When Skye arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray, she became an instant favorite with the staff and volunteers. With her winning smile and huge personality, nothing seemed to faze this 6-year-old mixed breed. She loved everyone and everyone loved her.

During her first playgroup session, Skye was a standout. She was friendly with the other dogs and firmly corrected the puppies who were too crowded. She quickly established herself as a greeting dog in group games and mentored beginners and her more timid peers. Skye was just as comfortable with the playgroup staff, often rolling onto her back mid-play to beg for a belly rub.

Parker, a two-year-old mixed breed who arrived at the shelter a week before Skye, was making slow progress in playgroup but still painfully shy, especially around people. He was wary when potential adopters visited his kennel and sometimes cowered when dogs barked loudly in his direction.

As different as these two dogs were – Skye the fearless social butterfly and Parker the nervous flower – they began to join in the playgroup. Parker felt safe around Skye and enjoyed his attention. In no time, they became close friends.

The perfect pair

FOTAS dog walking volunteer Sue Payne got to know Skye and Parker quite well and suggested her daughter Haley visit each of them. Haley and her boyfriend Jonathan were looking to add a dog to their new home and wanted to adopt from the shelter.

When Haley and Jonathan met Skye, they fell in love with her. But Parker also tugged at their heartstrings. During the discussion with the adoption counselor, it was concluded that the two dogs got along well with each other during playgroup. Both dogs had been at the shelter for weeks and were desperate for a chance at a better life. That’s all Haley needed to hear. She said it “felt good” to adopt both dogs, and the couple took Skye and Parker home.

“They made the perfect addition to our family,” Haley said. “They sleep in the same bed and Parker learns a lot from Skye. He follows his example. I don’t think she would have progressed as quickly without it, and Skye wouldn’t have done as well without it because she needs constant attention to be happy.”