Sydney Marie Saunders
November 16, 1994- December 4, 2020
In 2014, Sydney adopted Lucy from a Dallas, Texas area shelter to become her best friend and companion. Sydney trained Lucy to be a respectful, delicate companion such that Lucy became a well-mannered, social, comforting, and healing presence to Sydney’s and Lucy’s shared friends and family. Sydney also had Lucy certified as her Emotional Support Dog to support and comfort Sydney through difficult emotional and psychological episodes. Sydney and Lucy were a match made in heaven; their vivacious and social spirits invited humans and companions into strong, lasting friendships. Sydney and Lucy accompanied each other on walks, brunch, lunch, dinner, workouts, flights, shopping trips, and pool days. Just as Sydney was gifted in soccer, golf, squash, and lacrosse player, Lucy possesses only the most impressive ball-retrieving skills and abilities. With their shared enthusiasm for activity, Sydney and Lucy found simple, blissful pleasure in trips to the park to play “ball”. Sydney found excitement in challenging Lucy with new toss patterns and challenges, and Lucy enjoyed the idea of never-ending days at the park.
Sydney graduated from SMU with Lucy by her side, receiving a degree in Civil Engineering from SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering. Sydney loved dogs more than anything in the world and shared the deepest love and admiration for Lucy. Sydney and Lucy healed and supported each other through adverse and beautiful times, teaching each other the power of resilience through adversity. As Sydney encountered academic or social obstacles, Lucy comforted her and inspired her to perform. As Lucy encountered minor health issues, Sydney showed Lucy nothing but love and assistance. Sydney needed Lucy and Lucy needed Sydney.
Sydney’s goofy, vibrant, and powerful spirit lives on through her best friend, Lucy. Supporting Duo Dogs, an organization that creates life-enhancing relationships between humans and dogs in need of support, creates the perfect legacy for Sydney’s and Lucy’s reciprocal love and support.
