A few months ago, a Reddit user shared a touching video of two dogs comforting their anxious sibling.
The clip features a small Shih Tzu named Huxley and a white, deaf dog named Winnie, both offering support to their big brother, Rex, an English/French Mastiff mix.
Rex struggles with severe anxiety-related behaviors caused by a traumatic past and multiple abusive owners.
From Abusive Owners To Loving Paws
Source: Reddit
A study by the University of Helsinki in Finland found that dogs are highly susceptible to various anxiety-related traits, especially those that have experienced abuse during their upbringing.
Based on survey data from 13,715 pet dogs in Finland, researchers discovered that 72.5% exhibited anxiety-like behaviors.
Rex’s dad shared that Rex endured abuse as a puppy from his previous owners. Now with his fourth owner, Rex was adopted at 1.5 years old after a difficult past.
His second owners mistreated him, using a shock collar and physical punishment, leaving him fearful of screaming, loud noises, brooms, and clapping. They even considered euthanizing him due to what they labeled as “aggressive behavior.”
Tragically, the trauma from that abuse led Rex to develop resource guarding, fear, and aggression. As a result, he struggled to adapt to his third family, despite their efforts to help him.
Source: Reddit
Rex eventually found his way to his current owner, who has spent the past 2.5 years dedicated to his rehabilitation.
Since joining the family, Rex has made remarkable progress and come a long way from where he started.
While he still experiences anxiety, he is now able to spend time with his dog siblings and his human siblings, embracing a more stable and loving environment.
“With anxiety, a dog typically wants nothing to do with whatever scares it and will try to escape the situation as quickly as possible,” Rex’s owner told Newsweek.
Rex became his first dog after his divorce, during a time when he was single. “We kind of helped each other a lot,” he added.
Bound By Love
In the video, it’s clear that Rex’s two dog siblings absolutely adore him. Whenever they sense his anxiety, they rush to his side, offering comfort with affectionate kisses.
But according to their owner, there’s even more to the story.
Huxley, the Shih Tzu, is a fearless and affectionate puppy who loves everyone. He’s simply happy to be part of a loving and supportive family.
Source: Reddit
However, Winnie, the white dog, is deaf and has developed a special bond with Rex, relying on him for guidance. She follows him everywhere, and the two have become inseparable.
Even though Rex is very vocal and sometimes growls when he’s scared—though not out of aggression—Winnie doesn’t hear it. Instead, she simply accepts him as he is and loves him unconditionally.
Rex has become so accustomed to Winnie and her deafness that he naturally helps her navigate the world. She relies on him to be her ears, and he even assists her in understanding what’s happening around them.
Both Winnie and Huxley have played a crucial role in Rex’s recovery, helping him come out of his shell and feel more secure in his loving home.
Source: Reddit
This unique trio and their heartwarming bond have captured the hearts of many online, earning nearly 21K 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,” one Reddit user commented.
After everything he’s endured, it’s truly heartwarming to see Rex find such a loving family, with the best owner and the most caring dog siblings.
“I’ve always said I’m really lucky to have such a cool dog,” his owner shared.
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).