Sylvie, a female mixed-breed of indeterminant heritage, was adopted from a shelter in 2019 by Tim and Jenni Hart of Raleigh, N.C. She posed few problems during her early years with the family but grew increasingly attached to Tim as their children spent less time at home due to school and work. The dog would follow him around the house, grow increasingly vigilant, and become agitated when Tim was away for more than a few hours.
“If she saw Tim packing up his fishing rods or getting the boat or canoe ready for a day on the water, Sylvie would start breathing rapidly, whining, and pawing at the garage door as he loaded the car,” Jenni says.
Physical manifestations
In September 2025, Sylvie experienced severe separation panic when Tim left for a six-day road trip.
“The first couple of days, Sylvie seemed only mildly out of sorts–a little less energy, occasionally searching around the yard and house for any sign of ‘Daddy,'” Jenni says. “On the third day, she didn’t eat her morning bowl of kibble, which was very unusual for her.”…