Just like humans, every dog is unique. Different dogs have different needs, and it’s our job to recognize and fulfil those needs.
When you have a dog who has been through trauma, it’s extra important to be sensitive to what makes your pup feel stressed and what makes it feel safe.
Sean Farrell is well aware of that and has put a lot of effort into making his rescue pup Buster as comfortable as possible.
Buster is a Staffordshire bull terrier with demanding anxiety issues.
The senior pup went through an unknown but deeply harrowing experience when living with his last owner which lead to the authorities intervening and removing Buster from the home.
Buster is a Staffordshire bull terrier with demanding anxiety issues.
The senior pup went through an unknown but deeply harrowing experience when living with his last owner which lead to the authorities intervening and removing Buster from the home.
Farrell, who initially had only agreed to foster Buster, ended up falling I love with the sweet, timid pup and adopted him.
Buster’s traumatic experience left him with considerable anxiety issues surrounding unknown men as well as generalized anxiety.
It was clear that the pup would need a lot of support to work through his issues, but Farrell was not daunted by this.
In fact, Farrell has been working tirelessly with Buster to resolve the pup’s trust issues.
As a way to improve his social confidence, Buster has been taking advantage of his cautious manner and worked as a therapy dog for the sick and elderly.
However, despite Farrell’s and Buster’s best efforts, Buster has continued to struggle with considerable anxiety and trust issues, with Buster often hiding away in the bedroom and refusing to come out.
After losing his adopted brother and support system, a 17-year-old pup named Zook, Buster needed a way to feel safe and secure more than ever.
Farrell was ready to do anything for his sweet boy and eventually devised a plan.
Clearly, Buster craved a safe space; his hours hiding in the bedroom indicated as much. But the bedroom didn’t quite seem to cut it.
Buster needed, and deserved, a place that was just his.
Farrell decided to build Buster his own little room which he could retire to whenever he felt overwhelmed or needed a moment to himself.
The room would serve as a safe spot for Buster and hopefully improve his sense of security.
Farrell got to work and transformed his idea from dream to reality.
He built the room from scratch in a corner of the living room and fitted it with a little window so he could check in on Buster, and Buster could peek out while still feeling safe.
Farrell then decorated the room with everything Buster could need or want; nothing was too much for his sweet boy.
He put in lights, cute decorations, toys, a small tv screen meant to help with socialisation, a cosy bed and, of course, a few pictures of Zook to commemorate Buster’s beloved brother.
Farrell was nervous about presenting Buster with the room; he wasn’t sure if the pup would approve of it or not.
He didn’t have to worry; as soon as Buster laid eyes on the room, he loved it.
Now, Buster loves napping and spending time in his beautiful room.
He’s very happy about having his own space and getting a chance to relax and feel protected.
Farrell is a wonderful dog-dad and Buster is lucky to have such a dedicated and loving figure in his life.
The love they share is absolutely heartwarming and we’re very happy that Buster has found someone who truly understands and cares for him.
You can see more of Buster on his Facebook page.
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