, loving homes”; they’re completely housebroken, well trained, obedient and adaptable to their surroundings. 

“They’ve never been mistreated, and it shows in their demeanors,” Helen said. “They’re truly happy and fun-loving. They’re just brimming with personality.”

The dogs are very active. They enjoy going for long walks, running around and playing with each other in the yard.

“If you love fast walks, they’re a great personal trainer that way,” Helen said.

But for as “rambunctious” as they can be, Helen said once Pandora and Prime are told to settle down, they become very calm. They love to snuggle – sometimes when they’re sleeping, Prime will put an arm or paw around Pandora.

“They’re so loving and sweet,” Helen said.

Because they’re a bonded pair, Helen said people can be intimidated by the idea of adopting two dogs at once – but shouldn’t be. From experience, she said having two dogs that are already companions can be easier than having one dog.

“The responsibilities are the same,” Helen said. “You can easily do that with two as you can with one. Having two doesn’t take any more time out of your day.”

---

With Pandora and Prime, it’s also easier to keep them entertained, she said, because they spend so much time with each other – and in a way, that takes some burden off the owner.

“They can entertain each other in ways that the owner never can,” she said.

Helen said people are also hesitant to adopt pit bulls because they think the dogs will need strict discipline – but not Pandora and Prime.

“They’re not high maintenance dogs,” Helen said. “These dogs don’t need a real disciplinarian.”

The ideal owner, Helen said, would be calm when giving any discipline. The ideal owner would also be an active person with a big, fenced-in yard.

But no matter who they’re with, Pandora and Prime will display lots of fun and affection.

“They’re so deserving of a loving home because they give so much love,” Helen said. “Once they adjust, I can’t imagine any owner who wouldn’t be pleased and thrilled to have these two dogs.”

Helen said she would be happy to speak about her experiences with any potential adopter who contacts CDR. For more information on how to adopt Pandora and Prime, visit http://www.citydogsrescuedc.org/adopt.html.

---