Robby and Abbott thought Dennis would be a playful puppy but he’s been too abused in his life so far so he’s too nervous, pees when scared and always thinking someone is going to hurt him, scared to eat or ask for anything, so they have to learn to help him get through this to actually enjoy himself.
i feel like other ppl hav done this concept better than i could so i want to propose a fucked up version of this (sorry anon)
tw toxic relationships
they encourage this behaviour.
Telling him people are mad at him, that loud sounds equal pain, that the outside world is dangerous.
When the doorbell rings, they tell him he needs to go hide in his cage because maybe they´re here to take him away. They have to prepare his food because he´s just a dumb little puppy who doesn´t know what´s good for him.
They make sure he doesn´t feel safe anywhere away from them. At first, he´s still allowed to work, but they make sure that every time a patient raises his voice, they rush to his side like he was attacked. Making sure he thinks of them as his protectors, the only people who care.
He pees himself at work once, when a loud noise startles him. He starts crying, overwhelmed and humiliated and terrified. They coo at him, taking him to the bathroom and cleaning him up with soft towelettes and softer words.
"Maybe this is too scary for out puppy hmm? Maybe you should take a break?"
So he starts being their life-in doggy.
They don´t let him out by himself because he could get scared and what of they aren´t there.
He starts to feel panicked when he´s alone, already anticipating that he can´t handle a panic attack alone.
Eventually, he begs them to quit their jobs, because he can´t stand not having both of them with him at all times.
Luckily, they can retire.
They order food and groceries. They don´t talk to people from work. They don´t leave the house.
Because what if puppy gets scared?
He needs someone with him, even when he goes to the bathroom.
Maybe he stops talking, Maybe he really is their abused dog.
