Sylvester

Sylvester is a feisty 14 year old Border Collie / Cocker Spaniel mix. I had seen an ad for him on a website that features dogs that are running out of time in shelters and my heart instantly broke after reading his story and seeing how old he was. He had been dropped off by his owner along with a cat and a turtle and had been waiting for a new home for about 6 months. Nobody wanted Sylvester. I found out later that his owner had come back to the shelter but only to retrieve the turtle.

He was well over 100 miles away from PA in Yonkers, NY and he was the first dog I had ever agreed to rescue without first meeting. I was committed to saving this dog no matter what and in spite of his behavior issues. Dottie & Leslie from the shelter were wonderful to deal with and they, along with a few of the other people there, chipped in so that the adoption fee was reduced. I email them about every other month. They love hearing the stories of his antics. I remember before I left with him, the girl who processed the paperwork asked me if I was sure I wanted to take him since he had just nipped at her when she was administering his shots. I just smiled and said “yes, he’s coming home with me” and thought to myself…”This is going to be challenge!”

And a challenge he was. He marked everywhere inside and out! He was terrible on a leash, partly because he was pulling and partly because he was always trying to hump Raven as we walked along. He’s not neutered so I guess he was a little frustrated to put it mildly. I was told by the shelter that he doesn’t like men and he did try and nip Matt. He was aggressive with both me and a few of the other dogs and especially so at mealtimes. He bit me a few times in the beginning but we haven’t had an incident in quite a while now. Keep those fingers crossed! He was not very affectionate and would growl all the time. After 4 months, he really began to come out of his shell. After, 6 months, he licked my face and kissed me for the first time. I was elated.

Sylvester has made has a lot of progress since he first arrived. He stopped marking inside. He still growls quite a bit but I think it’s more of a habit for him than anything. He seeks me out now and loves to be petted and massaged. His favorite place to sit and chew his rawhide chips is under whatever chair I’m sitting in. He is interacting with Matt much better than he used to, but there’s still some improvements to be made there. His favorite pastime is chewing his rawhide chips. He won’t leave for a walk without running back for one. He drops them while we’re out there in the woods on the trails, but the other dogs find them and act like they found buried treasure, so it’s fun for everyone. His coat is so shiny now and he walks proudly next to me on leash unless there’s something he just HAS to sniff. Then he’ll pull me until he gets to sniff it. He sits when I ask him to before eating and before getting a treat. He is extremely happy now and I’m so glad that I was able to keep him from being euthanized.

In May 2009 he will celebrate his 1st anniversary at the sanctuary and even though he’s the oldest member, he can run like the wind.