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This 2-Year-Old Dog Overcame Crippling Anxiety After His Owner Got Him An Emotional Support Dog
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This 2-Year-Old Dog Overcame Crippling Anxiety After His Owner Got Him An Emotional Support Dog

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We all need a friend, and this cute furball is the perfect example of how it can make your days brighter. When a 2-year-old Weimaraner named Arnold was only a puppy, he had a bad experience with a big German shepherd. Naturally, the scary encounter left a scar on Arnold’s heart. He already suffered from separation anxiety, but after the bloody run-in, he grew even more fearful, especially around big dogs.

More info: Instagram

Arnold—a 2-year-old Weimaraner—had been suffering from separation anxiety since he was a pup

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

But his owner—Carolyn Manalis, who lives in Perth, Australia—knew there had to be something she could do to make Arnold feel better. And then Frank came along—a miniature dachshund, and just about the friendliest puppy you could meet. Carolyn adopted Frank from a friend of hers and soon enough, the tiny helper took on the job of being an emotional support dog for Arnold.

On top of this, he had a scary experience with a big German shepherd

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

Which left him emotionally scarred and even more fearful than he was before

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

While emotional support dogs usually “work” for humans, Carolyn knew that such a dog would help Arnold with his anxiety. She told Caters News: “The bond these two dogs have is just insanely beautiful. They are so connected and loving and supportive of one another. If one ever cries, the other one is there in half a second to check they are OK. Their love is unconditional, regardless of their size or breed.”

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But everything changed when Frank came along

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

Frank is a miniature dachshund who’s super friendly and confident

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

As strange as it may sound, it’s the much tinier and younger Frank that brings reassurance to a dog who weighs 66 pounds more than him. Radiating self-assurance and friendliness, the adorable dachshund helped his big brother Arnold to finally overcome crippling anxiety.

He radiates self-assurance, which helped Arnold to tackle his anxiety

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

With each passing day, the owner of the dogs could see Arnold getting better and better

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

Carolyn told the media: “Frank has helped Arnold regain his confidence to be able to play and wrestle while learning that this doesn’t always mean he’s going to get hurt or attacked. Having a little friend to play with has been the perfect therapy for Arnold to heal.”

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The tiny puppy helped Arnold to finally regain his confidence

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Image credits: arnoldandfrank

However, there are plenty of tricks that Frank learned from none other than his big brother. “We swear Frank thinks Arnold is his dad,” the owner of the dogs told the news outlet. “Being the second child, he definitely didn’t get as much training and attention as the first. Most of what he has learned, he has learned from Arnold.”

They could play wrestle together without Arnold fearing getting hurt

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

The Weimaraner has also taught Frank a thing or two

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

And what do younger brothers usually do? They copy their older siblings! “Frank copies everything Arnold does, to the point where, if Arnold barks or makes a sound, Frank will mimic it directly after, almost like a parrot!” Carolyn explained. “Arnold taught Frank how to be house trained, how to bark at intruders, how to chase a ball, how to stand and wait to have his collar and leash put on, how to sit and to wait before crossing the road,” she added. “Everywhere Arnold walks, Frank will follow.”

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And the smaller pup copies everything his “older brother” does

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

“Everywhere Arnold walks, Frank will follow”

Image credits: arnoldandfrank

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freetomatofarker avatar
freetomato Farker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a firm believer that 2 dogs are less trouble than 1. They’re pack animals. They need a buddy. Bored dogs get destructive or try to run off. Disclaimer: I’m a crazy dog lady with 5 rescues.

bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a crazy cat lady who adopts the old cats nobody wants. But have had a few dogs. They definitely get on better with at least one companion. Old cats - it depends on the cat.

Load More Replies...
averycornelius avatar
Clove Kentwell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who suffers from anxiety, this is really inspiring.

dirigobill avatar
Bill
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"If you be my bodyguard, I will be your long lost pal. You can call me Betty , when you call me Betty you can call me Al" that Paul Simon song w Chevy Chase fits. Just came on the radio

michellec0581 avatar
Michelle C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently rescued a very fearful and unconfident 2 y.o. Wirehaired Terrier mix and my 11 y.o. Shorkie and my Tuxie cat actually calmed him. He gained confidence by watching how my shorkie rules the house and learned how to work me over for treats and the Tuxie calms him with some grooming and play. He used to always walk with his tail tucked and now it's always wagging.

pseudo_puppy avatar
Pseudo Puppy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that it's the LITTLE dog that helped the big dog..... Just goes to show that anxiety / nerves / fear, is a totally internal thing (ie it has nothing to do with how "ok" you may appear to be ie we are ALL susceptible to it, and worthy of support) <3

glowworm2 avatar
glowworm2
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is wonderfully adorable. Arnold and Frank are fantastic.

allenjohn avatar
Allen John
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smooth Haired Miniature Dachshund is the... BEST. She helped me get through a tough time in my life (in my 20's)

molly-bloom avatar
Dana Grunwald
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This made me cry a little. Frank and Arnold are wonderful friends.

mackennachristinemueller06 avatar
Mackenna Mueller
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who suffers from anxiety I can solidly say: im not crying, you are!

jocelynnansell avatar
Dog Mommy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's important to remember humans aren't the only ones who surrender from anxiety! This is a wonderful story!

dcloud1943 avatar
Dorothy Cloud
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah, that was so cute. To think that one helps the other, marvelous!

inservioletum avatar
Nothanks L. Walk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't be the only one that thought the roles were the other way round until the text clarified...

tinaciancia avatar
Tina Ciancia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of Harlow, Indians and Reese. https://harlowandsage.com/

dirigobill avatar
Bill
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

freetomatofarker avatar
freetomato Farker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a firm believer that 2 dogs are less trouble than 1. They’re pack animals. They need a buddy. Bored dogs get destructive or try to run off. Disclaimer: I’m a crazy dog lady with 5 rescues.

bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a crazy cat lady who adopts the old cats nobody wants. But have had a few dogs. They definitely get on better with at least one companion. Old cats - it depends on the cat.

Load More Replies...
averycornelius avatar
Clove Kentwell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who suffers from anxiety, this is really inspiring.

dirigobill avatar
Bill
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"If you be my bodyguard, I will be your long lost pal. You can call me Betty , when you call me Betty you can call me Al" that Paul Simon song w Chevy Chase fits. Just came on the radio

michellec0581 avatar
Michelle C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently rescued a very fearful and unconfident 2 y.o. Wirehaired Terrier mix and my 11 y.o. Shorkie and my Tuxie cat actually calmed him. He gained confidence by watching how my shorkie rules the house and learned how to work me over for treats and the Tuxie calms him with some grooming and play. He used to always walk with his tail tucked and now it's always wagging.

pseudo_puppy avatar
Pseudo Puppy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that it's the LITTLE dog that helped the big dog..... Just goes to show that anxiety / nerves / fear, is a totally internal thing (ie it has nothing to do with how "ok" you may appear to be ie we are ALL susceptible to it, and worthy of support) <3

glowworm2 avatar
glowworm2
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is wonderfully adorable. Arnold and Frank are fantastic.

allenjohn avatar
Allen John
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smooth Haired Miniature Dachshund is the... BEST. She helped me get through a tough time in my life (in my 20's)

molly-bloom avatar
Dana Grunwald
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This made me cry a little. Frank and Arnold are wonderful friends.

mackennachristinemueller06 avatar
Mackenna Mueller
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who suffers from anxiety I can solidly say: im not crying, you are!

jocelynnansell avatar
Dog Mommy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's important to remember humans aren't the only ones who surrender from anxiety! This is a wonderful story!

dcloud1943 avatar
Dorothy Cloud
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah, that was so cute. To think that one helps the other, marvelous!

inservioletum avatar
Nothanks L. Walk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't be the only one that thought the roles were the other way round until the text clarified...

tinaciancia avatar
Tina Ciancia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of Harlow, Indians and Reese. https://harlowandsage.com/

dirigobill avatar
Bill
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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