Two lurchers, who came into the care of Dogs Trust Darlington after being found separately as strays, have found their forever home together.
Two-year-old Merlin was found by the dog wardens from Darlington Borough Council while one-year-old Lollie (originally named Snowy) was found as a stray by Stockton Borough Council dog wardens.
The lovable lurchers met during their assessments at the centre to see how they interacted with other dogs.
They hit it off instantly and became best pals who snuggled up together in bed.
Fate arguably brought Merlin and Lollie together, and it also brought them to Lee O'Connell and Leanne Stefanovic.
The couple lost their beloved dogs, Bramble and Cole, within 18 months of each other.
The pair felt their home was empty without dogs, so applied and were matched with Merlin.
They had hoped to adopt two dogs, but Lollie was reserved and it seemed the two would be separated.
However, Lollie's adoption fell through and Lee and Leanne were more than happy to adopt her.
Lee, who lives near York, said: “Merlin and Lollie like to do everything together, and they cannot be apart, otherwise they cry.
“It’s wonderful how the adoptions happened, and we are so happy we could offer them both a home. Merlin thinks he is a small lapdog and often forgets his size. He loves food, playing with toys and with Lollie. He also loves to sleep as though he is working three jobs.
“Lollie loves walks, playing fetch and meeting other dogs. She can be a little timid in certain situations, but having Merlin by her side brings out her playful side, and she will not go anywhere without him.”
Lee also said the couple go on lots of walking adventures and go on a sight hound walk from the pub.
He added: “We are going to stay in the UK for our holiday this year so that we can take them with us. They have filled our life and home with so much love.
“We have owned many breeds of dogs throughout our lives, and lurchers are by far the easiest to care for.
“They don't need long walks or grooming, they make you laugh with their daft zoomies and they are happy, loyal dogs that make perfect companions.”
Dogs Trust has been able to help dogs like Merlin and Lollie thanks to the support of Postcode Lottery players, who have raised over £30 million for the charity, helping care for over 125,000 dogs since funding began in 2014.
Nikki Holroyd, manager at Dogs Trust Darlington, said: “It is wonderful that after such difficult starts in life, Merlin and Lollie found kindred spirits in each other and were adopted together thanks to Lee and Leanne.
“Hearing how loved up they are brings us so much joy. And it's also thanks to the support from Postcode Lottery players, who have raised such an incredible amount over the years, that we are able to continue to care for dogs like Merlin and Lollie. We couldn’t achieve everything that we do without this support.”
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Laura Chow, head of charities at Postcode Lottery, added: “It’s amazing that players have raised over £30 million for Dogs Trust.
“This funding has transformed the lives of thousands of dogs just like Merlin and Lollie, who are now happy and safe in their forever homes thanks to the Dogs Trust team.
“Their incredible work continues to give pups in need a second chance at the love and care they deserve."
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