The true story of a bond that developed between author Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, and Charlie – a traumatised, one-eyed, Romanian dog who lived the first 18 months of his life in the wild, never socialising with humans. Charting Charlie’s progress and setbacks, it explains how Lisa worked with Charlie to help him overcome his extreme fearfulness.
One cold February night, a terrified feral dog was carried into the author’s home, and began a very different life to everything he had previously known. This is the true story of the extraordinary bond that developed between Lisa and Charlie, a one-eyed Romanian feral dog, who had lived wild until he was captured and sent to the UK to be homed. Unused to the presence of people, Charlie had no coping skills other than to follow his instincts. Although Lisa had worked with many deeply troubled dogs, the challenges posed by Charlie’s background were unique. Wild, fearful and highly reactive, more wolf than dog, Charlie needed a great deal of understanding, patience and compassion in order to help him adjust to his new life.
Despite numerous obstacles and setbacks, the developing relationship between Charlie and Lisa, Lisa’s daughter, Amber, and resident dog, Skye, transformed all of their lives. Charlie’s gradual shift from fearful feral to happy, affectionate, fun-loving family dog is touching and heart-warming, and clearly demonstrates the transformative power of love and kindness.
The successful socialisation of a true feral dog is rare
Research into the socialisation of feral dogs has only recently begun
Charlie had previously had no close interaction with people
Lisa’s success in rehabilitating Charlie was due to earning his trust
Charlie reminded Lisa of the intrinsic wild nature within us all
The historic bond between humans and dogs is immensely powerful
Charlie’s serious fear and aggression issues were healed through positive methods
Understanding dog ‘language’ and communicating effectively was vital
Lisa’s mentor dog, Skye, was crucial to Charlie’s rehabilitation
The love between Lisa and Charlie triumphed over all his issues
