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That is really a great and original idea to help the dogs and the kids.
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What a wonderful idea. Shelter animals who behave like that are very often deeply traumatised by their past experiences, or being abandoned, or sometimes by the passing of their beloved caretaker. Just to hear a gentle voice, or a pleasant child's voice talk to them could help many out of their depression, to start to make contact with others.
Another thing which often works with a withdrawn animal is gentle sweet music. If someone has a nice voice and can sing very quietly and gently, or whistle tunes very sweetly, that can often make a great difference too. Some animals are more responsive to music than others, but for the ones who are, they seem to be quite moved by a good tune.
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Music does work. Maybe they can have music classes for the kids or at least have them sing to the animals. I used to sing to the hamsters and the quail. It always calmed them. It even works for the guinea pigs. The doves are not so sure and the snakes do not seem to distinguish between speaking and singing.
Catherine
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I sing to the Danny, Bailee and Suzy and they love it.
Yes, I have seen some shelter animals who are very scared, even saw a video of a dog who cried so loud just when someone pet him. He was used to being abused and thought everyone was going to abuse him. The kind woman kept petting him and eventually he stopped crying and began to feel kindness probably for the first time.
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It takes time to win the trust of a frightened shelter dog. Having happy children read is such a good idea. They are full of fun and energy. The dog can sense this and it is almost infectious. The dogs do start to respond and eventually they become more social.
Catherine
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Dogs are amazing. No matter how broken they are, they respond to kindness and regain trust.
Sometimes we have to work to find a way to reach them. It is worth it to see a dog respond and to see the eyes look up to us and the tail start wagging.
I love the rescue videos where they show a scared dog learning to trust again. I always cry at the happy ending.
Catherine
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Suzy is now totally comfortable with me and now she sleeps laying on my chest and stomach a lot of the time when I am on the couch. It has taken her awhile to become totally comfortable with me.
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With time love wins over any dog. They want to trust us. If we make any effort at all it is enough.
I think Suzy wanted to be with you the moment she saw you. It just took her a while to overcome her fears.
Catherine