Their love story includes a deer, a pit bull, and 43 goldfish

Romance doesn’t always come in the form of roses and chocolates. For one extraordinary couple, love took the shape of a deaf pit bull, a reverse-running racehorse, and even a tarantula. Their bond was filled with laughter, compassion, and an ever-growing roster of adopted animals that made their house a home.

Gallusrostromegalus shared the heartwarming list of animals on Tumblr, and it’s safe to say it has enchanted thousands. From wild to whimsical, each animal in their 67-year marriage added something unforgettable to their shared life.

Love in every form—animal and otherwise

Representative Image: This icon of nature knew who to turn to for treats and for head scratches.Massimo Catarinella

At the top of the list was Annabell, a white pit bull who happened to be deaf—and also happened to be a canvas for grandma’s doodles. She let the kids draw on her belly like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"This should be a Disney movie."

— @botaniq_100

Then there was Benny, described as a “genuine thoroughbred racehorse” and a “spectacular athlete,” who preferred running races in reverse. Eventually, he found his calling as a peaceful trail horse—proof that sometimes greatness looks like trotting in the opposite direction.

The couple’s sense of humor was as strong as their love. Grandpa’s naming conventions for their dogs seemed to climb the military ladder: first came “Captain,” then “Major,” and finally “Colonel”—all cocker spaniels with very distinct personalities, including one with an inexplicable talent for silently eating green beans.

Other creatures joined the pack, each more eccentric than the last. A bald canary that only sang at 4 a.m., a snapping turtle sharing a tub with 43 rescued goldfish, and Mr. Grumpity, a massive toad saved from a factory who guarded grandma’s roses like royalty.

Representative Image: You see a cute pitty, but one family saw a willing canvas.GrandCelinien

"Find you a man like this."

— @reneeowl

There was a hawk that Grandpa rescued, nursed back to health, and released. A squirrel that grew up inside and refused to return to the wild. And Spooky, the mysterious dog that no one could quite figure out—but who was, undeniably, part of the family.

In his final years, Grandpa made a new friend: a 12-point buck named Florence who came to the window of his nursing home daily for corn and affectionate head scratches.

Grandma’s equal love for the unconventional

While Grandpa brought home most of the animals, Grandma had her moments too. Her standout? A pet tarantula. It was just one more sign that these two were perfect for each other in every strange and wonderful way.

They didn’t just accept animals into their home—they built their love story around them. Each tail-wagging, feather-fluffing chapter added joy and richness to their shared life.

"The marriage I hope to have one day, but at this point probably won’t last as long."

— zoodr2b

A love that leaves a lasting legacy

Their marriage ended only when life did, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond each other. Their love for animals became a way of life—one that resonated with thousands of strangers online.

Representative Image: When you live in a virtual menagerie, why not throw in a giant spider?Ceving

This story, at once hilarious and touching, reminds us that great love isn’t only about dramatic gestures or fairy tale moments. Sometimes, it’s about finding joy in rescuing goldfish from a fair, laughing at a dog who runs races backward, and knowing your partner won’t bat an eye when you bring home a tarantula.

Because in the end, love—real love—is about choosing each other again and again… whether it's over a cocker spaniel named Colonel or a rose garden protected by a toad named Mr. Grumpity.