Dear Dr. Monica:

The new Samson… You probably won’t remember this case, since it was over 4 years ago that I contacted you about a foster dog we had gotten that was a biter. We picked him up from the local Humane Society because the shelter workers felt sorry for him and didn’t think he should be put down despite being told that he had bitten his former owner, a lady diagnosed with Alzheimers and who was too sick to care for the dog. His name was Samson, a Yorkie mix, and he was 8 years old when we got him. Like the story you told of Desi, he was very defiant and resistant to any commands, and would go into rages of snarling, snapping, and barking if approached. I had no idea how I was supposed to deal with him, and had no training in handling this type of dog. In my desperation, I sought out your counsel long distance and sent you a photo of Samson. I remember you remarked at how angry his eyes were in the photo. When you communicated with him, I remember you said you told him that things were going to be okay in the new home, and you told me that his stomach hurt or was nauseated. I really didn’t know whether to put any stock into what you told me, but I was willing to give it a try.

Well, four years later, Samson is a changed dog. With patience, time, and affection, Samson has turned into a very loving and devoted companion. While he does still growl from time to time, he has not bitten at me in over three years, and is more likely to shower me with licks than to do anything else. Samson did have a stomach issue: he has severe food allergies, and we have since gotten him on the right food. He began making small breakthroughs in his attitude right after his session with you. It started with little things like his choosing to sit near us instead of glaring at us from across the room, allowing us to give him belly rubs instead of growling and moving off, and eventually asking us to pick him up. His progress has been steady and continuous over the past 4 years, but it didn’t start until you communicated with him. I just wanted you to know it worked, and Samson is now living a much happier life. I really appreciate all that you did to get through to him. You literally saved his life.

Lisa Browning
Rockwall , TX
September 8th, 2010