My name is Sophia!

Meet Sophia.

Sophia is approximately 1 year old and currently weighs about 15 lbs. She is done growing though she still has some filling out to do (she was skin and bones when she first arrived at our home). She is a very shy little girl and her timidity and uncertainty will quickly tug at your heartstrings. But when she starts to come out of her shell and you see her exhibit her natural playfulness, your heart will swell with pride and joy. We have no idea what her mix of breed is--basenji maybe, chihuahua, terrier, who knows. But from her curly tail to her big doe-like eyes and long sometimes flopping ears, you will find Sophia one of the most endearing dogs you've ever met.

Sophia's History

Sophia and 2 other young dogs were found abandoned in front of an animal hospital in Taiwan, a country where millions of stray dogs are an accepted way of life. All 3 dogs were severely starved and dehydrated. Much of their hair had also fallen off from a skin disease caused by malnourishment and a harsh living environment. Both of Sophia's ears had identical cuts, almost as if somebody had intentionally scarred her. In a country where no animal protection laws exist and where dogs are treated as disposable items and are often the innocent victims of random cruelty, we can only imagine what Sophia and her friends lived through up until then.

The wonderful volunteers of The Animal Rescue Team in Taiwan took these dogs into their care and nursed them back to health.

Sophia's Arrival

It was a long trek from Taiwan to the Bay Area, and when Sophia arrived at our home, in the backyard specifically, on the night of June 27, she remained hidden in her crate for a while. The presence of another puppy, also from Taiwan but very sociable, drew Sophia out to explore her new surroundings. When my much bigger dogs came out to greet them, Sophia showed no fear or shyness towards them. She did, however, hide from me.

Once she finally ventured inside the house, Sophia immediately took up a new hiding place under my desk, a favorite among our shy fosters and Sophia's favorite place to sleep still. She crouched in the corner and stayed there for most of the night.

Every once in a while, she would peek her head out from under to see what was going on from the safety of her new "den."

Sophia Today

Sophia has come a long way since that first night. As the weeks went by, her fear towards me diminished. The playfulness she always had with other dogs was directed at me as well, and all too often I would feel Sophia's little front paws on the back of my leg as she reared up on me in excitement. Sophia does still have the tendency to hide when guests visit, she still hesitates at the door, but her ability to blossom towards me is representative of her ability to blossom towards anyone who simply gives her the chance.

We have had many other dogs come and go during Sophia's stay with us, not to mention our own 2 dogs, and she has gotten along wonderfully with each and every one of them, from an 8-lb puppy to a 70-lb adult dog. Sophia simply LOVES other dogs and will play for hours and hours with them if given the chance. She is a submissive girl yet does not get overly intimidated by rough play, growling, or barking. Whatever wariness and shyness she has towards people does not exist at all with dogs.

Sophia is for the most part a very well-behaved and unassuming dog. She is extremely playful with other dogs but is not hyper. Sophia is crate trained and is in the process of being housetrained. She used to be terrified to walk out the front door and beyond our front yard but will now often follow the lead of our other dogs and has started to enjoy our walks around the neighborhood. Car rides are also something new to her but she lays quietly on the floor. She has probably never really known direct human love and affection and is therefore unsure of herself in the company of people, but she is curious and watchful. Although shy, Sophia isn't really skittish. She is also very tolerant of being handled and lifted even though it must be frightening to her.

Adopting Sophia

Underneath Sophia's shy exterior is a silly little dog with a heart of gold. She needs someone who will take the time to recognize it. Sophia has been extremely undersocialized with people and requires an experienced guardian who will not only have the patience and gentleness to draw her out of her shell initially, but also someone who will continue to expose her to new situations and people. It may take weeks for her to get comfortable with you (longer if you're a man), but it may take years for her to get comfortable with the rest of the world. Sophia needs someone who understands that and who is willing to be flexible in their handling of her.

Because Sophia trusts other dogs so much and tends to follow their lead, her ideal home would have a confident, well-socialized and playful canine brother or sister to act as her mentor.

She is spayed, microchipped, and current on shots, flea preventative and heartworm medication.

Sophia is under the care of Walkin' the Bark Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and is being fostered in Antioch. If you are interested in adopting Sophia, please email your completed Adoption Application. We do request a $250 tax-deductible donation to help cover a portion of each dog's medical and transport expenses. A homecheck will also be required because we do want to be sure that each dog goes to an environment suited to them

For an additional $50 tax-deductible donation, you will receive as a thank-you gift a doggie starter package. This includes a dog bed, a 5-lb bag of Canidae kibble, 2 ceramic bowls, leash, collar, toothbrush, toothpaste, kong, hypoallergenic shampoo, rope toy, stuffed animal, and bully stick treats--almost everything you need to get off on the right start and at a fraction of the price you would pay at a pet store.

I have obviously grown very fond of Sophie and would like to offer to dogsit should her new family need to leave town and I am available.

Sophia is kind of a juxtaposition--the true Sophia is playful and full of life, but her uncertainty with new people supresses that in the beginning and makes her fearful & timid. Once she blossoms though, sunshine and laughter will follow wherever she goes. She is the kind of dog that will become your devoted shadow once she learns to trust you. When I watch her interacting with the other dogs, I see her potential for happiness and joy. All she needs is patience, gentleness, and a lot of socialization.

This is a video of Sophia being Sophia. This is not the dog you will see when you first meet her, but this is the dog she will become if given the chance.