06/08/2026
A post I wrote a few years ago about our girls and their relationship with dogs. Whilst things have evolved and Evelyn is far more connected to animals these days, the message remains the same.
A tale of two sisters.
Same age, same womb, same home; two completely different responses to animals.
On the right is Wren. Born with a sensory processing disorder and a gravitational pull to animals. The mere presence of a pony or a puppy, (since infancy), will have her stop anything she is doing to move closer, just to watch. Her eyes soften, her breath calms. An animal will help her overcome anything: sand between her toes, the seam of a sock, the noise of a tractor; all are manageable in the presence of a dog.
Evelyn, on the left, was born with an instinctual caution towards animals. Her initial response is to clench up, move closer and squeeze my hand tightly. With my support, if she feels like the situation is controlled, her confidence will grow, and she will relax. But she almost always keeps an eye on the animal in her periphery.
Both girls have had the same upbringing and same experiences. They have been raised in a home full of animals, with parents who are aware of the importance of managing interactions so they donât feel overwhelmed and unsafe. And yet, their responses to animals remain entirely different.
We have seen a big change in the last few decades in the way that dogs and their role in society are viewed. Less frequently do they fill an essential function, such as herding or guarding; nor are they simply garden ornaments that just require regular food and occasional exercise. Rather, they are family members and companions. They share our homes, beds and adventures.
In line with this, more places are becoming dog friendly. We see library dogs in schools, therapy dogs in hospitals, moves to allow pets on public transport and previously people-exclusive facilities, such as hardware stores, hotels and even our local mall has recently opened its doors to our four-legged friends.
This places the Evelyns of the world in a tricky situation.
A key thing we know from working alongside Anthony Berrick in The Cynophobia Clinic for many years is how important it is for someone with a fear of animals to feel control of any kind of interaction or encounter. There is no comfort in being told not to worry, or that an animal is âfriendlyâ.
Some people who are scared of dogs will show it outwardly. Many will internalise it, trying not to let the panic show, instead making that trip out in public all the more difficult next time. Seeing the situation is controlled and trusting it will stay that way is the best chance these people will have to harbour more confidence in life and go about their day comfortably.
As for Wren, it feels extremely special to witness first-hand the incredible therapeutic benefits animals can have on us humans.
Particularly those that struggle to regulate in certain situations.
So my hope as a society, is that we can keep an open mind and respect each others' different circumstances. The people that choose to share our lives with animals can continue to welcome dogs into our homes, our lives and our hearts. However with that choice comes the responsibility and respect to our fellow community members by keeping them on lead and under effective control when in public situations.
We owe it to each other.
I look forward to watching both my girls harbour a love and respect for dogs in their own unique way, with time.
