It’s not easy for Sienna to open up. Before allowing you inside, she needs time to get to know you and feel secure. She will be one of the most kind dogs you’ll ever meet, though, once she gains your trust. She will also always be your friend.
It makes complete sense that Sienna is wary of her surroundings. She encountered a number of potential adopters along the route, but things didn’t work out. She may have come to believe after a while that she would never buy a house of her own.
However, Tom Smyczak, a caregiver for Sienna at the institution, remained optimistic. His commitment to help Sienna overcome her worries and meet potential adopters more readily grew the longer she waited for the home she deserved. Personnel at the facility were aware that she would eventually find the ideal family, since they were certain that one existed.
A large dog with enormous anxieties
Upon her arrival to the facility from the Los Angeles Animal Services municipal shelter, where her previous family had turned her in, Sienna was so terrified that she would not allow anybody to approach her. Tom remarks, “She was really shut down.” It would be difficult for anybody to assist her as she would just crouch in the corner and shake.
Tom made the decision to make Sienna his special assignment. He thus waited patiently for her to lower her guard, until she felt secure enough to allow him to pet her. After a while she decided to take a big chance and go play in the yard with Tom. And once Sienna realized she didn’t have to be afraid of him, she remained Tom’s devoted friend.
He claims, “Someone called her my girlfriend.” “I understand why. We were bonded together like Velcro. That was a good beginning, but Sienna still needed to have more confidence in her interactions with strangers, as it would make it more difficult for her to be adopted.
Sienna would either run approach possible adopters and bark, or she would hide in her cage, depending on the energy she felt from them. Although it wasn’t the case, some adopters may have assumed she was upset or furious because of her behavior. It was fear that caused Sienna to behave in this manner.
Tom spent a lot of time helping Sienna become more comfortable among strangers. Tom explains, “It was crucial to ensure that her fears did not define her.” “I wanted everyone to see Sienna for the devoted and affectionate dog that she truly is,”
Dogs that wait will reap good rewards.
Susie and Bill Hoffman discovered Sienna’s picture and narrative while browsing the Best Friends–Los Angeles website. The couple, who were in their seventies, were looking for an older dog that would be happy in a peaceful environment by itself and would have enough patience to stroll gently by them. In essence, they were trying to locate Sienna.
adoption expert Michelle Flitcraft will never forget the day she was called by the couple to arrange a visit and introduction to the dog. She was aware that Sienna had been putting in a lot of effort, and this may be her chance.
Michelle saw Sienna approach them and allow them to pet her without any reluctance when they arrived. She realized then that she was witnessing something truly unique.
Michelle remarks, “It was such a perfect moment.” I watched Sienna happy and at ease with individuals she had just met for the first time. All she needed to do was locate adoptive parents who truly got her.
Without a doubt, she had located them. The older German shepherd and Susie and Bill were soon headed home.
Formerly afraid puppy is now comfortable and safe in her new home
These days, Sienna spends her mornings lounging in her new backyard in the horse country of Southern California, about an hour’s drive from the city. She learns how to walk slowly later in the day when she takes lengthy walks with Susie, or as Susie refers to it, how to “do the old lady shuffl.”
Now that she has a place to call her own, Sienna skillfully deals with frightening situations on a daily basis, such as microwaves, electric doors, and handheld vacuums. Additionally, Susie and Bill urge Sienna to maintain her composure when she becomes frightened. They also make sure that there aren’t many loud noises in the house, and they’ve set aside areas for Sienna to go to when she needs a break.
Above all, Susie and Bill are demonstrating to Sienna that their dedication to one other is reciprocated. They want Sienna to know that losing a home is not something that will happen to her again.
Susie explains, “She’s naturally protective of us because she doesn’t know if we’ll stick around for her.” “But we’re not leaving either. We adore her, and this is her home.”