Then, a miracle happened.
At 8 weeks old, a litter of seven Labrador puppies played for the last time before heading off to different service dog training schools. All of the dogs entered their respective programs bright-eyed and ready to become the best service dogs for people with various needs.
But one of the pups’ parents, Paul and Matthew Castle, couldn’t stand to keep the siblings apart forever. When Paul Castle, who is blind, welcomed his new guide dog, Maple, he was overjoyed to have found a loyal companion and mobility aid. Maple, affectionately known as Mr. Maple, accompanied Castle everywhere, working diligently when he had his harness on and getting some much-needed rest when he was officially off the clock.
But as Maple settled into his new home, the Castles couldn’t help but wonder what the rest of his littermates were doing and if they remembered each other.
The Castles tracked down Maple’s siblings — Major, Marathon, Mikey, Mascot, Matrix, Murdock, and Madrid. They soon arranged a playdate with Major, a high school therapy dog in Washington state, not far from where Maple lived. Maple and Major hit it off instantly, inspiring the Castles to set up more playdates with other siblings. The couple then connected with Mikey’s family in Hawaii, where he works as a therapy dog at a hospital, and decided to fly out and meet him.
On the day of their meeting, Maple arrived at the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, wearing his harness, ready to work. He dutifully walked around the hospital grounds with his parents for a bit and didn’t react when another yellow Lab, Mikey, appeared. But when it was finally time to take his harness off, Maple’s serious, professional demeanor changed completely.
“When Mr. Maple is in his harness, he’s 100 percent in work mode: focused, composed, and professional,” Castle told The Dodo. “But the moment we took off the vests and harnesses, it was like someone hit the ‘play’ button.”
As soon as both their harnesses were removed, Maple and Mikey ran toward each other with a mutual knowingness. Although they hadn’t seen each other in years, the two hit it off instantly and began playing together as puppies again.
“Both boys bolted toward each other with tails wagging like helicopter blades,” Castle said. “You could just feel the joy. It was electric.”
Maple and Mikey quickly fell into their usual routine as siblings, play-wrestling and chasing after each other just like old times. Their handlers and friends watched and listened to their reunion in amazement.
“Maple’s usually pretty shy around other dogs (he’s much more of a people-pup), but with Mikey, it was like he suddenly became this confident, social butterfly,” Castle said. “Dr. Rick Bruno, Mikey’s handler, said Mikey acted the exact same way. It really felt like they recognized each other. Maybe it was scent, maybe it was soul memory… either way, they clicked like old friends.”
After a long play session outside, Mikey and his handlers gave the Castles, including Maple, a special tour around the hospital. Complete with banners, balloons, food, and flower leis, the pups’ reunion was beyond dreamy. It was a magical experience that inspired the Castles to connect with more of Maple’s siblings.
“Now that we’ve found all seven brothers, the next big goal is a full family reunion,” Castles said. “We’ve even booked our next flight!”
Saying goodbye to Mikey was difficult, but the Castles assured Maple that they wouldn’t be apart for too long. It may take some time to coordinate a big family reunion between all the pups, who are spread out across the country, but the couple knows their efforts will be worthwhile in the end.
“There’s something really special about seeing these dogs reconnect,” Castle said. “It reminds you just how deep their bonds can run.”