When a human perceives a threat, the body activates the stress response. The stress response occurs in both your body and brain. The stress response triggers a very short circuit in your brain that directs us to fight or to flee and your body starts doing what it needs to be strong enough to do it. Adrenaline and other hormones are released. Our most important concern is survival. In that moment we are both in need of protection and at the same time others may need protection from us.
Throughout my professional life I have observed this response in the people I have worked with whom have experienced multiple traumas, interpersonal and environmental. When there is too much trauma the circuit and your body does not turn off, having a physical impact that damages your body and brain. Society likes to split the flight or fight reaction into victim and offenders when in fact the short circuit response tells us we can be either or both/and.
Our trainer, who has an advanced degree in animal behavior confirmed my suspicion, dogs have the same reaction to trauma and abuse that we do. The constant influx of stress hormones impacts the entire body of a dog and in the case of our dog includes his digestive system. Because our dog is so cute, people find it impossible to believe he can be dangerous. Sometimes they make us feel mean because we make him wear a muzzle (which by the way took several weeks of gentle training to get him accustomed to). But the irony of it is that we must protect him and protect others from him.
A muzzle is like a bodyguard and offers protection, often from ourselves-just like my beautiful Yamamoto coat.
Accidental Icon Wears
Black Silk Coar with Brown Lining: Yohji Yamamoto, Black Pleated Wrap Dress: Ivan Grundahl, Black Zipper Booties: Acne Studios, Tortoise Vintage Earrings, Dawn’s Vintage
…beautifully written…you offer insight into the nature of trauma on our brains and our bodies, and so, our lives.
Love your blog…I envy your hair! just beautiful…wish I had it but alas, my natural color now, gray, has taken to curling…
Thank you for that sentiment.
Thanks so much for sharing your response. It gives me motivation and inspiration.
This coat is fantastic! Love everything about your look; so polished!
<3
katsfashionfix.blogspot.com
He is very loving and does bring us a new dimension to life.
Yohji never disappoints.
Your dog is beautiful, and I am glad he has an owner with such insight.
Thank you for that sentiment.
When I see a dog with a muzzle, I figure the dog owner knows the temperament of the dog. Better safe than sorry. I never thought the owner was mean, though.
You know your dog better than anyone.
“When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time”
by Maya Angelou courtesy of Goodreads.com
Thanks for that. One person did approach and thank us for being a responsible pet owner.
Yohji never disappoints.
LOVE your style Lyn, and i want your hair! And well done for rescuing this lovely dog.Our son,who is a zoo animal keeper is passionate about dogs and believes no-one should be breeding any more as there are so many who need rescuing.Takes courage as they inevitably have issues but SO worth it.
He is very loving and does bring us a new dimension to life.
Thanks so much for sharing your response. It gives me motivation and inspiration.