Sardine
ARSI was really great to work with. Nikki and Kenneth were thorough with the adoption application, they answered all our questions, and updating us with videos in the weeks leading up to meeting Sardine.
Our start was a little rough compared to most. Sardine was terrified and fear aggressive due to her long flight and new environment. With the support of Nikki, Kenneth, and staff we were able to seek help and advice as well as connect with other dog owners in similar situations. After five days of patience and persistence, we were able to breakthrough to the sweet and loving dog that was advertised in the adoption videos! Sardine has quickly grown into an intelligent, loyal, and affectionate dog. She loves her new home, our local parks, and her cat brother.
ARSI’s website, information about their pets, and communication with adopters is top notch. We completely stumbled into adopting a rescue from Taiwan and we're so happy we did!
- Kevin & Olivia Do
1-year update on Testimonial -
Life with Sardine started off like a bad dream. Our expectations for a perfect, cute and loving puppy wrapped in a bow were quickly overtaken with regret and fear. Did we make a mistake?
For the first 5 days with Kathy, now Sardine, we weren’t able to get close enough to even pet her without being met with vicious snarls and full set of fangs. We scrambled to call around to ARSI and other Formosan owners hoping to find the solution to our problem. We were assured that things would work out. I’m glad we weathered the storm. Sardine has fear aggression. She lacks confidence with new people and uses aggression to cope with her insecurities. She is a lot of bark and in the beginning, she was also known for her bite. As a first time dog I quickly learned that Sardine, like many dogs come with their own set of strengths sometimes also come with glaring social and emotional issues. To be completely honest, life with Sardine is difficult at times. We aren’t able to take her to crowded areas like farmer markets or breweries without fear of her letting out an intimidating bark to a passerby. When we leave on trips we have to board her in a special kennel that specializes in aggressive dogs.
This is not a story to embarrass my dog or deter you from adopting. This is quite the opposite. Sardine has become the love of our lives. It is true what they say about Formosans. They are extremely intelligent, expressive, intuitive and loyal. And for what problems Sardine might have, she makes it up with her unconditional love for us. With a lot of hard work, we have been rewarded and eternally bonded with Sardine and my wife. Sardine is a reflection of her environment. She is loving and seeks affection. We have meet her with love when she was scared and took the time to play to her strengths without exposing her weaknesses. She now knows over 30 tricks and commands! Sardine has taught me how to approach life from a different perspective. I have learned to become a better problem solver and communicator, I’ve become more patient and to give empathy when times may be frustrating. Adopting isn't always as seamless as seen on the brochure. Adopting is about commitment, preparing and then adapting to whatever wonderful pup comes your way!
-Olivia and Kevin
