About Iroh & Zuco

Zuko and Iroh are more than just dogs-they're a story of survival, loyalty, and love. These bonded brothers had a heartbreaking start: abandoned in a park in San Diego with their littermates on the day they were born. When a family friend called us in tears saying she'd just found 10 newborn puppies-three already gone and the others icy cold-we didn't hesitate. We built a puppy MASH unit in our living room and went skin-to-skin with each one to save their lives. Every pup survived. We found homes for five, and kept the two who stole our hearts. Now two years old, Zuko and Iroh are gentle giants (each 100 lbs) with the best traits of their German and Yugoslavian Shepherd lineage-loyal, smart, and deeply bonded. They completed a two-week residential training program and live peacefully with our cats (they'll even share food bowls!). While protective of their family, they are not excessive barkers and love playing their signature games: 'bitey face' and 'follow the leader.' Unfortunately, both boys were born with hip dysplasia. A A surgeon recommended double hip replacement for each, but without access to insurance coverage due to the congenital diagnosis, it's beyond our means. Despite their hips, Zuko and Iroh are happy, playful, and full of love. They don't show signs of pain and get around well with managed activity and a soft place to rest. Sadly, our son's allergies and asthma have progressed to the point that he can no longer be in the same house without reacting severely. We are also moving from our home with a backyard to an apartment. With broken hearts, we are searching for a compassionate, experienced home-ideally through a rescue who can help place them together. While the boys are best friends, and would love to be together, they do very well when they are separated. If you can offer Zuko and Iroh the safe, loving forever home they need - or help us connect with someone who can-please reach out. They are special souls who've come through so much, and all they want is someone to belong to.

Riverside County
Temecula, California