JJ, if you look closely at the video, Edie hugs Eldad. When she puts her head into the crook of his arm, he closes his arms over her. It was the most natural act in the world and she was soothed by it -- how do I know? -- I was there and I shot the video. I also saw her in the cage at the shelter and rescued her. Rescue is seat of the pants stuff - never common sense...each time my heart is racing, trying hard not to lose it with the staff banging on her cage. They wouldn't let me near her to assess her for liability reasons. The first time I can interact is when Eldad opens the crate. When you are in the trenches, and you have little time to save a precious life, you do your best. I too have training in training dogs, and I can tell you that in the face of dogs like Edie, a naturally gifted person like Eldad can make the difference. I will be posting a follow up video of Edie and I can tell you that Eldad's soothing of her worked perfectly. She has been a love bug since her meltdown, running with my six other fosters and snuggling with me. Gut JJ. Pure gut and experience with working with fearful, injured, neglected animals.
Bronwyne