@fallon_boerboels: I get asked often why I feel like I need a protection dog. There’s a lifetime of experiences that changed the way I move through the world and the way my nervous system responds to feeling unsafe. This is Part 1. I was 7 years old when a 17 year-old family member began SAing me. Over this series, I’m going to share some of the experiences with harassment, stalking and SA that followed and how those experiences eventually contributed to my CPTSD and my decision to have a protection dog. Not because I owe anyone an explanation. But because I know I’m not the only woman whose past affects how safe she feels in the present. Part 2: High school. #sa #protectiondog #cptsd #trauma #womensafety
Everyone hates a pedophile until it’s their son, cousin, favourite teacher or president. We expect them to look like monsters, but they look like us. I’m so sorry this happened to you
2026-08-18 20:30:56
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Water :
People asking what you need protecting from, especially when asking a woman, are privileged. and I'll die on that opinion
2026-08-18 23:17:38
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Courtney :
I’m so sorry you were failed by so many adults, Steph. You are so strong. You have put so much time and energy to becoming
2026-08-18 19:28:14
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Jen 🍋 :
I’m so sorry all those adults failed you.
2026-08-19 01:02:45
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DianaPlusTwo🐾 :
Can’t trust family and sadly its always the same family that fails us! Sending you so much love woman 🙏🏻
2026-08-18 18:45:07
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Robbin Annnnne :
Than you for sharing that with us. For similar reasons I have my wlgsd who does protection work, unfortunately I made mistakes when I was younger and I can’t carry, but I can own as Mary protection dogs as I need to feel safe. I made i promise to myself and my family I would NEVER be a victim again EVER!
2026-08-19 00:24:28
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Addi🐾 :
You’re so strong❤️I’m so happy you have your dogs
2026-08-18 18:32:21
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Iris Epping :
I’m so sorry this happened to you. You are very brave.
2026-08-18 18:30:09
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Heather May :
Women who have trauma as little girls....how big is your dog? it's insane to me anyone would ask you why you have a protection dog. thank you so much for telling us your story.
2026-08-19 16:13:48
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Hanna, Millie & Tucker :
I’m so SO glad your boyfriend’s family was there to help you.
2026-08-18 20:25:04
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bella_crowley1110 :
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It means so much to all survivors. Those who are scared to speak up, those who can’t and those who have. As someone who has I appreciate it so much. It makes us all feel like we have someone in our corner whether it’s a stranger on the internet or not
2026-08-19 15:44:49
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Lundnwannabe :
I’m sorry this happened to you. Thank you for sharing your story.
2026-08-18 18:29:20
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meganjo :
I want and need a protection dog. Do I have one, kinda. She’s a cane corso who’s a lover but protects the house.
2026-08-18 20:23:05
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Beep boop :
im so sorry that this is so common. I was in a similar situation with an older male cousin. I still have never told my family that I know or remember what happened. They all just kept it a secret and moved on. Im still terrified to say anything and its been 20 years
2026-08-19 00:12:52
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pastacat18 :
Shame on those adults for not protecting you and all future children. I’m so sorry you experienced this. You have so many women sending you virtual hugs
2026-08-18 19:24:35
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Em. :
I’m so sorry you weren’t protected. I’m glad you are on a healing journey and you have a protection dog. Thank you for sharing.
2026-08-19 15:35:30
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Danielle Rose Munoz :
I’m so proud of you! You are strong and brave and capable of hard things! Rest easy here mama 🫶🏽 we got you
2026-08-19 15:53:10
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sharonaddison🇨🇦 :
That was a very hard story to hear so I can’t even imagine how hard it is to tell. I’m so sorry that happened to you.
2026-08-19 01:31:23
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Kayla Gardner :
I’m so sorry you had to experience this. Thank you for sharing, seeing you with gronk and gg has always made me wonder if i should invest. as similar things happened to me as a child and teen. i felt that wanting a protective animal was “silly” since these things happened so long ago. but i see your confidence when your out alone with them and desire a sense of such safety for myself.
2026-08-18 19:10:42
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sam 🌎🩷 :
oh my gosh that is so horrible to go through and experience, i'm so sorry. 🥺💗 you are such a strong woman and i'm so glad that you have the security of being protected by your dogs 🫶🏻
2026-08-18 18:35:51
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trippedmetaldetector :
Mine started at 3. It only ended because I ran at 17.
2026-08-18 18:44:49
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DianaBoso :
I rarely comment on any TikTok posts, but cannot just scroll past after you shared such deeply personal content. The mother in me wants to give you the biggest hug - I cannot fathom what you’ve been through. Praying you will continue to find healing and peace.
2026-08-18 18:47:18
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Kiley :
Can I just say as a 27 year old very in the THICK of her healing and CPTSD I LOVE seeing your face pop up on my screen. Because you show us that we can all heal and live the life we want to. You’d never know everything you’ve been through (and that’s partly because SA is so silent) but when your face pops up on my screen I think “wow she’s got her life together. She’s really healed and is the BEST version of a dog owner that her dogs need. I hope someday to have my life together too” and now I’m sure there are days you don’t feel like that or some trigger bring you right back but my point in all of this is you are who gives girls like me hope. Hope that one day our lives can be calmer. And you should be so proud of yourself. You are my role model. Because I know of you can get there, I can too
2026-08-18 20:47:17
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trfrost ❌ :
I would love to get a big dog just for this purpose - I went through being graped for years by a neighbor and then graped & beaten by a different person in a car, I would love to have big pup. I just wouldn’t know where to begin - everyone says it’s TOO much dog for me. You are blessed to have your babies.
2026-08-18 21:38:07
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Purrbucket :
I am so sorry that everyone adult involved failed you. I'm 50 and just started my own cptsd treatment so I'm glad to hear you've been on a healing journey.
2026-08-18 18:47:07
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