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Little Jodie, a miniature Schnauzer, faced a rocky beginning, locked away as a pup without any social interaction. Consequently, she developed several issues down the line.

Jodie found herself in pain due to a hip problem and sought help at Col. Potter. After hip surgery, luck was on her side: she's now pain-free. Caring for her is Deb, an experienced foster mom at Col. Potter. But there's a catch - Jodie is petrified of humans, yet she adores playing with fellow canines. In Deb's words, she's learning valuable dog behavior from her four other furry roomies.

Breaking the Ice with Jodie

With patience and determination, Deb's been working on socializing Jodie. Thanks to their efforts, she's started to appreciate belly rubs and cozying up in Deb's lap. She sleeps with Deb at night, albeit uneasily when it's time for Deb to awaken. Deb's also trained Jodie to take treats from her hand. Jodie barks insistently whenever Deb showers her loving attention on another dog, yearning for her share.

Leash walks are a favorite pastime for Jodie, but Deb can't risk a breakaway due to Jodie's penchant for chewing through harnesses and escaping unscathed. A securely fenced yard seems like an ideal home for Jodie, where she can play with at least one other pooch. Oh, and Jodie has the knack for pinching tomatoes from Deb's garden.

Reclaiming Happiness for Jodie

Deb's steadfast commitment to Jodie is helping this resilient pup leave her traumatic past behind. She's still far from perfect, though; obedience training may be necessary for any potential adopters. Plus, they'll require a heaping dose of patience, for Jodie remains a joyful beacon despite her past turmoil.

Yet Deb harbors concerns that Jodie might regress in a new home. There's hope, though, in the form of Schatzie, another miniature Schnauzer foster, who has forged a strong bond with Jodie. If these two pups find a forever home together, they might well help each other adjust more smoothly. If not, Deb is ready to continue caring for her charge. Hopefully, Jodie will turn five in April, and she'll enjoy many more years of happiness ahead.

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Whether you'd like to support breed-specific rescues like CP (whose staff are all volunteers) with financial, tax-free donations or join fundraising activities, your kindness can make a difference for dogs like Jodie! You can also sponsor a rescued dog as a tribute to a loved one, friend, or cherished pet.

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Lee Juslin is a freelance copywriter who makes her home in North Carolina with her husband Scott, and four rescued cats. She runs an embroidery business, "I B Dog Gone," and sells on Ebay under the I.D. "Collectorfrosty." She backs various national, regional, and international breed rescue organizations.

Quiet, consistent, and deliberate interactions can go a long way in helping fearful dogs like Jodie gradually trust and engage with humans. Here's a step-by-step guide to adopting such a dog:

Step 1: Create a Familiar Routine

Being consistent will help your dog feel more secure and at ease
Ensure all household members follow the same guidelines to prevent confusion and stress

Step 2: Maintain a Calm Environment

Speak softly and keep your body language relaxed to help your dog feel at ease
Low-key, ambient music can further soothe your furry friend

Step 3: Gradual Exposure and Conditioning

Start with giving your dog plenty of space to acclimate, if needed
Introduce more proximity and interaction time when your dog shows tolerance
Desensitize and countercondition by reducing the intensity of the stimulus when your dog exhibits fear or stress

Step 4: Offer Treats for Encouragement

Distribute treats in relaxed areas where your dog feels secure
Gradually move closer as your dog becomes comfortable with your presence

Step 5: Hand-Feed Your Dog

Use high-value treats for positive reinforcement
Build trust and foster bonding by hand-feeding your dog once they're comfortable with your presence

Step 6: Seek Professional Help

If necessary, consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for personalized assistance with your fearful dog. With patience, persistence, and understanding, you can watch your pup blossom into a confident, contented companion.

With Deb's care and determination, Jodie's home environment is gradually becoming a place of comfort, (home-and-garden) fostering a sense of belonging and easing her social anxiety. As Jodie learns to trust humans, her love for fellow canines serves as a stepping stone in her journey towards accepting humans as and establishing a balance in her lifestyle (pets).