Arrow’s Story: How a Loving Home Helped a Poodle Overcome Trauma

He was rescued by a dog rescuer in Ohio. He was provided with needed veterinary care and bathed/clipped – which probably felt really good considering his condition, as shown in the images above. A year later, Arrow came home with us where he was provided with a quiet and friendly environment, great nutrition, companionship, veterinary care and lots of love. However, he remained terrified of almost everything around him.

He would drop to the floor at the word “no” or loud voices, could not handle people and was especially terrified of little kids. He had many years of stress and trauma to overcome. The task ahead was dauntingly large, but Annette was up to the challenge. (ALSO READ:  Kitten’s Story: Living With Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

She used scientifically developed and verified behavioral modification techniques, including but not limited to positive reinforcement, counter conditioning, and desensitization to help Arrow adjust to day-to-day pet life. Her infinite patience and boundless love for Arrow helped her along the way. In some specific situations, she also had to use medication developed through animal-based research. Annette’s efforts were not in vain. Gradually Arrow went from a terrified dog to become a confident, well socialized, happy dog and earned his Good Citizen Certificate.

After many years he began seeking the attention of children and loved going into the world.

Routine veterinary care and vaccinations made possible by animal research and testing helped Arrow have a healthy life. Due to his advanced age and health issues, we had to say our final goodbye several weeks ago.

He will live forever in our hearts.

Noé Tirado-Muñiz, DMV, DVM, MS, CPIA, is a veterinarian at the University of Kentucky. He and his wife Annette submitted this story and photos for FBR Real Pet Stories™. If you have a story you’d like to share about your pet, please email it to info@fbresearch.org.

Read Noé’s FBR Real Pet Stories™ testimonial: “I support FBR because FBR supports research and provides education, information and tools so the public can better understand the benefits research has to offer. Research has helped me and my loved ones stay healthy and live productive and happy lives. From vaccines against childhood diseases (and more recently COVID-19), cancer treatments, diabetes, sleep apnea, GERDS, etc., my family and I have all benefited.

My baby brother was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9. My baby sister had severe renal disease. Without insulin and other medical interventions, they would have died at a much younger age. Yet, thanks to animal-based research they lived longer lives and touched the hearts of many with their happy dispositions and their eagerness to sing and dance anywhere/any time.”