Caitlin loved dogs. Big ones, small ones, fluffy ones, and spotted ones. But when she was little, something scary happened—she got bitten by a dog. It hurt a lot, and for a long time, she was afraid of dogs.

But Katie didn’t want to be afraid forever. She wanted to understand why the dog bit her and how she could help other kids stay safe around dogs, too.

With her mom’s help, Caitlin learned all about dog safety. She discovered that dogs have feelings just like people, and they use their bodies to talk! Some dogs are happy to play, but others might be scared, tired, or protecting something special.

Caitlin's Canine Code

Caitlin sitting on a park bench with a worried expression, a dog nearby with a wagging tail

Caitlin loved playing with dogs every day. One afternoon, while she was at the park, a dog bit her by mistake. The bite hurt and made her very scared. She felt confused and worried about dogs after that day.

The Scary Day

Caitlin talking to her mom in a cozy living room, her mom smiling reassuringly

Caitlin decided that she did not want fear to control her. She spoke to her mom about her scary experience. Her mom reassured her that understanding dogs could help keep everyone safe. Caitlin felt a new spark of courage inside her heart.

Finding the Courage

Caitlin and her mom reading a book about dog safety at a kitchen table, a picture of a dog with a wagging tail in the book

With her mom's help, Caitlin learned about dog safety and body language. She discovered that dogs use wagging tails and soft eyes to show happiness. But sometimes dogs might be scared or tired, and they need space. Caitlin learned to watch for clues to know when a dog felt safe and when it did not.

Learning the Canine Code

Caitlin standing in front of a group of kids at a playground, explaining dog safety with a poster showing dog body language

Caitlin wanted to share what she learned with other kids. She explained how to read a dog’s feelings and how to be safe around them. She also told them that dogs, like people, have feelings and need care. Caitlin became a little teacher of dog safety, and her story helped many others feel brave around dogs.