SICKAN
Goofy, loyal and kind hearted
When Frida and Rikard decided to add another dog into their family they were adamant that they would adopt. Frida explained that “With the situation being as it is, it felt like the most logical choice. There’s too many that need a home so that was never a question.”
They gave the shelter, a list of things that they wanted to consider that would suit their family life, for example the size of the dog. Rikard remembered that choosing Sickan was very simple. “We had a list of 6 dogs that they thought could match our family situation and we were supposed to meet all six. They started with presenting Sickan and we just said ‘Sorry we don’t want to see the other ones. We will take Sickan' and she came along home with us.”
Sickan ended up in a shelter as she was found abandoned in the street. Frida recalled that in the beginning “She knew nothing, she couldn’t even sit, she didn’t have the muscles.” But now with the help of her family she has learnt these things. Clara, their daughter, also likes to train the dogs by getting them to sit and giving them treats. “But training always continues as for everyone. We live and we learn everyday.”
Rikard noted the importance of training your dog. “Invest the time to train…It should be a family member. A dog shouldn’t need to be tied up. If it enjoys the area they won’t run away. If they like where they are and you give them some time.” Frida added that it is important “to realise that it is a relationship. It needs work, like all relationships. You can’t just be like 'You’re cute, you’re gonna love me.’ That’s not how it works. You need to be patient.”
Sickan is now a very much loved dog. Frida explained that "She’s like no dog I’ve ever met before. She does herself. She’s very kind, very calm, very compassionate and loyal.” Rikard added that “I think Bob (their other dog) is the most happy one never having to be alone at home. They always have each other.” Frida recalled that moving to Portugal was an adjustment for Bob as “in Sweeden we just brought him everywhere...That’s definitely made things more happy. I think everyone is just happier."
Sickan’s family love hiking and going on day trips together. “But we also like cuddles, games, just being together. They are truly members of the family. They are like our kids too.”
