Two rescue dogs fall into puppy love

OAKLAND, N.J. - Light brown-haired Roscoe and black-haired Clover are two rescue dogs from completely different backgrounds.

"They come from unfortunate situations," said Robyn Hendrix, a Veterinary Technician at the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge. "One was abused and the other came from a hoarder home."

Roscoe, a four-year-old basset hound is from Louisiana where his owner kept him tied up outside without food, according to Hendrix. He was later given up to a kill shelter and by the time he got to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge in New Jersey, his prospects were bleak.

"You could see every bone in his body ... he was emaciated," Hendrix said. "And his reaction to men was very severe; he would tremble and urinate on himself."

On the other hand, Clover, a seven-year-old corgi-Labrador Retriever mix, is also from Louisiana -- but from a home where she lived with 80 other dogs and cats, kept in small cages.

"She was living in her own feces and urine," Hendrix said.

But after coming to the animal shelter about eight months ago, the two rescue dogs were randomly put in a play group, where they instantly bonded. And now, they're inseparable.

"They immediately gravitated towards each other and they started wrestling together," Hendrix said. "Now, they cuddle, spoon and never ever want to be without each other."

While Roscoe had heart worm disease when he first got to the shelter, he is currently heart worm-free and in good shape, the veterinary technician said. He is even loving and playful, but still fearful. And Clover is shy, but is warming up to people day by day.

Currently, the two share a room and even share a heart-shaped pillow. Ideally, the shelter is looking for an all-female home and hope that the two dogs stay together.

"I've been at the shelter for 10 years and I've never seen anything quite like this," Hendrix said. "They will be your best friends."