The volunteer who wrote the post on the Rescue Me Tampa - Shelter Dogs Facebook page described how the pit bulls shared a bond, having been together since they were puppies, but were being housed separately at the county shelter.
“They have no idea what they did to deserve this,” the poster said. “It just breaks my heart. They lived their whole life together!!! ... Please consider adopting these 2 together. They just lost everything they knew and loved."
The post became one of the most popular ever on the Rescue Me Tampa page and was shared more than 2,000 times with comments ranging from heartbroken to enraged at the situation. Many wondered if someone would adopt the adult dogs and reunite them.
Rescue Me Tampa is not a shelter itself, but a group of volunteers that posts updates about dogs and policies at Hillsborough County Animal Service and helps organize fosters for shelter dogs.
Over a week later came an update: someone had permanently adopted both dogs, and “they hit the DOGGIE LOTTERY!!!,” read the post. “Their new Daddy is actor/wrestler Dave Bautista. ... Huge, gated property. Tempurpedic dog beds! Doggy doors everywhere. They really will live the good life from here on out!!!”
