Romeo the cat, Juliet the dog are star-crossed lovers in need of new home

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KABC) -- Sometimes you can't live without someone; to be apart literally makes you sick. It can be downright Shakespearean, and one such story has popped up in the sweetest of places, KGTV reports.

One of the oddest of couples is looking for a new home, and their health depends on it.

Romeo the cat and Juliet the dog are what animal experts call a "bonded pair," meaning one of them cannot live without the other.

Officials at the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility said Romeo's health quickly deteriorated after the two were brought to the shelter and then separated.

Staff members said Juliet immediately perked up once the two were reunited.

Linda Septon with the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility said, "When Romeo was found underneath a car, he was all curled up terrified, and Juliet the schnauzer was basically comforting (and) protecting him."

Septon told 10News she has not seen a bonded pair of animals of two different species in 20 years of working with animals.

Shelter officials said Romeo and Juliet will only be adopted out if a family takes both animals.

Both Romeo and Juliet are available for adoption now at the Chula Vista Animal Care facility.