Diego and Dallas, two Chihuahua puppies, were found abandoned on a street corner when they were barely 9 weeks old. They were extremely scared and leaned on each other for comfort and strength. Later, they were adopted by a good family. Even though they felt safe, both brothers refused to separate.
"They depended on each other for support and comfort throughout their lives," said Lisa Laufer, owner of the two Chihuahuas, touched by their close relationship.
Over the years, Dallas also became very close to his younger brother, Kodi - a Golden Retriever - and they enjoyed playing together. Although Diego and Kodi weren't that close, Diego loved watching his canine siblings play together. The three shared a wonderful life, until Dallas passed away.
Both dogs were affected by the loss of their sister, but Diego was visibly sad. He stopped eating and was no longer as excited as before. His family, dog and human, were worried about him and tried to give him more love.
Kodi uses buttons to communicate with his family, and in the weeks after Dallas died, he began pressing the "Diego" button frequently. His mom was confused, since Kodi hadn't used that button before, but she soon understood what he was trying to do.
Kodi would press the "Diego" button and then the ball button or the petting button; In this way, the Golden Retriever tried to cheer up his brother. "Kodi didn't just randomly add the word 'Diego' to his communications, but he wanted Diego to enjoy the things he (Kodi) liked," Laufer said.
Now that Dallas is gone, Kodi and Diego have become closer. The brothers find mutual comfort and have united in their grief over the loss of her sister.
"It's been over a month since Dallas passed away, Kodi isn't speaking up as much on Diego's behalf, and both dogs seem to have found a new routine and life after Dallas," Laufer said. "The fact that Kodi was able to communicate for Diego in this difficult time was a blessing, and I am sure that Diego is being cared for by both humans and Kodi."
