Jonathan was a six-month-old, mixed-breed dog when he arrived in the shelter system. He was fostered and rehabilitated by an experienced dog walker and foster parent, who was one of our clients. Jonathan was eventually adopted.
After several years, Jonathan was returned to the shelter after severely biting his owner. Our client Wendy immediately asked to foster Jonathan again, and a few months later, officially adopted him.
Because she’d fostered him in the past, she thought they could pick up where they’d left off. But he was given too much freedom, too soon when he wasn’t quite the pup she once knew. He’d become insecure and reactive, particularly to the harsh noises of downtown Toronto where they lived.
One weekend, the course of their relationship changed forever. Our client’s family was grieving the loss of their beloved senior dog and one evening, not realizing how sensitive and fearful Jonathan had become, our client sought comfort by lying next to him, startling him and causing him to bite.
The bite was so severe that she had to be rushed to the hospital. Her thoughts and feelings raced as she faced the reality of what had happened and what this meant about their relationship.
But our client knew too much about dogs to judge Jonathan and hold this incident against him. She knew she had to do better to heal the deep anxiety lurking beneath the surface, which had led to such a drastic reaction.
Working through the trauma of the incident and taking complete responsibility for their situation, our client sought our help. Guided by the wisdom and hope of the Way of Life Method, she went back to basics with her dog. She diligently applied the tenets of the Method: managing their space and boundaries, rolling back socialization, and building up Jonathan’s drives and instincts. She honed her own attitude and mindset, maintaining optimism, courage, and tenacity.
A year later, their relationship has been transformed. Jonathan continues to conquer his fears, riding regularly on public transportation, learning scenting work, and making new canine friends. He and his person have discovered new hiking spots, beaches, and urban treasures.
There are many who would have given up on Jonathan and put him down. But our client understood why dogs do what they do, and instead of blaming him, she took charge and assumed responsibility. We know how much she learned in the process and how much better off he is, having been loved and cared for unconditionally by his human. This team’s relationship recovery is a shining example of the power of the Way of Life Method, and we could not be prouder of Wendy, Jonathan, and the relationship they enjoy today.
