I Was Terrified!

From Fear to Friendship: My Journey with Dogs

It’s hard to believe now, but there was a time when I was absolutely terrified of dogs. Our next-door neighbors had big German Shepherds, and they often let their dogs run loose in the neighborhood—despite (I’m sure) there being leash laws at the time.

It all started when I was very little, sitting in the grass with my brother in our front yard. I was very tiny and a German Shepherd seemed absolutely huge compared to me—especially when I was sitting down, completely unaware that he was about to come charging up from behind and tackled me. Looking back, I know now it was probably just playful excitement, but at that moment, I felt completely attacked. That experience stuck with me and seated a deep fear of dogs.

As a kid, that experience stuck with me and began a deep fear of dogs. Seeing a loose dog in the neighborhood always put me on edge, and I kept my distance whenever I could. I felt like I couldn’t come home safely from school or just hang out outside with my friends. I stayed inside a lot, and when I had to go out, I was always on high alert, watching for loose dogs or racing home with one not far behind. And it wasn’t just the big ones—there was a little dog on my route to school that would actually nip at my ankles. Needless to say, these first experiences with dogs didn’t give me much reason to love them.

Growing up with cats (10 total!), life has a funny way of changing things. Over the years, I found myself surrounded by more animals—working as a veterinary technician, having three dogs as an adult, and caring for the pets of friends and family, I slowly began to understand them, their body language, their quirks, and most importantly, their intentions. The fear that once controlled me started to fade, replaced by respect and admiration.

Now, as a pet sitter, I can’t imagine life without the companionship of both dogs and cats. Each pet I care for reminds me how much I’ve grown—how a childhood fear turned into a lifelong passion.

If you have a nervous pet, I get it. I know what it’s like to be unsure, to need time and patience. That’s why I approach every animal I care for with understanding, making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and loved—just like I needed all those years ago.