u/Gsprsc

First of all, we have just returned from visiting your beautiful country (we’re from Europe) and absolutely loved it! We spent nearly three weeks here and had an incredible time.

Besides the amazing nature, we also loved the people. Your community is truly amazing and incredibly warm :)

Right before our flight, we had a very sweet encounter and wanted to ask you what it means. We were at a cafe and a family next to us was celebrating a birthday (a little boy and his mom both had a birthday). It was so sweet seeing everyone enjoy their day. We then noticed that they were trying to get a group photo (a selfie), but because there were so many of them, they couldn’t all fit into the frame. So we offered to take a photo of them all together.

At first they seemed a little shocked that we came up to them, but then they immediately said yes and we took some photos of them. After, the asked if we wanted some cake. We were not sure first but only because we did not want to interrupt their party! But they insisted and of course we said yes. It was so incredibly nice of them to offer. Then, the little boy came to us, with a piece of cake in his hand and fed us the cake! By hand! We were so shocked because that was literally the sweetest thing ever! And I just wanted to ask if there is a meaning behind this??

This happened last week but we literally still think about it. And we didn’t even do anything special! We just offered to take a photo of them, that is all. Anyway, we are in awe… such an incredible gesture and again - it just shows how amazing your country is.

I need advice - I am so emotionally devastated :(

We have a 3 year old amstaff - had him since he was 8 weeks old! We went through training with him and everything was fine. Until recently- we have began noticing him becoming reactive.

It started off “small”. There is a house near us and their dog is always in the yard and barking when anyone passes. My dog was always ignoring him until one time he began barking back. Now, he gets “stiff” and alert as soon as we get close to the house…

Then we noticed him barking BACK at dogs who barked at him. So he never “began” but is now doing it back. And the thing is - he used to never react to dogs growling and barking at him!

But just now (I suppose the last few weeks) - he is the one who is the first to bark and growl at the other dogs! It is mostly the breeds who were usually barking at him, but not limited to that…

Anyway this has now become quite scary honestly! I don’t know him like this! At first we didn’t see these signs as him being reactive until he began initiating the barking.

We have then immediately contacted a dog specialist and are meeting with her this Saturday.

But still… I cannot help but feel absolutely devastated :((((

I have so many questions!!
- What happened??
- What is he feeling?
- Is this our fault??
- Will it ever be back to normal?

I have anxiety when I have to take him out on a walk by myself. He is so strong and I have such a hard time holding him near me when he gets like that.

Also, my partner and I are pretty active and like to go on day trips and whatnot and we would always take him with us! Now I fear this will no longer be possible??? Until not in the capacity it used to be! I feat to sit down at a cafe with him now! Because I worry another dog will come to the next table and he will loose it…

Gosh, I just feel like we must have failed him in some way. He used to be an extremely extroverted dog! He loveeed all dogs and wanted to be “friends” with them. I cannot help but wonder if we have done something wrong here to now make him react to other dogs!

Has anyone went through something similar? That you had a non-reactive dog that later became reactive? How do you come to terms with that? Obviously we will do anything we can to help him but I have just so much anxiety at the moment.

We are also planning on starting a family soon. Is that even “possible” now? As in the smart thing to do? How will I handle him and a baby in a stroller if now I cannot even “handle” just him?? So many questions…

I am sure it will be easier when we meet with the trainer on Saturday and begin this journey with her. But I would really appreciate any advice on how to emotionally process this. Especially since I feel like this part of my life has completely changed and the future seems so scary.