How A Beagle Helped Me To Overcome My Dog Fears

Dogs have never been my favorite pets since childhood, and here’s why:

I got bitten by a dog while playing with my sister. My stepfather’s dog clamped down on my leg, and let me tell you, it hurt and scared the daylights out of me. So, you can understand why I’ve never been fond of dogs. Just the thought of them made me anxious, all thanks to that childhood trauma.

Fast forward to this year in May when my mother-in-law adopted a new pup. From the moment I met Chappie at the pet shop (or ペットショップ, pronounced petto shoppu, in Japanese), my childhood fears melted away. Pet stores in Japan typically showcase adorable puppies and kittens behind glass enclosures in malls or shopping centers, and meeting Chappie was an absolute delight.

Since then, he has become a part of our family, and I can’t help but adore him. I take him for walks daily when the weather permits, and on rainy days, he keeps me company in my home office as I work. Chappie has grown up now—still cute, but not quite as small and cuddly as when he was a puppy.

I captured some sweet moments during one of our walks in May and put together a light-hearted video. Chappie is just too adorable not to share!

Check out the video and enjoy the cuteness!