For quite some time now, Aiden has been absolutely terrified of dogs. Big, little, noisy, quiet, gentle or playful . . . it didn't matter. The mere appearance of a dog coming close enough to invade his personal space was enough to send Aiden into into quivering retreat. Little brother Caleb closely followed suit.
This fear has caused us to avoid visiting certain friends, ask others to cage their beloved pets while we were present, and otherwise avoid dogs.
Yet thanks to our dear friends, the Bates family, this fear may be subsiding!! A few months ago, the Bates family got an adorable new little puppy. We are at their home regularly for small group, yet they have been kind enough to keep Tonks caged while we are there. Aiden cautiously enters the home each week, and quickly retreats to the basement to play. However, the last 2 weeks have contributed to the breakthrough as Aiden choose to go see Tonks in her cage. Last Friday, after small group, Aiden boldly proclaimed, "Mom, I like dogs now! Tonks licked my hand. We need to go to Jake and Carrie's house and let Lizzy lick my hand too!"
The past few days have brought up more random comments such as "A long time ago I didn't like dogs, but now I do." I laugh at how a few days constitutes a "long time" to a 4 year old!
So anyway, we have yet to declare a like for dogs uncaged, but this is a start! We will see what the near future holds! :)
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