'I have been afraid of these dogs for so long, now I can’t imagine my life without him': After years of fear, one woman adopts a shy rescue Doberman and finds the sweetest companion she never expected

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Nov 7, 2025 3:00 PM EST

As a child, this pawrent was scared of Dobermans after a pair in her neighborhood made life miserable for everyone on the block. That fear stuck with her for years, right up until a Facebook post about a Doberman in need of a new home caught her eye. Something about him felt different, so she and her husband set up a playdate with their Rottweiler to see how things would go.

From that first meeting, she could tell there was something special about him. He was shy and cautious, but gentle. Within days of bringing him home, he became her little shadow, following her everywhere and always making sure he was close enough to touch. His loving, goofy nature quickly replaced every old fear with warmth and trust.

Now they travel together, turning heads everywhere they go. People often step aside when they see the two big dogs coming, but she just smiles. What others see as intimidating, she knows is pure love with two soft hearts in big, strong bodies.

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    'I never thought I would EVER own this vicious dog'
    via hsyncoban / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    I will preface this to say, this is my first time posting, long time lurker.
    via Imaginary_Garage_332
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    When I was a child, there were two Dobermans that lived several door down the street from me. The owners were irresponsible, trained the dogs to attack anything that moved and did not
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    keep the dogs fenced. I was terrified of the dogs. They had chased me and my sibling inside the house more times than I could count. They terrorized the entire neighborhood on a daily basis. Those dogs terrified me.
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    Doberman lying in the grass outside
    via grapix / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    Fast forward to about a month ago, my husband shows me a post on Facebook. A family had to re-home their 2 yr old male Dobie. Something about him
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    spoke to me. I reached out the family. We set up a play date with our 5yr old Rottweiler to see if they got along. He was very timid, but the dogs would play a
    via Imaginary_Garage_332
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    Cheezburger Image 10573393152
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    little. We picked him up two days later. This dog has become my shadow. He has to sleep where he touches me. His personality is
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    slowing coming out. I have come to love him. I have been afraid of these dogs for so long, now I can't imagine my life without him.
    via Imaginary_Garage_332
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    We travel a lot. And I can't help but giggle when people grab their small dogs and go the other way when they see me coming with my two big teddy bears!
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    Capitola2 Let me guess - he's the sweetest pup, isn't he? I thought they were vicious until we got one. He's the nicest dog on the planet, kind to everyone, gentle with kids, lives every dog and human he meets. Not a mean bone in his body.
    via Capitola2
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    BadMawma I delivered packages for 4 years and had a house with a Doberman. First time I saw him, YIKES! Scary boy. Next time I went, he was at the fence letting the horse nuzzle him and snuggied him back. I kind of fell in love with dobies that day. He's why I lurk here!
    via BadMawma

  • Dobermans might look big and tough, but they’re really just giant sweethearts with endless love to give. Once you get to know them, it’s all cuddles, loyalty, and gentle hearts.

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    dobiemomluv Ha! I love this. My husband got bit by a doberman while riding his bike as a kid. When we first met, I had the biggest doberman I'd ever known at 112 lbs. Think great dane size. Husband must have had second thoughts. Now he says
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    ..." from now on, nothing but dobermans." Welcome to the club. Thank you for being open minded and giving this sweetheart a home.
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    Frosty_Astronome... What beautiful dogs, specially the Doberman
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    ninjadobie I enjoy those looks they give when they see mine lol. Then you get the person that knows how great they are and gets all excited and wants to say hi. That always makes me feel good.
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    sati... The Doberman breed was created by a German Tax Collector in the 1880s. He needed a dog that LOOKED ferocious but is extremely loyal and could intimidate others while on the job. Sugar, spice and everything nice, You get the Doberman. A movie villain typecast that is an actual cuddle bug.
    via satisifedcitygal a

  • Dobermans just look scary, but anyone who’s spent time with one knows they’re total lovebugs. Behind those serious faces are gentle souls who just want affection, playtime, and a comfy spot by your side.

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    chareadsit Gotta love em! People used to cross to the other side of the street when I walked my 2. If only they knew...
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    Southpolarman Where's the vicious dog? Is it behind them?
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    khendy666 Dobies are such goofballs and it's easy to fall for them. Congratulations!
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  • With a Doberman, you get it all. Strength, loyalty, and the sweetest heart wrapped in a sleek, strong body. Big dog, big love, and endless cuddles to match.

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    chareadsit Never tell...just silently smirk.
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    AssumptionShort Thank you for giving him a home! Dobes love deeply & your love will be repaid congrats on a gorgeous family
    via AssumptionShort

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wholesome dogs pets heartwarming cute doggo pawrents adopted rescue
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