Necco was born terrified of animals.
It didn’t matter how small, cute, or gentle the animal was. She didn’t want to be anywhere near it. Her greatest fear has always been dogs, but even creatures as tiny as butterflies gave her the creeps.
When we saw a dog across the street, she would literally climb up the nearest adult. Before entering a new house, her first question was always, “Do they have any animals?” If the answer was yes, she would either stay out in the car or insist on being carried.
Many have tried to work her through her fears, but only two experiences have really made a big difference. The first was the time she spent at summer camp. Finally a desire to do something outweighed the fears of entering a dog-zone. She got used to the dogs at camp. The second experience was the week that we just spent at my in laws’ house in Florida. My mother in law works for the Humane Society and has a number of animals at home. Necco was nervous when we first arrived, but by the end of the week was feeling very confident around the dogs and cats.
After we returned home, my friend Safire had to leave town for a funeral, and needed someone to take care of her dog while she was away. Necco happily agreed to do it.
After dog-sitting for a week, you’d never suspect that this kid has been terrified of animals for the last 10 years. She was a natural.
Necco’s biggest worry now is missing Soot. She got quite attached this week.
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Wonderful photos! It's always so encouraging to hear how someone has overcome their fears.
Thanks for visiting my blog! :)
YaY for overcoming fear!! She does look quite natural and has a great smile!
:D
~traci
My 17 year old daughter's best friend is TERRIFIED of dogs. For a long time she would not even come to visit because we have 2 dogs. Now, we have to put them in a crate in our basement for her to even consider coming in and going into my daughter's room – on the 2nd floor of our home. I guess it is a very hard thing to overcome. I've always been around animals so I can't imagine being frightened of animals. Insect, yes! Animals, no. I'm glad Necco was able to overcome her fears. Maybe now she can get her own puppy. :0)
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I hope the rest of your week is absolutely amazing!
Teresa <><
Aww…what a cute post. :) I'm so happy they had a good time together. I know that Soot was well taken care of. She can borrow Soot ANYTIME, you know. The poor puppy doesn't get the attention she deserves sometimes.
She looks so proud of herself:-)
There will be no new family member any time soon. I have enough mouths
to feed. Mark my words. NO dogs. :)
Awwww! That is so sweet! I especially love the last picture – priceless! :) Very cool she overcame her fears. When are you getting a dog? ;)
Asking for her own dog? Uh oh. You're in trouble now. :) Do you think you might be adding a new family member to your household soon?
In other news, your site is looking great! The change to WordPress is really treating you well!!
what a wonderful story. beautiful pictures of Necco and Soot. thanks for sharing and take care.
Stopping by from Seven Clown Circus…
That dog looks just like ours. They must be twins. So glad that Necco got over her fear of dogs and was able to Dog sit.
Thanks for sharing,
Happy to hear that she conquered her fear…she's adorable!
So glad she conquered her fears, they look like the best of friends!!
Oh I am glad there is hope. My oldest is terrified too. So are my girls but not as much as him. Even down to the detail of always asking if people have dogs in their homes. He almost never plays at friends homes because of it. I am probably to blame because I refuse to have a pet. I have too many other people to care for! haha
I think she feel ok with her new friend. Great pictures.
She already HAS started asking for her own dog, believe it or not. She
started brainstorming which of our friends might have dogs that were
going to have puppies…Haha!
Maybe there's hope for ME! She's adorable and looks more than comfortable with her new friend. Watch out Mom. She'll be asking for her own if you aren't careful!
I NEVER had hope that she would conquer her fears like this. I hoped
that she wouldn't be so deathly afraid, but never thought she'd
actually like animals! I am still in shock!
I am glad to hear this b/c Claire is terrified of dogs. Maybe there is hope for her.
Oh that is so sweet! And so awesome. A fear of animals can be so difficult. My brother was deathly afraid. I think he's still not fond of them but has accepted that some are ok.
What a wonderful post! Congrats to her! Beautiful pics!