| Danica and her husband Sam decided to adopt Justin, | | | | had to be coaxed out by Danica to eat. Danica called |
| a 2 year old gold and white Shih Tzu that had been | | | | her friend that happened to be an animal behavior |
| turned over to a shelter. Danica and Sam could see | | | | consultant. Her friend said that Joe apparently |
| Justin's inner beauty at first glance and they knew in | | | | reminded the Shih Tzu of someone from his past |
| their hearts that he was the right dog for them. | | | | that was abusive in some way. Danica's friend asked |
| It was obvious from the start that Justin would need | | | | if Joe would be willing to work at easing the dog's |
| to be taught some basic commands, he did not seem | | | | discomfort. Joe agreed wholeheartedly and began |
| to understand the concept of housetraining nor did | | | | working with Justin as the animal behaviorist |
| he come when he was called. Additionally, it soon | | | | suggested. |
| became apparent that Justin did not know how to | | | | To start, Joe attempted to give the dog treats. He |
| play or interact well with his dog parents or anyone | | | | also made a real effort to keep his voice even and |
| else. Determined to make this adoption a success, | | | | friendly. Danica and Sam actually made a point of |
| Danica and Sam immediately began working with | | | | allowing the dog see them interact with Joe. This |
| Justin on a daily basis. They sat aside time each day | | | | was an attempt to allow their pet see that Joe was |
| to play with him and to teach him some basic | | | | accepted by his dog parents which would indicate |
| commands. Danica and Sam used positive | | | | that he must be safe. |
| reinforcement that included treats and lots of love | | | | The first day did not go so well, Justin continued |
| and praise. | | | | avoiding Joe and the treats he offered. But the next |
| After only a few weeks things were going much | | | | morning Joe offered the dog his left-over eggs. Joe |
| better, Justin was becoming a real family member. | | | | sat his plate on the floor next to him and within a |
| Justin was doing well with his training and he seemed | | | | moment or two Justin came over and ate the eggs. |
| to like everyone now. That is, until Sam's brother Joe | | | | The dog then sat next to Joe waiting for more. Well, |
| came for a visit, it was apparent that Justin was not | | | | that was the beginning of a friendship for the two of |
| comfortable with him. | | | | them. |
| Justin hid behind the couch when Joe walked in and | | | | |