A Local Business That Changed My Life

This Las Vegas business changed my life. My father abused me as a youngster. A kind man understood my deep-seated issues and worked with me to overcome my emotional challenges. I learned to be happy and actually love and trust.

My name is Bensley. I am a first-generation Labradoodle. My first family bought me from a breeder when I was six weeks old. My human father didn't like the fact that I pooped on the floor. He took me into the bathroom and beat me. Repeatedly.

The beatings broke my spirit.

My dad wasn't good with money. His check to the breeder bounced. When she came for her money four weeks later, she saw I was broken and took me back.

But no one would adopt me because I was so frightened of humans. How did I know who would hit me and and for what?

Trying to Heal in My New Home

Then this nice white-haired lady took me home. I was scared to be in the house because that's where I got beaten. So I ran out the doggie door and hid in the back yard. After three days the nice lady, Beth Ellyn, put food outside so I wouldn't starve.

Winter came and I had to move inside. But I wouldn't let anyone touch me.

One day Beth Ellyn cornered me and put me on a leash. Then she took me for a walk. I really liked that. I decided it was safe to let her touch me if she had a leash in her hand.

But if anyone came into the house I would start shaking so hard I peed. Then I hid. How did I know I wasn't going to get hit by that stranger?

Beth Ellyn was sweet. But she didn't know how to fix me. I was still lost and hurting.

How The Dog Training Center Changed My Life

Beth Ellyn met this man, Gregory Conner, on the fourth of July 2011. He was training a German shepherd on the street when she was leaving a barbecue. She asked him if he would train me.

Conner, the owner of The Dog Training Center, told her, "I train aggressive dogs to be less aggressive. I have never trained a dog to have courage. But I will try."

Conner came to the house every week for obedience lessons. I learned I can follow instructions and get praise and treats instead of a whack! If I lay down and stay down for five minutes, they get excited and love me. Who knew?

These two people, my owner and her dog trainer, patiently, gently worked with me so I could learn to trust again.

Then Beth Ellyn enrolled me in Citizen K9 training at The Dog Training Center. There I learned courage! I met these German shepherds and Dobermans who showed me what to do. I learned to stand up for myself.

I'm 13 now, which is old for a Labradoodle. I am forever grateful to The Dog Training Center for turning my life around. I showed up a scared, abused animal. Thanks to all the fun things we did at The Center and the kind, patient human trainers there who knew how to help me, I learned I was indeed lovable.

I've had a life well lived.

THANKS!