When Chantal and Miguel met Tara and Zara, the very first puppies of Muttlands, they made a powerful imprint. Now living in Germany, they’ve turned grief into joy and transformed two lives with their love.

How did you meet Tara & Zara?

“Miguel and I reorganised our original travel plans when we met Ola who told us about Muttlands. We knew we wanted to go there to help out so we booked our flights to Thailand. There we met Tara and Zara. They were the very first puppies at Muttlands. I was training them to help them find a home, so I spent a lot of time with the little angels. When we got back to Germany and we were told that it’s hard to find a home for them we couldn’t stop thinking of them. I had a special connection with Tara and Miguel with Zara, so we decided to adopt both. We couldn’t be happier about this decision.”

What were your first days at home like?

“It was very special. Since I was the one that flew to Thailand to bring Tara and Zara home in September 2024, they saw Miguel the last time in February. Their tails were wagging when they met him at the airport – It was like they knew. Arriving at home at first we went to the backyard and they sniffed everything very gently and the same within the apartment. After a while they started running around, jumping and playing together. The rest of the day we snuggled on the couch.”

What special memories do you have with Tara & Zara?

“My Special Moment with Tara: The very first time I met her she immediately came to me and slowly walked on my legs up to my chest and looked deeply in my eyes. That was the moment I knew she belonged to us. Every time you‘re sitting or laying down Zara takes the opportunity to come over to you and lays down her head on your feet, leg or stomach. If she could she would snuggle the whole day through. This is the sweetest thing ever.

Miguels Special moment with Tara: Every morning Tara comes up to the bed and slowly sniffs Miguels face and snuggles with him. She lays her head on his chest and just watches him.

Our Funny moment with Zara: Zara always invites us to play with her. She runs to us and in front of us she goes into the stretching dog position and makes such a funny squeaky noise until we run forwards to her so she can run away until we catch her and then she catches us.”

How have Tara & Zara changed your life?

“We are happier and if we are in a bad or sad mood it disappears as soon as they are with us! They make our little family special and complete. We laugh so much! They have similar behaviours as our first dog who sadly passed away early. But Tara and Zara bring back his energy which is filled with so much love. They help us heal and we help them heal ❤️”

What would you say to someone wanting to adopt?

“I’d say they’re thinking about something deeply meaningful. Adopting a rescue dog isn’t just about getting a pet—it’s about offering love and stability to a soul that may have been through a lot. It shows a kind heart, someone who values compassion over convenience. Rescue dogs often come with their quirks or scars, but they also tend to be incredibly loyal and grateful. It’s not always the easiest path, but it can be one of the most fulfilling.”

Do Tara & Zara have any quirky habits or fun tricks she does?

“Tara: 

– Stands Like a Meerkat when it’s time for food (excitement) 

– On cold days she will lay in her bed and whine quietly until someone covers her in her blanket 

– She lays on the top of the couch with her front paws crossed like a Princess. Everyone in our family calls her a Diva 👸 

Zara: 

– Plays run and tag with us. 

– 3 times a day she gets her 5 minutes: running and jumping around like crazy , catching us and making zoomies.

– ⁠She knows exactly how to do the “look how cute I am“ eyes when she wants something. Also laying her paw gently on our arm.”