Love at First Sight

Sunny, a young male shepherd mix, was adopted from the Jackson County Animal Shelter a few years ago and returned for being too fearful, especially of men. The Shelter environment was too stressful for such a gentle soul.  He cowered in the back of his cage most of the time and growled softly. But the Shelter staff could see that he didn't want to hurt anyone, he was just scared of everything. Shelter staff contacted Sanctuary One, a care farm in the Applegate Valley and they agreed to foster him.

The care farm turned out to be just what the doctor ordered for both Sunny and their intern, Dalia. It was love at first sight. Dalia drove cross-country from New York to spend a few months living and volunteering at Sanctuary One as a “time out” in her life. The folks at Sanctuary One coached her in ways to help Sunny build his confidence and they took many hikes together in the trails that connect to the property. Before long Sunny blossomed as a farm dog during the day and snuggled up with Dalia at night. Because her life was in an in-between state, there were many discussions about the feasibility of Dalia adopting Sunny. Finally all were convinced that it was meant to be. So, when Dalia's internship ended, Sunny went with her and they have been inseparable ever since.

The latest from Dalia:
“Sunny boy is becoming quite a confident little man.  In the two plus years we've been in each other’s company, we've both learned to find more trust in the world.  Now, he's the talk of the town wherever he goes.  People love him or his big, expressive eyes; for his (still so) soft coat; for his desire to please and his repertoire of commands (i.e. he rides behind my bicycle, walks alongside me off leash ANYWHERE, just to name a couple); and for his innate lovability.  My gratitude will never cease for your having given him a chance at life! "