Sydney, formerly nicknamed "Baby," was found near the Club Orient beach lying in a ditch starving to death. She was incredibly fearful and would not let anyone near her. One of the “Dog Ladies,” Joelle, began leaving food for her near where she lay as she was thoroughly unapproachable. Several days later, the dog began to trust and Joelle was able to approach her. When Joelle left the island to return home, she asked Karin, another Dog Lady, to take over feeding this timid little dog. Soon, Sydney was living in Club O’s quarters with Karin and enjoying every minute of it!

Sydney came home with Karin to Vancouver, Canada in December 2003 at which point her daughter spontaneously adopted her. Always considering herself a "cat person," Yvonne took one look at this gentle sweet-natured dog hiding behind Karin’s legs and fell in love. Part Border Collie, part German Shepherd, and some say, part Australian Blue Heel, Sydney has developed from a fearful and shy, bark-free dog to a happy, friendly, protective and much-loved one. Recognizing that she’s been saved from her life as a street dog, she still to this day recognizes Grandma Karin and Grandpa Helmut on frequent visits to their home and has also been accepted by her cousins, Sunshine, Bella and Buddy.

Sydney pictured above with her human and with island cousin Lucky (he's on the right)

Strangely, or perhaps not, she does not prefer the beach rather she favors long hikes in the forest and in winter, loves to frolic in the snow, licking and biting at it playfully. She does not enjoy the rain whatsoever and avoids getting her feet wet by skipping over puddles. Where others may play and chase a ball, she prefers to stay close by our side on walks only running off occasionally to chase a squirrel. Sydney is a gentle, ladylike dog, is never jealous when other dogs come to visit, like fellow Orient Beach cousins Stella and Lucky but is very protective of her owners as is evident by her newly discovered vocal chords! However, she remains wary of Pooh Bear, the cantankerous resident cat. Her disposition remains sweet and endearing and she has become a cherished member of the family.

Sydney (front) with island cousins and "Grandma" Karin in Vancouver

All three dogs realize they've been rescued. They are grateful for their current existence in the Great White North and have been captivated by the snow in winter, running and rolling around in it. This is highly entertaining for onlookers! They love their long walks every day, their raw food diet and the copious amounts of cuddling and playing. Karin and Helmut love their dogs, as do their two daughters, Yvonne and Gigi who have also been active in finding homes for the dogs of St. Martin.

See more pictures of Sydney

Left to right: Sunshine, Bella, and Buddy with Karin

Karin Hoeller, aka The Dog Lady, is an extreme dog lover, finding homes, spaying and neutering and saving quite a number of dogs every year from St. Martin. She has rescued about 30 dogs alone in the last 4 years which now live in or around Vancouver, where she lives.