FirstBark
On December 31, 2025, we met and brought home our lovely Karma. He had spent a year on the streets of Houston as a 14 pound unneutered male. He's missing a bottom tooth, was shaved because of the matting, had no hair on his tail, and had a wound on his hip that had abscessed and …Read full reviewClose full review
On December 31, 2025, we met and brought home our lovely Karma. He had spent a year on the streets of Houston as a 14 pound unneutered male. He's missing a bottom tooth, was shaved because of the matting, had no hair on his tail, and had a wound on his hip that had abscessed and been stitched, and was afraid of everything and everyone. But his eyes conveyed that he was an old soul. We tried to make him feel safe, loved him up, and fed him healthy food. He started coming out of his shell, but we knew we needed help to deal with his trauma. I searched online and found Up a Level. I called and had a wonderful conversation with Karen. She suggested that we consider "emotional regulation" therapy/training. We were all in! Karen and Leslie came to our house and spent almost four hours working with Karma, and especially, working with Mark and me. She taught us how to establish a trusting relationship, letting him know that he did not have to be in control anymore and didn't need to always look for an escape (under the table, in his kennel, near the door). After that meeting, we sent them videos, had phone calls, texted, and continued with their support for months. We were traveling out of the country in June and were lucky enough to get in on a board and train at the farm. After three weeks we returned to a confident, happy, responsive Karma. He was so happy to see us and so happy to be home, and he was no longer the fearful, wary dog we had left. What a gift!!