We all know the tragic but beautiful stories of Romeo and Juliette, Tony and Maria, Daisy and Gatsby – but have you been introduced to the star-crossed lovers known as Carmel and Shushunk? No? Well, prepare to be inspired by the power of love all over again!

Okay, so perhaps these two don’t have a story as epic as their literary counterparts, but we must admit that they are pretty darn cute.

While you should never leave your dog unsupervised with other pets of a rodent variety, to avoid any altercations, Carmel the dog seems right at home with his BFF Shushunk. This giant fluffy Guinea Pig is the perfect size to cuddle with and enjoys napping just as much as the next house pet!

Sure, the story of Shushunk and Carmel might not be the next epic Broadway hit, but their ability to put species aside and live in harmony is enough to warm even the coldest of hearts.