Isabelle's Story
Being scared of dogs seemed to come out of nowhere for me. When I was a toddler, I happily played with my grandparents' dogs. I used to be able to go the park with my family and have lots of fun. Then, almost out of nowhere, I was petrified of them. My family dogs were fine – it was just any other dog – and this caused lots of problems. I was no longer able to go to the park or have fun days out and I couldn't visit my best friends' who owned dogs. We went to a beach hut one day and I stayed inside because I was scared there were dogs on the beach. My cynophobia caused a lot of anxiety and meltdowns and made life generally difficult.
I was worried that any dog I saw would chase me and jump up at me, especially if they were not on a lead. Even if they just looked at me, I'd start to panic. My heart would race and my mind was in a spin. I wanted to run away from any situation where I was faced with a dog.
In January 2024, when I was in Year 6, my parents began to worry that I would struggle to walk safely to school on my own when I was in secondary school. Dogs have made me run into the road before! I started going to Cynophobia classes run by Roy Dyer. The first session I went, I didn't go into the hall until the very end where I met Christine and her lovely dog Bailey! I managed to give him a brush (at arm's length) and was so proud of myself!
I attended Roy's classes on as many Saturdays as I could, slowly growing in confidence. I was also nervous around lots of new people, so this was a bit challenging sometimes. The dog handlers were so kind and helpful though and they really put me at ease.
When Roy's classes ended, my parents and I met up with some of the handlers and their dogs in a park. This is one of my biggest challenges and it was difficult but I did it. We also went on some street walks when I was too nervous for the park. Everyone was so kind.
The handlers decided to open Pawfect Friends to continue the classes. I couldn't go to as many for a while because of other clubs I had, but I went to as many Saturday classes as I could. They were the highlight of my week! I loved going to see the handlers and the dogs and my confidence grew and grew. Noeleen, Val and the other handlers made the classes really fun and enjoyable and it was great having a chat with the handlers as we walked around. Everyone is also really knowledgeable and I learnt so much about dog behaviour and body language.
I got to the point where the handlers would let me lead their dogs without them because I was doing so well and this really boosted my confidence too. Eventually, I felt like the classes were just a chance for me to see my dog friends, but in my heart I knew that I needed to grow by being with dogs in the real world. I went with my mum to 'dog sit' for a friend in their house and would never have done this before. We went on some walks beforehand so I could get used to the dog. I also went on walks with Claire and Charlie in the park and this made me realise this was my last hurdle. I could only do this by actually being out there doing it.
So, after a lot of thought, my parents decided to adopt a rescue dog. I didn't feel ready for a lively puppy, so we decided to go for one that was a bit older. Meeting dogs in their homes and their shelters was quite daunting, but I used the skills that I had been taught and managed it! I knew I was ready!
At the start of the Easter holidays, we went to meet a lovely dog from Romania called Eliza. She is 4 and a half. She was so lovely that we decided to let her join our family. She is a bit nervous still, and I am still learning lots about how to behave around her, but I can't believe I actually have my own dog! She potters around the house and I just love her. Two years ago – even 6 months ago – I would never have thought that I would have a dog in my house, but she brightens my mornings and helps me when I'm feeling sad or anxious about other things. I can't wait for her to become my best friend and its all thanks to the team at Pawfect Friends who gave me so much support, advice and love. Even now, they are still helping me.
One day, when I'm older, I'd like to come along with my own dog and be a dog handler to help others with cynophobia overcome their fears.
