We had a sort of breakthrough with Dani this week. Well, not so much a breakthrough as a revelation.
We have suspected from the beginning that Dani went through something traumatic, physically and/or psychologically before making her home with us.
The other day that theory was demonstrated through something as innocuous as changing clothes.
One morning when Mister was getting dressed he slid his belt out of a pair of unwashed pants to use with a fresh, clean pair. Just the act of Mister having a belt in hand had a chilling affect on Dani.
Dani tucked her tail and cowered, making the most heart-wrenching whimpers we’ve ever heard from any animal. Nothing she’s done up to this point has been as agonizing to witness.
I believe anyone who would abuse a defenseless animal should be condemned to the Seventh Circle of Hell.
Thin spiral notebook 
Oh poor Baby. My stomach flipped when I read that. I have no time for anyone who abuses a defenceless animal, and agree with you, they should be condemned to hell. Hope you can overcome it with lots of love and care..
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We will never know all of what Dani’s been through, we can only make her time with us as loving and nurturing as we can.
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Exactly. They don’t forget, but nicer things will take priority, and I am sure she is loved to pieces already.
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We had a similar experience with our Dot. Poor baby. The fear of belts will never go away completely. She is so lucky to have you now! xo
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Dot is lucky to have you too.
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Awe, thanks!!
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Amen! I agree.
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Cruelty is something I will never understand.
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Uggh.
My mother’s chihuahua I think went though something similar prior to coming to us. She’s a perpetual bundle of nerves (like 15 straight cups of expresso every hour on the hour).
Sounds like your dog is making nice incremental progress.
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There are still a lot of trust issues, but she’s starting to act a little like a puppy again. She and our older dog have begun to play together. That’s been a nice development.
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i so agree, and you are so lucky to have found each other
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I think we’re lucky too. Dani really is the sweetest pup.
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Pretty obvious what happened to that sweet girl in the last. Hopefully, she is getting to know you two and will soon realise that you will never hurt her. Hugs to Dani.
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It’s been slow going, but little by little I think she is learning to trust us. She’s made some big improvements from when we first brought her home.
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Poor pup. I’m glad she has you to love her now.
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