After 700 Days in the Shelter, Maror & Matzo Finally Found Their Forever Home

Some adoptions happen fast — within days or weeks.

Others take time. A lot of time.

For Maror and Matzo, two inseparable dogs who arrived at Palm Valley Animal Society in March 2023, the journey to their forever home took over 700 days.

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These two were more than just kennelmates — they were best friends. Picked up as strays on the same day, Maror and Matzo quickly became bonded. Staff noticed right away that when one was taken out for a walk, the other would cry and search until they were reunited. They ate together. Slept side by side. Waited together.

Day after day, season after season, they were passed by. People were interested in one or the other — but separating them was never an option. Bonded pairs are notoriously difficult to place, especially in a high-intake shelter with limited visibility and resources. But we never gave up hope.

And neither did they.

Then, in March 2025, something incredible happened.

A member of our team, Aileen Betancourt (@lifesavingpixie), shared Maror’s story on her personal TikTok account. The short video, filled with heartfelt narration and clips of the boys in their kennel, struck a nerve. It went viral — reaching over 4 million people across the world.

📲 You can see their adoption update on our Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJMoXENh19x/

A family in Quebec, Canada saw the video. They were moved not just by Maror’s story, but by the bond he shared with Matzo. They couldn’t bear the thought of separating them. Within days, they were in contact with us and began working on a plan to bring both dogs home — across borders.

With the help of CitizenShipper and dedicated volunteer transporters, Maror and Matzo traveled from Texas to New York, where a family friend picked them up and drove them the rest of the way to Quebec.

Today, Maror and Matzo are living their dream. They have over 500 acres to roam, new animal siblings to play with, and a family that showers them with love and attention.

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From shelter life to open fields. From uncertainty to safety. From waiting... to home.

Their story is a reminder of why we fight for every animal — no matter how long it takes. It’s also a powerful testament to the impact that a single post can have. Aileen’s video didn’t just go viral. It changed lives.

Help Us Tell More Stories Like This

At PVAS, we care for thousands of animals every year — and each one deserves a second chance like Maror and Matzo.

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Because the perfect family might not be nearby — but with your help, they'll still find their way.