Sibling Puppies Reunite for the Fight of their Lives

By Kelly Harris of PETS Referral Center

They started out as abandoned and unwanted balls of fluff and have become much-loved family members with triumphant stories. 

Just a few short weeks ago at PETS Referral Center in Berkeley, two Shih-Tzu/Chihuahua-mixed puppies arrived separately — near death’s door. But it’s not why they arrived that is so amazing — it’s what happened next.

The stories of Roscoe and Alexia begin at Paw Prints Rescue in Yuba City, California, a full two-hour drive from Berkeley. Two siblings from a litter of four, each puppy was adopted to a loving family. As is the case with most littermates, it was unlikely that these two would ever see each other again. Or would they?

Dr. Shea Cox, an Emergency Veterinarian at PETS Referral Center in Berkeley (and our ) first met all two-and-a-half pounds of Roscoe on a Thursday evening when his mom Kate brought him in because he was experiencing diarrhea. Initial tests came back suspicious (but not confirmatory) for parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, especially in puppies. Parvovirus is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. Roscoe spent the night under care in the hospital and was feeling better Friday morning, so he was sent home to continue his recovery.    

On Friday afternoon, another tiny white ball of fluff named Alexia was admitted to PETS, missing Roscoe by just a few short hours. Alexia’s Parvo test revealed a definite positive result, confirming she had the dreaded virus. She was immediately admitted to an isolation ward and Dr. Cox began treating her. Alexia’s parents, Miguel and Sandy, were devastated. They had just adopted Alexia a few days earlier and were excited about adding a delightful new puppy to the family. Now they were faced with a life-threatening illness and mounting medical bills.  

While Roscoe seemed to be improving at home, Alexia was struggling for life. Her body had consumed her infection-fighting white blood cells and she developed a high fever and life-threatening pneumonia in addition to the parvovirus infection. Under intensive care in the hospital, she fought for survival all weekend and her heartsick newly adopted parents were losing hope.  

Meanwhile, Roscoe’s condition began to deteriorate again and on Sunday evening, he returned to PETS. As Roscoe’s family re-admitted him, they heard the couple next to them telling the reception staff they were “here to visit Alexia.” They knew that one of Roscoe’s littermates was adopted by a family that named her Alexia. It turns out that Roscoe was being re-admitted at the exact same time as Alexia’s family’s nightly visit — finally their paths crossed after several near misses!

After sharing their stories, both families shed tears and instantly formed a bond. They knew that both of their puppies — brother and sister — were now in for the fight of their lives. 

“I watched as these two families came together out of the pure and simple love that only a puppy can generate,” said Dr. Cox who treated both Alexia and Roscoe. “Alexia and Roscoe were now in isolation together, side-by-side, reunited once again. First abandonment, now a life-threatening illness.”  

According to Alexia’s mom, Sandy Buchwald, “It was so comforting knowing that Alexia was no longer alone in the isolation ward. I knew that if either of these puppies ever had a chance of fighting this illness off, it would be now, when they could comfort and support each other.”

And she was right. Just a few days later following an intensive course of therapy, both puppies were improving and were well enough to be discharged. “Parvo is a very serious illness,” said Dr. Cox. “Many puppies don’t survive it without medical care. It’s amazing how well both puppies responded to treatment. Thankfully the worst of circumstances resulted in the best of outcomes for these two adorable siblings.”  

“Our dogs will never have to be apart again,” said Sandy. “We’ve already planned play dates with Roscoe so they can continue their unique bond.”  

Sadly, the other two of the original litter of four puppies adopted in Yuba City didn’t survive. Thankfully, however, Berkeley residents Roscoe and Alexia look forward to healthy, happy, fulfilled lives thanks to two dedicated families and the staff at PETS Referral Center.  

Sandy’s advice to prospective pet adopters is, “Know what you are getting into when you adopt a pet. If you make the commitment to rescue an animal, you have to honor that commitment for better or worse. Some may have given up on Alexia or Roscoe, but they’d be missing out on a lot of joy. Miguel and I simply cannot imagine life without our precious little ball of fluff.”