Our names are: Sydney and Florence
We came from: Cyprus
Now we live in: Staffordshire
Our favourite things are: One to one attention and play fighting together
Follow us on Instagram: @sydandflo

Sydney and Florence’s story

A few months after unexpectedly losing our beloved Billy dog, our daughter suggested completing an adoption form with Underdog International, which I did. Just a few weeks later, Eve from Underdog contacted me to tell me that in Cyprus, there was a bonded pair of 18 month old Poodle Crosses, male and female, found and caught by good samaritans, in the fields of Cyprus...was I interested? I couldn't reply, I was shaking so much and that is where our story started with Sydney and Florence.

Six weeks later, after a long journey from Cyprus they pulled up with other rescue dogs in the courier van, late in the evening. They were handed to my husband and I and for us, it was love at first sight. Syd and Flo fell immediately to sleep in their new soft bed in the back of our car and home we took them. They did their business in the garden, enjoyed a tasty meal of roasted chicken and fell to sleep through the night, in their new beds.

It is obvious that Syd and Flo were originally from a home, as they are both house trained and used to home comforts. I constantly wonder where they were before being found, we wonder about their story, but we will never know, but it brings me comfort that they have settled and love our family dearly. Both our girls are grown up and live in London, it's a joy to see the doggies so excited when the girls come home to visit the dogs, not us!!!

My husband, in particular, has worked very hard in walking and training our two. He has walked Syd and Flo separately, as it seems they had never been walked on a lead and so have found walking overwhelming, particularly around our village. Unfortunately, Syd in particular, can be very reactive to some dogs on a walk. Lockdown has made life difficult not being able to attend dog training classes, but happily they both enjoy a day at local doggy day-care, with other dogs of their size, as part of their socialisation. So, we are getting there. I can happily report that they walk on a splitter together and huge progress has been made.

On Instagram, someone kindly wrote to me to tell me that she thought that Syd and Flo are Coton du Tulear breed. After looking them up, it seems they are! They are both, in my opinion, the most beautiful dogs and their coats are a glorious texture and colour.

Florence has a passion for food. You can set a clock by her, when it comes to feeding time and treat time. 10pm strikes and she starts the 'stare' for her night-time biccy. Syd isn't so food orientated. His hobbies are 'shouting' in the garden at Wood Pigeons and next door's dog. He is just starting to play with toys and a tennis ball.

Both Syd and Flo can stand on their back feet and Florence dances in circles on her back legs for that tasty treat... my sweet tiny dancer, my 'little bean'. Syd is my 'big bean'. They are both cuddle monsters; we cannot sit down without having two ‘floofs’ jump up for 'me' attention.

It’s been hard work at times, particularly adopting a bonded pair but goodness it’s so worth it. Lucky us. I cannot begin to thank the Underdog team for facilitating the adoption of our two, four legged bundles of happiness.

- Viv