For years, Dyce the Rottweiler struggled with overwhelming anxiety. Simple activities — like walking around the block — left the 4-year-old pup on edge, hypervigilant and defensive despite the love and reassurance of his devoted parents, Anouk and her partner.
“He was very anxious, and that turned into reactivity,” Anouk told The Dodo. “Most of the time, people would cross the street to avoid him.”
At home, Dyce was a gentle giant. But outside, fear ruled his behavior. Anouk tried everything to help him feel calmer, but nothing seemed to make a difference.
Then one day, everything changed with the help of a surprising friend.
Anouk offered Dyce a handful of plush toys. After careful inspection, he selected a soft blue octopus, carrying it tenderly to his corner as if he had found exactly what he needed.
You can watch Dyce choose the blue octopus here:
From that moment, Dyce was smitten. Unlike many large dogs who shred stuffed animals in minutes, Dyce treated his octopus with unusual gentleness — cuddling it, grooming it, even protecting it.
And soon, the toy began working miracles outside the house, too.
On his first walk with the octopus in his mouth, Dyce strolled calmly through the neighborhood. For the first time, he wasn’t on edge.
He didn’t bark or lunge. Instead, he walked proudly beside his mom and dad, his anxiety replaced with a newfound sense of peace.
“He wasn’t reactive anymore,” Anouk said.
From then on, the octopus became Dyce’s constant companion.
Before every walk, he runs to his bed to grab it, refusing to leave without his emotional support plush. If he forgets, the moment he returns home, he dashes back to find it.
“He wants to walk with the toy for emotional support,” Anouk said.
Sometimes, Dyce doesn’t have time to grab the octopus on his way out — but that doesn’t mean he’s not thinking about it the whole time.
“He will look for the octopus first before he goes on walks,” Anouk said. “If he forgets, he runs to the octopus as soon as he’s at home.”
You can watch him walk with his other toys here:
Over time, Dyce’s collection has grown to include a pink octopus and a pink duck — but his blue octopus remains the favorite. No matter which one he chooses, his toys give him the reassurance he needs to face the outside world.
“Dyce needs two things when he goes on a walk: his octopus and his mom,” Anouk said. “Then, he is the happiest boy.”
Thanks to a simple plush friend, Dyce has finally found a way to enjoy life beyond his front door — showing everyone the sweet, gentle soul his parents always knew was there.
To keep up with Dyce’s adventures (and his growing toy collection), you can follow him on Instagram.
