Celebrating social successes
 

When Lilah was a year and a half she was attacked by a big white wolfy looking dog while minding her own business walking down a pathway on her leash. She was physically uninjured but it took a serious mental toll on Lilah- and I guess me too because I think in a lot of ways, I unintentionally inhibited her healing. My anxiety fed her anxiety and we didn't have a lot of safe social opportunities to practice getting back to normal. I blamed myself thinking I must not have socialized her properly in her early days or she would have bounced back better, we tried anxiety sprays and wraps and chews but she didn't have classic anxiety she had a social issue that was different than that after being attacked. The vet didn't have much to say but, yes that's unfortunate, that happens sometimes. She had her one safe buddy and it seemed like she would never get to have a normal life again, a safe calm walk in the park like we once could have.

Well, it has been a lot of little successes leading up to this time but I just wanted to come on here and celebrate Lilahs renewed confidence and happiness. She is now three and a half and especially this last year has made huge strides, grown in leaps and bounds. We can walk through a petsmart and meet different dogs big and small- I stil ask safety questions and use reasonable caution- and she wags her little tail and sniffs politely, happy to visit with friends. I feel more confident in identifying boundaries and having practical expectations for interactions and so does she and I am just so proud of my little girl and so grateful that she gets to live a normal, joyful life despite her rough experience. Thanks for letting me share :)

I love a story with a happy ending. I am sure the original incident was very traumatizing to Lilah and sometimes there is no coming back from that. You both are very strong to have bounced back!

Thank you so much for your supportive comment :) I am just so happy to see my girl get to live a normal happy life with other dogs!

Happy to hear Lilah has bounced back. My now passed girl had two experiences with a husky that sneaked up behind us for a sniff, my girl was about 3 yo, she was traumatized by this, was scared, Leary and watchful on walks as was I. Then at 5 yo same thing, Belgian Shepherd came, again from behind, again she was screaming with fear. She passed at 17 yo but never got over the fear of leash walks, she was always scared, always looked behind her. Yes I did the same thing,she fed off my anxiety, but one cannot avoid being anxious and watchful when we walk our little ones. She was socially raised to LOVE all animals, she was never scared of larger dogs until the first insistent, then the 2nd. Happy to know your Lilah has over come her fear.

What a nice story so glade you both found a happy place again some dogs never get over something like that you did a good job.

Matese Husky's are to be watched . We were at a picture taking at the mall and I walked Bella past a couple of Husky's and they looked at her like she was something to eat. I have never seen that in an other dogs eyes before. scary.

My Gina was pounced on by a yellow Lab puppy during a puppy training class at Petco when she was 6 mos old. The instructor had warned everyone to control their dog but this dumb woman let her huge puppy jump on tiny Gina and scared her to death. She NEVER got over it. Hated meeting other dogs - would not look at them. She did have cat friends. So sad.

Congratulations to both you and Lilah! Very happy to hear you have made great strides.

Thanks you guys- I'm afraid she ended up being a chew toy dangled on a leash as I pulled her up by her harness reactively when he lunged at her with his teeth, he jumped up to get her dangling there and I turned and pulled her into my chest- luckily when he lunged directly at my chest to pursue her my bellowed "no!" Coupled with the realization he was lunging at a human kicked in- thank god! The owner really was in tears over the issue but I definitely was too. Whew! So glad these times are passed! So glad to see my little girl smile and tail wag. Thank you for celebrating with me! :party: