When we come across people with dogs, it’s easy to assume that the person is a dog lover. While it’s not a far-fetched thought, it may not always be the case.
Some dog owners seize the opportunity to purchase a dog with the hopes of finding companionship. Sometimes, it could be to please their children or a partner. Other times, well, people just love them.
However, there is one woman who is terrified of dogs but decided to take a leap of faith and adopt one anyway. Though that may sound silly to some, her story is nothing short of amazing.
A 51-year-old special education teacher named Teresa Hwang from Oakville, Canada, had been bitten by a dog before. Twice actually, at ages 10 and 20.
“I have been afraid of dogs for most of my life. Having been bitten by friends’ dogs at the age of 10 (on the forehead) and the age of 20 (on the leg), I had developed a dog phobia that I was able to manage mostly through avoidance.”
Thus, it’s not difficult to imagine having a fear of dogs after such experiences. But her boyfriend had wanted a dog for years. Of course, she wasn’t fully on board with the idea but after they dog-sat her sister’s 16-year old dog, Cola, for two weeks, she became more open to the idea.
The couple researched and contacted several animal shelters. Eventually, they came across a dog named Patches who peaked their interest. He had been in the system for 6 months and had been in two different shelters. In addition, he lived with at least one foster family.
His kennel card labeled him “fearful.” It also stated that he “would not be a good fit in a home with a lot of noise, activity or children but that he was great with other dogs.”
However, everyone seemed to see the potential in him. Though he was labeled as “timid and shy” in addition to fearful, they wrote that he could reach his full potential if provided a loving home.
Clearly, this was a dog in need of a patient and kind family. Hwang stated that his description made her think of Aladdin because he was “a diamond in the rough.”
When Hwang first met with Patches, who they later renamed Boo, he was fearful and nervous, just as described.
“He was sitting on a bench beside his foster mom when we arrived. While I sat on the other end of the bench talking to his foster, I didn’t look at or engage with him at all because I was quite anxious myself.”
But then something amazing happened. Boo decided to make the first move.
“About 15 minutes in our conversation, Boo slowly came out from hiding behind his foster mom and took a few steps towards me. As I turned to look, he gave me one lick on the nose and then quickly retreated and hid behind his foster mom again. His foster mom gave me a surprised look and replied, ‘Wow. That’s really weird, he doesn’t approach people. I guess he’s picked you,’” she says.
Still, it took months for Boo to feel even slightly comfortable in their home. He wouldn’t approach them, eat in front of them, or touch his toys. Physically, he walked with his tail between his legs, paced, cowered in corners, and flinched at sounds around the house.
But the couple took things slowly and worked on building trust. Though they sent him to different trainers, he was difficult to train because he wasn’t very food-motivated. Fortunately, slowly but surely, Boo started to come around.
He began to wag his tail, play ball, bark in excitement, make eye contact, and eat in front of his family.
“With each milestone I witnessed, I cried happy tears because it was as if Boo was a puppy again and was learning ‘how to dog,'” she shares.
Just as Boo has made progress with his relationships with humans, Hwang has made a bit of progress with dogs.
“…I’m still nervous around other dogs I don’t know. But it’s better. And I know that if a dog came after Boo, I would protect him. Because Boo isn’t the only one who has changed. Seeing Boo heal and grow has changed the way I see myself. Just as with my own children, taking care of Boo has taught me patience and unconditional love.”
While the two of them both have a ways to go before they are completely comfortable around the other species, they are comfortable with each other and that’s all that matters.
We wish these two nothing but the best!
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