Many of you Pommy Mommies may already know Yoki. For those who don’t, Yoki is our Puppy Mill survivor. (Read her story here). When she came to us, she wasn’t in bad physical shape—in fact, she was the most hygienic of the pack when we rescued her. But psychologically, Yoki was severely scarred by the abuse she endured, and those deep wounds haunted her daily. Watching her try to adapt to her new surroundings was absolutely heartbreaking.
Maggie’s Attempt to Help
At the time, our mother hen, Maggie, tried her best to take Yoki under her wing, and over time, she did. But even with Maggie’s nurturing, it seemed like torture for Yoki. The most heart-wrenching part was seeing my husband try to interact with her—whether it was to pet her, hold her, or even talk to her. Yoki wouldn’t have any of it. Every attempt ended with her darting across the room, letting out a blood-curdling scream, or cowering under a piece of furniture.
My Husband’s Tough Exterior Meets Yoki’s Fear
Honestly, I didn’t blame Yoki for being scared of my husband. At six pounds, she was understandably intimidated by him—especially since even full-grown men are often scared of him. He learned the art of intimidation from his uncles, who were actual mobsters. His voice alone can resonate through three states, and we even bought a house with three floors so I wouldn’t have to hear him while he’s on business calls. So, while I understood Yoki’s fear, it was still heartbreaking to watch.
Puppy Mill Survivor Struggles
I won’t sugarcoat this—my husband loves our Pomeranians. So, seeing him heartbroken over the rejection from a tiny six-pound ball of fur and nerves was funny and tragic. This tough guy, who could crush anything with his bare hands, was emotionally undone by Yoki, our little puppy mill survivor. Watching the dynamic between them was a sight to behold.
Canine Counseling: A Step Toward Healing
When we lived in Albuquerque, NM, I consulted a canine behaviorist named Cricket, and she provided me with several suggestions to help Yoki start her road to rehabilitation. Watching my husband and Yoki in canine counseling was quite the scene—like something out of a comedy show. I wish I had filmed it.
It was clear that Yoki had a deep-seated fear of men. Based on her history, it was likely men ripped her from her cage, threw her into a “rape” cage, and allowed several studs to breed her forcefully. Afterward, they would yank her by the scruff of her neck and throw her back into her cage to suffer through gestation, only to have her babies stolen from her. If you feel sick reading this, join the club—it sickens me, too. The breeders who put her through this are gone now; karma took care of them. That’s how we got Yoki.
Turning My Husband Into Someone Yoki Could Trust
Now, the real challenge—making my husband seem less scary. This would require a miracle. His voice and persona make most people cower, so how would this work with little Yoki, a puppy mill survivor? But, to my surprise, both Yoki and my husband took it in stride and made progress.
For the first time in my life, I heard my husband use a “baby” voice. Yes, that voice is reserved for speaking to small children or puppies. Yoki semi-responded, but it wasn’t immediate success—it took two years of this therapy. During those two years, he never held her, but he managed to pet her twice. And believe me, those small victories were monumental for us.
A Setback and a New Beginning
As things improved, we moved to Las Vegas and adopted “Little” Sophia. The change in environment and introducing a new sister were setbacks for Yoki. Fun wasn’t part of her adaptation process, but our new home, with its wide-open spaces and peaceful atmosphere, became a sanctuary for her. Over time, Yoki began to spread her wings. The longer she stayed, the more relaxed she became. We kept up with her therapy, and eventually, we saw her begin to thrive.
An Unforgettable Milestone
My husband had a moment with Yoki a year later that I will never forget. He was kneeling at the end of our bed, petting her, Maggie, and Sophia. For the first time, Yoki started to hook his hand and fingers with her paws. She even began pinning his hand down and nibbling on his fingers. It was a shock to both of us! My husband let her play with his hand for about 45 minutes, and I sat there in disbelief. Then, he started taunting her with his shirt, and Yoki played tug-of-war with him. This was pure ecstasy—Yoki had never played, not even with me. To see her interact with him like that was a joy beyond words.
A New Routine of Love
From that day forward, every night became playtime for my husband and Yoki. He wouldn’t go to bed without playing with her. Over time, a new ritual developed—he would pet her, and she’d respond with an adorable series of movements: pawing her face and ears, licking her paws, and then playfully humping the blankets. This playful display was a testament to her growing confidence and trust.
Yoki’s Breakthrough Moment
Then came the most incredible moment of all. One morning, my husband was sitting outside eating breakfast. Yoki, who had just watched him interact with Niko, scratched at his leg. He petted her as usual, starting at her tail and working his way up. To his surprise, Yoki allowed him to pick her up—and she didn’t scream or pull away. Instead, she snuggled into his arms. I cried tears of joy.
The Most Rewarding Experience
Watching my husband carry Yoki upstairs, hug her, and lay with her is heartwarming. Yoki’s journey from fear to trust has been a testament to patience, determination, and love. If you’re considering adopting a Puppy Mill survivor, know this: it requires immense dedication, but the rewards are beyond measure. Yoki is living proof of that.
Related Posts:
Meet Yoki our Youngest Pomeranian Rescue
Pomeranian Bonding and Life Lessons: A Heart Warming Day
A Pomeranian Rescue Story: Puppy Mill Survivor – Rose