With help from a VSA dog trainer, a little Tibetan Spaniel brought her guardian a wonderful, supportive connection and reason to smile.
For my entire life, I've always loved dogs and wanted one. I had my heart set on a rescue, but this little Tibetan Spaniel from an incredible breeder chose me; that's how Flopz came into my life.
I had idolised Victoria Stilwell and her revolutionary training expertise for several years and I wasted no time in utilising those tips from her TV show to raise Flopz as well as a couple visits from a local trainer that graduated from the Victoria Stilwell Academy.
Having a dog was a dream I had longed for my entire life, and after 25 years, it finally came true. Flopz is the dog I've been waiting for and not only did she pick me as her person, she saved my life. I have suffered from anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember as well as a horrific childhood of bullying and abuse at school along with heartbreak when I lost the love of my life at 18 years old from heart failure and medical suicide.
To this day, Flopz is loving and empathetic, running right to my side for a cuddle when I need one. She loves to make me laugh with her silly personality and quirks, such as dancing or executing a puppy push-up. She is so bonded to me that I can take off her leash and she will never leave my sight without running back with her tail wagging.
I can say, without a doubt, that Flopz saved my life. She is my best friend, my rock, and I owe everything to her for being in my life and for being my dog.
I want to share this story to inspire others to never give up on their dog. Whether the potential reader is struggling with behaviour or training challenges with their dog, or if they're suffering from an illness or from life itself, I'm writing from a place that has never felt so lonely, so hated, and so worthless before I met Flopz. She is my reason to keep living. She is my reason to get out of bed in the morning. She is my reason to smile.