From Yogi
I wasn't…read morealways this proud 150-pound brindle Akita you see today.
I was a scared, reactive dog when my human found me. I'd been abused, and later, after finally finding a safe home, someone broke in... and I was beaten again.
I don't trust easily. I bark when I feel unsafe. I protect my space fiercely. I need distance from other dogs--not because I don't care, but because I care too deeply and don't know how to show it safely.
But my human understood.
They walk me on a 6' lead, often shortened to 2'.
They sit on the ground beside me when I'm overwhelmed.
They give me time, space, and safety to choose connection.
That's how I learned how to say:
"If I turn sideways and offer my shoulders or my butt... you can touch me."
It's not much, but it's my way of saying "I trust you."
And Justine listened.
On October 4, 2023, Justine became my personal walker once a week.
My human told her the truth--every challenge, every warning. She had every reason to walk away.
But she didn't.
She stayed.
She followed my signals.
She gave me 15 minutes.
Now we do 30-minute walks once a week.
She must really love me.
Then, on January 2, 2024, I met Laura--and fate stepped in again.
I didn't know she worked with Justine.
Now I have two amazing humans who take me out twice a week.
They get me. They give me time.
And I give them my trust.
To the anxious pups, the misunderstood cats, the shy reptiles, the quiet rodents hiding under blankets:
You are NOT broken
You are NOT too much
You just need the right people who will wait for you to feel safe
I'm Yogi. I'm a 150-pound Protection Fluff with a gentle heart and a rough past.
I don't take love lightly--but once I give it, it's forever.
Sloppy kisses and steady eyes,
--Yogi
From Yogi's Human:
Yogi came into my life with scars--some I could see, many I couldn't.
And while I helped him find safety...
he helped me survive too.
Watching him grow from panic to patience, from tension to trust, has been the most powerful journey of my life. We have good days, tough ones, and breakthroughs. But we keep going.
To Justine and Laura--thank you for stepping into our lives. You didn't just help my dog.
You made it possible for me to breathe a little easier too.
To everyone walking a reactive pet journey:
Progress isn't linear.
Love is a process.
You're not alone.
#ReactiveDog #AkitaStrong #DogHealingJourney #AdoptDontShop #RescueToRecovery #BrindleAkita #DogLove #AnimalRescue #YogiTheAkita #ProtectionFluff #TraumaRecovery #ServiceDogInTraining #GentleGuardians #YouAreNotBroken #justintimedogwalking