Chapter 15 - Callum’s Dog Fear Gets Worse
For six months, Callum’s fear of dogs became severe.
Barking across street:
Freeze.
Large dog in parking lot:
Grab my arm.
Baxter’s photograph:
Turn away.
We did not force repair with Baxter.
That would have repeated Ambrose’s logic in nicer clothes.
Dr. Bell offered choices.
No dog work yet.
Callum chose none.
Fine.
After four months he agreed to watch videos of calm dogs.
No sound.
Then sound.
Then from across a park he watched a leashed golden retriever.
His decision.
At eight months he asked:
“Is Baxter mean?”
“No.”
“Did he put me cage?”
“No.”
“Grandpa did.”
“Yes.”
“Does Baxter know?”
“I don’t know what dogs understand.”
Callum considered.
“Can I see him from car?”
Lysandra still had Baxter while Ambrose’s living arrangement shifted.
We drove by.
Baxter sat behind a fence.
Callum remained in car.
Baxter lifted ears.
No barking.
Callum watched thirty seconds.
“Go.”
We went.
That was successful exposure.
Because Callum controlled exit.
May you like
Not because he endured longer.
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