Shelter Dog Has The Sweetest Reaction To Finding His Long-Lost Sister

His tail tells the story,

Enter Vardis — a three-year-old canine, saved from the clutches of uncertainty, whose life has been a whirlwind of shelters and temporary abodes for nearly three years.

For the most part, Vardis traversed life’s path solo, until fate intervened, and he locked eyes with a familiar face from his earliest days, instantly recognizing her.

Upon arrival at One Tail At A Time (OTAT), Vardis brought with him a shroud of mystery, his past obscured in the shadows. The shelter, nestled in Chicago, pieced together what little they knew: he was rescued as a pup by Chicago Animal Care and Control during the summer months. However, the circumstances leading to his rescue remained a puzzle, his companionship along the way a mystery.

What OTAT could ascertain with certainty was Vardis’s valiant battle against a severe bout of pneumonia. Swift action was imperative, the team rallying to provide him with the necessary medical attention. Through their dedicated efforts, Vardis gradually reclaimed his health, weaving himself into the affections of all who tended to him.

Once deemed fit for foster care, Vardis encountered his inaugural foster parent, Lynsey. Under Lynsey’s care, he experienced the warmth of a nurturing home, coupled with the invigorating exercise essential for his youthful exuberance. Reciprocally, Lynsey delved deeper into Vardis’s character, piquing her curiosity about his lineage.

Prompted by this curiosity, Lynsey subjected Vardis to a dog DNA test, the results unveiling an unexpected ancestry: 50 percent golden retriever and 45 percent American bully, a revelation that startled her. Armed with this newfound knowledge, Lynsey relayed the information to Vardis’s subsequent foster mother, Jessica Jones, who welcomed him into her abode later that same year.

For a time, Vardis’ DNA results remained inconsequential to his daily routine. Under the attentive care of Jones, he continued to embrace life’s adventures and forge new connections, much as he had always done.

“I often describe him as an outgoing soul who thrives on interactions with neighbors and relishes greeting his pals,” remarked Jones to The Dodo. “Once he befriends someone, it’s a bond for life! Every subsequent encounter prompts enthusiastic hellos and the anticipation of affectionate pats or belly rubs.”

Then, a significant turn of events occurred when Vardis’ initial foster parent, Lynsey, received an unexpected email from another dog owner who had conducted the same DNA test. Their canine companion, Brunch, was revealed as a genetic match for Vardis. Not only were they of similar age, but they also shared a common origin from Chicago Animal Care and Control. Vardis had discovered his long-lost sibling.

Upon receiving this revelation, Lynsey promptly shared the details with Jones, who wasted no time in arranging a reunion. Initially uncertain about how Vardis would respond to encountering his littermate once more, Jones eagerly awaited the outcome of their impending meeting.

“I felt a slight apprehension before the meeting because Brunch’s family had hinted that Brunch could be particular about meeting new dogs, and Vardis had also encountered mixed reactions when meeting others,” Jones disclosed. “Vardis tends to display a bit of assertiveness, which isn’t always well received by other dogs.”

However, the moment Brunch and Vardis made eye contact, any worry Jones had vanished.

“It was truly delightful witnessing Vardis and Brunch reconnect,” Jones recounted. “Right from the beginning, they seemed entirely at ease with each other!”

Instantly hitting it off, they resumed their bond as if no time had passed. Beginning their playdate in the front yard with friendly sniffs and wagging tails, they swiftly migrated to the backyard, where they could freely indulge in their playful antics.

Jones observed, “Their play styles are remarkably alike. They both employ a technique of nudging their playmate with their rear end, gently guiding them to their desired location.”

After their playtime, the siblings concluded with a shared treat – a cheese stick – followed by a goodbye kiss. Although there haven’t been subsequent playdates, the parents of Jones and Brunch eagerly anticipate their reunion.

While Vardis eagerly awaits his next rendezvous with Brunch, he continues his quest for the ideal forever home. Given his preference for being the sole pet, neither Jones’ nor Brunch’s family fits the bill.

“Vardis adores the company of other dogs, but he thrives best as the sole dog in a household, surrounded by plenty of canine companions to socialize with,” explained Jones. “He’s in search of a nurturing environment with individuals who are ready to provide him with affection and playtime.”

Anticipation fills Vardis as he eagerly awaits the arrival of his forever family, the one that will offer him unconditional love and care for a lifetime. In the meantime, he finds solace in the warmth of his foster family’s embrace, cherishing every moment of affection bestowed upon him.

“He’s a gentle giant,” Jones affectionately remarks, describing Vardis as a 70-pound bundle of love who adores snuggling up on laps. “He truly embodies the essence of a perfect companion.”