location: Tigurd, OR
Sydney came from the Sacramento County Animal Shelter. She and 19 other dogs were confiscated because of their awful living conditions; Sydney was probably born there. She was heavily pregnant when she was taken, and she had her puppies there at the shelter. Sadly, all of the puppies died. Sydney is only a year old and is still a puppy herself. At first, Sydney was terrified of humans. She had just lost her puppies, had Giardia (an internal parasite) and was very thin. Her feet show evidence of having lived on a wire-floored cage, and she was/is terrified of being crated. Since coming into rescue Sydney has decided that she adores her fostermom and is fearful if her foster mom leaves her for any length of time; she has classic separation anxiety. This anxiety is considerably less if she has other dogs around her. Sidney is a dog that has never been alone until she came into rescue. We pulled Sydney in July, and in the short time she's been with us - she has blossomed. She now follows her fostermom everywhere. Sidney was once very thin, but has put on weight and is now in good condition. She has small scars on her face from having to fight for food, so she is fed separately from the other dogs in her foster home. Sydney is quite food motivated, and has learned to sit for treats. She adores exploring a back yard and is already partially house broken. Sydney is learning to use a doggy door, and now goes on walks, likes car rides, and has even made some human friends. Sydney used to chew her nails off into the skin when she was confined; she also chewed on herself and exhibited other neurotic actions when she was frightened. These behaviors have all pretty much stopped now that she is in a loving environment. Sydney now comes when she's called and is an active, lively little dog. She plays well with the other dogs in the house and seems quite happy. She has probably never seen a cat. Sydney still has a long way to go, but she is going to be well worth the effort. This dog is still a puppy and she is overcoming her awful beginnings. To see additional pictures of Sydney,
please click here.
