In July 2016, my husband and I welcomed a five-year-old rescue dog, whom we named Max, into our home. I previously shared our journey of bringing him home and the lessons he embodies about letting go. After over a year together, Max has become a true source of joy. While I work, he often lounges next to me, eagerly awaiting our walks, filled with excitement over who he might meet—whether human, canine, or the occasional cat.
Max has developed a fondness for the kitchen, especially during meal prep. However, the small space can be tricky, so we trained him to sit on a designated rug in the corner. He quickly learned this routine and would eagerly head to the rug whenever we entered the kitchen.
A Disturbing Incident
One winter day, Max was a bit overexcited during our walk, requiring a gentle correction. Upon returning home, he was told to sit on the rug, but my husband, who is quite tall, inadvertently intimidated him. In an instant, Max bolted to his crate in the basement, deeply frightened and refusing to come out.
For weeks following this incident, he was reluctant to enter the kitchen with us, eventually regaining enough confidence to be present but still avoiding his rug. Even treats offered in another room failed to entice him.
Lingering Effects
Now, eight months later, remnants of that fear still affect Max. While he comfortably lies in the kitchen while we cook, he still hesitates to sit on the rug, associating it with that traumatic moment. Although he takes other treats, he carries them to his crate, clearly indicating his anxiety.
I share this experience to highlight how trauma can become embedded in our bodies. It may occur in a fleeting moment, yet the impact can linger long after the initial fear has dissipated. Bessel van der Kolk’s book, The Body Keeps the Score, elaborates on this, explaining how our bodies can remain in a state of fight, flight, or freeze long after the threat has passed. For more on trauma recovery, you might consider visiting resources like Out of the Fog, which offers helpful insights on dealing with difficult personalities.
Working with Max
Max doesn’t rationalize his fear; he simply avoids it. To help him overcome this, I reward him whenever he chooses to sit on the rug. Sometimes, I even sit there myself, encouraging him to come closer. Thankfully, this isn’t a critical issue, but I feel compelled to assist him in overcoming his fears.
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Conclusion
Understanding trauma, its effects, and recovery options is vital to healing. While Max’s fear may seem small, it serves as a reminder of how deeply trauma can root itself in us—both humans and animals alike.