Pip’s Story: Animals in Abusive Relationships pt. 2

I am so lucky that while I was away someone offered to go pick up my dogs and take care of them for me. 

When they picked up the dogs, both had been neglected. They were covered in fleas. Dirty. The first was matted. They were underfed.

I’ve had them back for about 3 months after not having them for 3. It’s been amazing to see how they’ve blossomed in their new space. We don’t always realize it but dogs know so much more than we give them credit for.

My old dog, Lucy, used to hide in her crate and sneak out at night to eat and drink. I thought it was because she was old. Turns out, she was scared. Now she never goes in her crate and follows the whole family everywhere!

Pip is happy and silly and follows my son Adler everywhere. She is doing all of the behaviors I taught her when she was being trained as an emotional support dog (before my ex started keeping her from me). If I cry (or my son does) she runs right to us and plops down to comfort us.

If you have lost your animals in an abusive relationship, I’m so sorry. If you haven’t left yet and are afraid, I hope this story gives you hope.