Whenever people find out that our dogs, Chewy and Haseena, are reactive, we usually get the look. It’s a mix of pity, confusion, and a silent question: “Why would you choose to make your lives so hard?”
For a long time, we tried to explain it through the logistics of rescue work or the statistics of stray animals. But the honest truth is much deeper than that, and it’s deeply personal.
Mirroring Our Own Journeys
The truth is, we are two people who come with a lot of baggage and our own past trauma. We know exactly what it feels like to be labeled “difficult.” We know what it’s like to navigate a world where you feel misunderstood, or where you weren’t cared for the way you should have been for almost all of your life.
Right now, we are working hard toward healing and building a safe, beautiful life for ourselves. So, when we adopted Chewy, and later Haseena, we weren’t blindsided. We knew exactly what we were getting into.
We didn’t see “broken” animals; we saw spirits that looked a lot like our own.
We are entirely okay with them being exactly who they are. We love them in their completeness—flaws, fears, reactivity, and all. Our mission isn’t to “fix” them so they fit neatly into society’s expectations; it’s to give them all the love we have and protect them from a world that doesn’t always understand them.
The Reality of Indie Dogs: Moving Past the Misconceptions
Chewy and Haseena are Indie (Indian Native) dogs, a breed—or rather, a lineage—that is deeply misunderstood.
People often carry massive misconceptions about Indies. They think they are inherently aggressive, untamable, or somehow “lesser” than expensive, imported breeds. But Indies are incredibly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and highly sensitive. Because they or their ancestors survived on the streets, their survival instincts are finely tuned.
When an Indie dog is reactive, it isn’t out of malice. It is almost always a response to past trauma, neglect, or the sheer overwhelm of a world that has taught them to always be on guard.
What People Miss About Indies:
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They are incredibly affectionate: Once an Indie knows they are safe with you, their capacity for love is boundless. They form deep, soulful bonds.
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They are just cute animals who want comfort: Just like any pedigree pup, they love soft blankets, belly rubs, and looking at you with those big, expressive melting-brown eyes.
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They deserve a chance: They are not just “street dogs.” They are sentient, emotional beings capable of immense joy.
The Gift of “Extra Care”
Yes, living with reactive dogs requires extra care. Our daily routines involve hyper-vigilance during walks, reading subtle body language, creating safe boundaries, and sometimes just staying home to avoid triggers.
But this extra care isn’t a burden; it’s a form of mutual healing. By creating a predictable, safe, and patient environment for Chewy and Haseena, we are also reinforcing that safety for ourselves.
We are a pack of four, each of us carrying our own history, but all of us committed to protecting one another. They remind us every day that you don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of a safe home and unconditional love.
How do you handle judgment from others regarding your pets or your life choices? Let’s talk about it in the comments below.
