A few months ago, a Reddit user shared a touching video of their three dogs, showcasing a heartwarming moment of sibling support.
The clip features Huxley, a small Shih Tzu, and Winnie, a white, deaf dog, lovingly comforting their big brother Rex, an English/French Mastiff mix, during a moment of anxiety.
Rex struggles with severe anxiety caused by a traumatic past, including a deeply unsettling upbringing and multiple abusive owners.
From Abusive Owners To Loving Paws
Source: Reddit
A study conducted by the University of Helsinki in Finland revealed that dogs are highly susceptible to a variety of anxiety-like traits, particularly when they have experienced abuse during their upbringing.
Analyzing survey data from 13,715 pet dogs in Finland, researchers discovered that 72.5% of the dogs exhibited anxiety-related behaviors.
According to Rex’s current owner, Rex endured significant abuse as a puppy from his previous owners. He is now with his fourth owner, who took him in when he was 1.5 years old.
Rex’s second owners subjected him to physical abuse, using a shock collar and beating him, leaving him with a deep fear of screaming, loud noises, brooms, clapping, and similar triggers. Tragically, they even considered euthanizing him due to what they labeled as “aggressive behavior.”
The trauma inflicted during his time with the second owners caused Rex to develop resource-guarding tendencies, fear, and aggression. These behaviors made it difficult for him to adapt to his third home, despite their efforts to provide him with a safe and loving environment.
Source: Reddit
Rex eventually found his way to his current owner, who has dedicated the past 2.5 years to rehabilitating him.
Thanks to consistent care and patience, Rex has made incredible progress since joining the family. While he still displays some anxious behaviors, he has come a long way from the scared and reactive dog he once was.
Today, Rex enjoys spending time with his canine siblings and even his human siblings, finding comfort and connection in his loving home.
“With anxiety, a dog usually wants nothing to do with whatever it’s scared of and will try to escape the situation as quickly as possible,” Rex’s owner shared with Newsweek. “He was my first dog after my divorce, when I was single, so in a way, we helped each other a lot.”
Bound By Love
In the video, it’s clear that Rex’s two dog siblings absolutely adore him. Whenever they sense he’s feeling anxious, they rush to his side, showering him with kisses in an effort to comfort him.
However, according to their owner, there’s even more to the story. Huxley, the playful Shih Tzu, is a fearless and affectionate puppy who loves everyone unconditionally. For him, it’s all about being part of a happy and loving family, which he embraces with boundless enthusiasm.
Source: Reddit
However, Winnie, the white dog, has a unique bond with Rex. Being deaf, she relies on him for cues and guidance, which has brought them closer together. Winnie follows Rex everywhere, forming a deep connection with him.
Despite Rex’s vocal nature and occasional growls when he’s scared—more out of anxiety than aggression—Winnie remains unfazed. Unable to hear his growls, she simply accepts him for who he is and loves him unconditionally.
Rex has grown so accustomed to Winnie and her deafness that he has become her helper. He acts as her ears, often guiding her and helping her understand what’s happening around them. Their bond has become a source of mutual support and trust.
Both Winnie and Huxley have played a significant role in Rex’s recovery. Their love and companionship have helped him come out of his shell, making them an integral part of his journey toward healing and happiness.
Source: Reddit
This unique trio and their heartwarming bond have captured the hearts of thousands online, amassing nearly 21,000 upvotes on Reddit.
“I can’t tell you how much this information sparks joy in me. Winnie, Rex, and Huxley are some of my current favorite people. Oh, and you’re pretty awesome, too, for giving these wonderful dogs a happy home,” wrote one Reddit user, echoing the sentiments of many others.
After all he’s endured, it’s heartening to see Rex finally experiencing the love and security he deserves, surrounded by a caring owner and the best doggie siblings.
“I’ve always said I’m really lucky to have such a cool dog,” Rex’s owner shared, summing up the mutual gratitude that defines their bond.
References:
[1] Cohut, M., PhD. (2020, March 10). Many dogs are prone to anxiety, study finds. Medical News Today.
[2] Salonen, M., Sulkama, S., Mikkola, S., Puurunen, J., Hakanen, E., Tiira, K., Araujo, C., & Lohi, H. (2020). Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Scientific Reports, 10(1).