Pet owners know that no two animals are alike. Some are fearless, some are gregarious, and some are anxious. They’re just like people in their uniqueness. Pet owners also know that the most satisfying part of having a pet is learning their tendencies and finding ways to make them happy.
Let’s meet Shorty.
He’s a pug at Vintage Pet Rescue in Rhode Island, an organization that cares for older or sick pets who don’t have a family. Shorty’s freakin’ adorable — look at that crown! — but he also needs some TLC.
Marc is Shorty’s ride or die.
Shorty has some serious anxiety issues, but he also has a favorite person who knows how to make everything better: Marc, who co-owns the non-profit animal rescue with his wife, Kristen.
They love each other.
Shorty’s a little different from the other animals at the rescue. For starters, he’s the elder statesman at fifteen years of age. He’s also been there for most of his life.
This is another resident of the rescue.
I wouldn’t want to encounter this mannequin in a dark room, but it’s actually helpful for certain animals with separation anxiety. Because Shorty is lost without Marc, the co-owners decided to make the mannequin look as Marc-like as possible.
It’s unbelievably cute.
I’m sure that Shorty realizes this isn’t the real Marc. Still, the mannequin clearly provides some measure of comfort for this sweet old pug for those times when his BFF isn’t around.
It’s a sign of how much they love Shorty.
Buying a full-scale mannequin isn’t something that’s done every day, but Marc and Kristen ordered this one especially for Shorty, hoping it would help him. Judging from these pictures, it helped a ton.
The results are remarkable.
Not only does it work wonders for anxiety-prone Shorty, this faux Marc has quickly become a favorite snuggle location for some of the other puppers at Vintage Pet Rescue.
Shorty’s the king.
He’s traded his customary crown for a party hat, but Shorty is undoubtedly the senior dog at Vintage Pet Rescue. Having Marc, or a version of him, available at all times looks like it’s been great for Shorty’s confidence!
Some dogs aren’t so sure.
They might not be as willing to snuggle up on the mannequin as Shorty is, but at the very least, it provides something to shoot skeptical looks at.
The human-pet bond is an awesome thing.
In the comments, tell us what lengths you go to in order to give your pets the best life possible.
Be sure to check out Vintage Pet Rescue on Facebook and Instagram !
