Cracker & Jelly

I am so grateful and blessed to have Cracker and Jelly as part of my family.

Cracker came home first, and he helped reintroduce me to the world—something I sorely needed after COVID. After years of working from home, I had slowly shrunk into isolation. His energy, curiosity, and companionship helped me rediscover joy and connection.

When Cracker began to seem withdrawn and fall ill—he’d stopped eating—I couldn’t understand it. He had been thriving. I was certain he was lonely, so reached out to Anita, who explained that his sister, Jelly, was still with their foster family. They had been rescued together and, as far as anyone knew, had always been side by side. I asked a few follow-up questions, but deep down, I knew Jelly needed to come home.

At first, Cracker and Jelly were unsure around each other—could it really be? During the car ride home, they kept stealing glances at me and then at each other. When we arrived, we took a short walk around the neighborhood and then went into the backyard so they could get reacquainted. Just five minutes later, they were wrestling—exactly the way they had in the childhood video Anita had shared. An hour after that, Cracker resumed eating.

Jelly is a lovely, lovely little ham. Her smile and joyful disposition make her impossible to ignore. As she and Cracker settled into daily life, her personality began to shine. She is calm and focused, yet has a way of lighting up every room and charming everyone she meets. Unlike Cracker, she seeks attention with enthusiasm. Both, however, are quick to make friends with smaller breeds—it seems to be a preference.

It’s been over a year now, and we’ve shared countless moments—some joyful, some challenging. There was the four-hour walk that left me hobbling home (it was fun, but they tricked me), the two-legged vs. four-legged races that had me in stitches, and the stormy night at the sitter’s when the back gate blew open and they ran off into the rain (thankfully, we found them safe less than an hour later). There was also a terrifying bout of kennel cough (we think) following a play date, and the day someone set off firecrackers nearby while we were training—Jelly bolted, and Cracker, loyal as ever, followed her straight into the chaos. Each experience has taught us patience, trust, and just how strong our bond is.

As time passes, the contrasts between their personalities continue to unfold in endlessly entertaining ways. Cracker rarely spoke before Jelly arrived; now he barks at every new pup he sees. Jelly rarely barks, but has a deep, proper growl when she plays. On walks, when they really want something, Jelly will place her paws on my belly and give me her best mew mew face—while Cracker, ever the clown, nips me on the backside. It’s impossible not to laugh.

We’re growing together as a family and continuing to explore the world side by side. Cracker and Jelly keep me grounded and smiling. Life with them promises to be nothing short of amazing.

Thank you, Life of Hope, for bringing us together!