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Abused Dog Is Terrified Of Everyone Except This Baby, And Their Pics Are The Sweetest Thing Ever
Everybody needs someone to love. Nora’s previous owners had abused the pup to the point where she’s now scared to death of every living being – except one toddler. “We got our girl Nora, an English Pointer, from a rescue shelter seven years ago prior to having kids,” her owner Elizabeth told Bored Panda. “Despite having come from an abusive situation her sweet and gentle nature shone through and we knew with certainty she would be a wonderful family dog when the time came. She absolutely did not disappoint!”
Elizabeth’s family is definitely on the bigger side. She and her husband have 3 kids, 3 rescue cats, 3 rescue dogs. Aside from being in love with the number 3, Elizabeth adores the relationship between her son Archie and their pup Nora. “Archie is an extremely laid-back, happy, good-natured baby and all the animals seem to really respond to that, particularly Nora,” Spence told the Dodo. “She came from an abusive background and is afraid of almost everything. Not Archie, though. She absolutely adores him!”
The duo is inseparable. “If Archie is having a bath, Nora is lying on the bath mat waiting for him to get out. If I’m nursing him she wants up on my lap, too.” Luckily, she documents their incredible bond and shares it on Instagram where nearly 100,000 people are following the heartwarming friendship.
More info: Instagram
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When Elizabeth Spence adopted Nora, the woman noticed she was not like their other pets
Previous owners abused Nora so much, they left her traumatized
The poor English Pointer was terrified of everyone
Until Elizabeth had her son, Archie
“Archie is an extremely laid-back, happy, good-natured baby and all the animals seem to really respond to that, particularly Nora”
“She came from an abusive background and is afraid of almost everything. Not Archie, though. She absolutely adores him”
The duo is absolutely inseparable
“If Archie is having a bath, Nora is lying on the bath mat waiting for him to get out”
“If I’m nursing him she wants up on my lap, too”
“If he’s going through my cupboards throwing all the dishes on the floor, she’ll be there cheering him on”
They even became the best sleeping buddies
“We taught the kids from a very young age to respect the dogs and to treat them well”
“The dogs trust and love the kids very much and are quite comfortable hanging out with them in any manner”
What do you think ?
Katie Smith 7 years ago
I can't bear the thought of animals being mistreated or abused. Children and dogs are such a wonderful combination.
Talia Johnson 7 years ago
There certainly does seem to be a lovely bond between the two of them. I'll probably get shouted down, but the doctor in me does feel very anxious seeing a baby's face so close to any dog's face. I encourage my kids never to put their face next to a dog, even ours who know and love them - my son got bitten on the face by a friend's dog who was otherwise sweet and had never bitten anyone before. But I'm all for rescue dogs - ours is also scared of people but loves our kids.
Fifine Brightman 7 years ago
Most people who get bitten in the face by dogs are not in the dogs "pack". When dogs love and respect the family members, serious biting behavior should be nil (and I can't speak to when a dog is sick). Dogs recognize when a family member is frail or infirm or an infant. They recognize other animals as members of their "pack". When dogs are well adjusted family members, they can be trusted. However, I must say that as a dog owner it rests upon you to foster the relationship of that dog within your family. In my home, I have no doubt that my dogs recognize myself and other family members as the alphas. What this means is that they respect our home, our personal items and our food. Having said all of the above, I must once again state that all responsibility rests with the dog owner to know their pet(s). I would never let a stranger hug my dogs around the neck or put their faces close to my dogs faces, those are things we do only with our dogs, without worry, as pack leaders.
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Adriana E. Henricy 7 years ago
Is Nora the dog with lots of freckles on her ears, or the one that almost had no freckles? because there are two dogs there. Still cute as heck, wonder how they make them sleep arranged like that.
Joe Reaves 7 years ago
The darker freckles all appear when the kid is younger. I wonder if they're fading as the dog ages. I know my dog went grey as he aged so that might explain it. They obviously do have two similar dogs but it seems odd that the owner wouldn't know which one they were photographing. That said I saw a bichon on my groomer's FB the other day and was like oh that's my baby! Before noticing that the one in the photo had one more leg than my little tripod does.
Load More Replies...
pets & plants 7 years ago
What about the cats? They look cute and trusting in the pictures too.
Kara Witham 7 years ago
Awwww! I want to see an update when the kiddo is old enough to take doggo for a walk!
Santino Marazzo 7 years ago
What you and your Husband have done for Nora is wonderful. Nora's bond with Archie gives her peace of mind ,security and love. Great to see the cats too.
SJ_Panda_love 7 years ago
wow! wow! wow! These pictures melted my heart! They seem to be made for each other!
Isabel Tamayo 7 years ago
Lovely pictures! I can't imagine how hard Nora's life was... it's good to see she finally found where she belongs. Happy family, indeed!
Tracy Moorhead 7 years ago
Your story is heartwarming for sure! Archie will continue to grow and Love Nora just as she Loves him. It will be a lovely bond to watch grow!!
Ginger Panda 7 years ago
How beautiful! Their souls understand one another. I adopted a rescue dog when I was a teenager. It took time for her to be open to love but once she was - she was the most loving and loyal soul I've ever known. I honestly think she blessed me more than I blessed her. I was lucky to have her.
Monica Magers Burgos 7 years ago
God bless you for adopting rescue animals. Beautiful pictures and beautiful baby!!!
DopethronePunkUk 7 years ago
Just perfect...such innocent, unconditional devotion. This is why i love dogs more than people, children don't count because they are also innocent and free of the misery of the real world. Beautiful.
Rubee Tubesteak 7 years ago
I love this so much it hurts. What a wonderful dog!! (As they usually are.)
This Is Me 7 years ago
Lovely family! Who cares that they're posed for the pictures? Mom may be a photographer (a good one). They all look well loved and content.
Alberto 7 years ago
Who still believe in fairy tales? I find these images very fake (obviously composed). Personally I would never let my baby alone with a dog, even with the best and sweetest one.
Margaret Shannon 7 years ago
I believe. I believe because I have seen, and because I have faith I will see again.
Load More Replies...
RandomHumanBean 3 years ago
aww, Nora's so sweet! she looks like a bigger, differently colored version of my puppo.
Full Name 7 years ago
Beyond the story, these are really great photos, and baby/pet photos usually don't do it for me at all. The fact you got two cats and the baby and dog all lying down perfectly is either a composite, or you are an animal whisperer and could easily walk into a forest and conjure up an invading 4 legged army.
Gail Francis 7 years ago
Love it, particularly stories about animals/families, makingit RIGHT. They will grow up with a love and rapport with animals. It's all down to parenting, and these parents sound perfect. You only have to look at these gorgeous photos. I notice the cats joining the party too. Can I be a member of YOUR family, please ???
Anna Salerno 7 years ago
What a beautiful family, the dogs, the cats and the baby and children. Thank you for adopting this precious dog. It hurts my heart when I hear that pets have been abused. I just don't understand how any person can do this to a helpless animal!
Joy Tafolla 7 years ago
OMG, that is the most beautiful & sweetest thing I have seen all day. Priceless. That dog will protect that baby for years to come.
Virginia Brooks 7 years ago
Sweetest post ever!!! your baby is beautiful and their bond so endearing, I am inspired by this incredible grouping of photos. Thanks!!!
Sherrie Glendening 7 years ago
I love the photo with the baby, the dog, and two cats. Such a sweet family portrait.
Laura Perkinson 7 years ago
Some of these pictures are just awesome. Wonderful family for these dogs
Barbara Baxendale 7 years ago
These pics are an absolute gem, one big happy family especially Archie & Nora, you should be proud of what poor Nora has overcome, I know I would be !!
Birgit Bauhaus 7 years ago
In den Kommentaren fällt einigen Leuten auf, dass die Familie Fotos von zwei verschiedenen, aber sehr ähnlichen Hunden gepostet hat! Es gibt auch weitere Bilder, wo man die ganze Familie mit den BEIDEN Hunden sieht. Wo ist jetzt das Problem? Die ganze Familie lebt in liebevoller, tier- und menschengerechter Gemeinschaft mit ihren Tieren, dem Baby, dem größeren Sohn, den Hunden und auch den Katzen! Ich liebe es, tolle Familie und gut adaptierte, erzogene und geliebte tierische Mitbewohner! Genauso bin ich auch aufgewachsen!
Birgit Bauhaus 7 years ago
Ich liebe Tiere seit meiner Geburt, und wenn es damals schon die technischen Möglichkeiten gegeben hätte, dann könnte ich auch hunderte Fotos posten, von Doberman-Hündin bis zu Sau-ferkeln, Kälbern, Fohlen, jungen Füchsen usw.! Nichts beeinflusst ein Kind mehr, als die absolut ehrliche und unendliche Fürsorge und Liebe von einem Tier! Da lernt ein Mensch erst wirklich, ein "guter Mensch" zu werden - mehr, als Eltern es können! Ich bin Hebamme und liebe meine jungen Eltern, aber ich habe Ihnen immer empfohlen, ihre Kinder mit Tieren aufwachsen zu lassen! Tiere machen uns nicht krank - Menschen tun das! Tiere sind aber das Beste für unsere Seele! Bedingungslose Liebe.... Was kann es besseres geben für ein Kind!??
Birgit Bauhaus 7 years ago
Sorry für den Systemfehler: ich bin HEBAMME, also MIDWIFE, mit internationalem Examen/Approbation, und dass ich "geborene".... Das ist ja wohl logisch! 😂😉
Load More Replies...
Roger Hansen 7 years ago
Wow... the 2nd last photo of the 2 cats, baby and doggo is just the cutest thing ever. Look how comfortable they all are! :D
Lyn Limpert 7 years ago
Those are some of the most beautiful photos I have ever seen. Well done. Even if some are staged, they really do love each other a lot. Beautiful family. Best of luck to them.
Nicky OldfieldDesciple 7 years ago
These paare doing a brilliant job not only with Nora giving her a wonderful new and safe home but also with Archie who they are bring up to love and respect all animals. They all look so happy long may it last.
Darlene Moore 7 years ago
Is it just me or does anyone else think there are two different dogs in these pictures?
Claire Hoyt 7 years ago
That dog is thinking "I went through hell. This boy won't. And I'm gonna be sure of that."
wahensafasf 7 years ago
My Uncle Brayden just got a new cream Chevrolet Camaro Convertible by working part time off of a macbook air... viewᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵwww.startjob5.comᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵ
d r e a m w o r l d 7 years ago
Aww! This is so cute! I used to absolutely despise the name Archie, but now because I associate it with that little angel, I love it <3
Alberto 7 years ago
Who still believe to fairy tales?… Very fake and composed images from my point of view… Personally I will not let my baby alone with even the best and sweetest of the dogs……
jacluckycat 7 years ago
Who cares if the pictures are composed? They're still adorable. I'll never understand people who read boredpanda like it's hard-hitting journalism.
Load More Replies...
Helen Burgess 7 years ago
so sweet. those parents are lucky to have such a highly photogenic child, if they're the ones who took the pictures.
Flower 7 years ago
not mine :| she hates kids :( best wishes for Nora, I hope she becomes better. It pisses me off when I read about dogs being mistreated by their owners. I don't understand how can they do this to these wonderful, loyal creatures. If there is a Heaven or Hell, I wish from the bottom of my heart They GO to Hell!
Tanu Nejagal 7 years ago
Really really cute, loved the cats too. Hope you taught your kids to treat all animals with respect , love and not just dogs.
Katie Smith 7 years ago
I can't bear the thought of animals being mistreated or abused. Children and dogs are such a wonderful combination.
Talia Johnson 7 years ago
There certainly does seem to be a lovely bond between the two of them. I'll probably get shouted down, but the doctor in me does feel very anxious seeing a baby's face so close to any dog's face. I encourage my kids never to put their face next to a dog, even ours who know and love them - my son got bitten on the face by a friend's dog who was otherwise sweet and had never bitten anyone before. But I'm all for rescue dogs - ours is also scared of people but loves our kids.
Fifine Brightman 7 years ago
Most people who get bitten in the face by dogs are not in the dogs "pack". When dogs love and respect the family members, serious biting behavior should be nil (and I can't speak to when a dog is sick). Dogs recognize when a family member is frail or infirm or an infant. They recognize other animals as members of their "pack". When dogs are well adjusted family members, they can be trusted. However, I must say that as a dog owner it rests upon you to foster the relationship of that dog within your family. In my home, I have no doubt that my dogs recognize myself and other family members as the alphas. What this means is that they respect our home, our personal items and our food. Having said all of the above, I must once again state that all responsibility rests with the dog owner to know their pet(s). I would never let a stranger hug my dogs around the neck or put their faces close to my dogs faces, those are things we do only with our dogs, without worry, as pack leaders.
Load More Replies... Adriana E. Henricy 7 years ago
Is Nora the dog with lots of freckles on her ears, or the one that almost had no freckles? because there are two dogs there. Still cute as heck, wonder how they make them sleep arranged like that.
Joe Reaves 7 years ago
The darker freckles all appear when the kid is younger. I wonder if they're fading as the dog ages. I know my dog went grey as he aged so that might explain it. They obviously do have two similar dogs but it seems odd that the owner wouldn't know which one they were photographing. That said I saw a bichon on my groomer's FB the other day and was like oh that's my baby! Before noticing that the one in the photo had one more leg than my little tripod does.
Load More Replies... pets & plants 7 years ago
What about the cats? They look cute and trusting in the pictures too.
Kara Witham 7 years ago
Awwww! I want to see an update when the kiddo is old enough to take doggo for a walk!
Santino Marazzo 7 years ago
What you and your Husband have done for Nora is wonderful. Nora's bond with Archie gives her peace of mind ,security and love. Great to see the cats too.
SJ_Panda_love 7 years ago
wow! wow! wow! These pictures melted my heart! They seem to be made for each other!
Isabel Tamayo 7 years ago
Lovely pictures! I can't imagine how hard Nora's life was... it's good to see she finally found where she belongs. Happy family, indeed!
Tracy Moorhead 7 years ago
Your story is heartwarming for sure! Archie will continue to grow and Love Nora just as she Loves him. It will be a lovely bond to watch grow!!
Ginger Panda 7 years ago
How beautiful! Their souls understand one another. I adopted a rescue dog when I was a teenager. It took time for her to be open to love but once she was - she was the most loving and loyal soul I've ever known. I honestly think she blessed me more than I blessed her. I was lucky to have her.
Monica Magers Burgos 7 years ago
God bless you for adopting rescue animals. Beautiful pictures and beautiful baby!!!
DopethronePunkUk 7 years ago
Just perfect...such innocent, unconditional devotion. This is why i love dogs more than people, children don't count because they are also innocent and free of the misery of the real world. Beautiful.
Rubee Tubesteak 7 years ago
I love this so much it hurts. What a wonderful dog!! (As they usually are.)
This Is Me 7 years ago
Lovely family! Who cares that they're posed for the pictures? Mom may be a photographer (a good one). They all look well loved and content.
Alberto 7 years ago
Who still believe in fairy tales? I find these images very fake (obviously composed). Personally I would never let my baby alone with a dog, even with the best and sweetest one.
Margaret Shannon 7 years ago
I believe. I believe because I have seen, and because I have faith I will see again.
Load More Replies... RandomHumanBean 3 years ago
aww, Nora's so sweet! she looks like a bigger, differently colored version of my puppo.
Full Name 7 years ago
Beyond the story, these are really great photos, and baby/pet photos usually don't do it for me at all. The fact you got two cats and the baby and dog all lying down perfectly is either a composite, or you are an animal whisperer and could easily walk into a forest and conjure up an invading 4 legged army.
Gail Francis 7 years ago
Love it, particularly stories about animals/families, makingit RIGHT. They will grow up with a love and rapport with animals. It's all down to parenting, and these parents sound perfect. You only have to look at these gorgeous photos. I notice the cats joining the party too. Can I be a member of YOUR family, please ???
Anna Salerno 7 years ago
What a beautiful family, the dogs, the cats and the baby and children. Thank you for adopting this precious dog. It hurts my heart when I hear that pets have been abused. I just don't understand how any person can do this to a helpless animal!
Joy Tafolla 7 years ago
OMG, that is the most beautiful & sweetest thing I have seen all day. Priceless. That dog will protect that baby for years to come.
Virginia Brooks 7 years ago
Sweetest post ever!!! your baby is beautiful and their bond so endearing, I am inspired by this incredible grouping of photos. Thanks!!!
Sherrie Glendening 7 years ago
I love the photo with the baby, the dog, and two cats. Such a sweet family portrait.
Laura Perkinson 7 years ago
Some of these pictures are just awesome. Wonderful family for these dogs
Barbara Baxendale 7 years ago
These pics are an absolute gem, one big happy family especially Archie & Nora, you should be proud of what poor Nora has overcome, I know I would be !!
Birgit Bauhaus 7 years ago
In den Kommentaren fällt einigen Leuten auf, dass die Familie Fotos von zwei verschiedenen, aber sehr ähnlichen Hunden gepostet hat! Es gibt auch weitere Bilder, wo man die ganze Familie mit den BEIDEN Hunden sieht. Wo ist jetzt das Problem? Die ganze Familie lebt in liebevoller, tier- und menschengerechter Gemeinschaft mit ihren Tieren, dem Baby, dem größeren Sohn, den Hunden und auch den Katzen! Ich liebe es, tolle Familie und gut adaptierte, erzogene und geliebte tierische Mitbewohner! Genauso bin ich auch aufgewachsen!
Birgit Bauhaus 7 years ago
Ich liebe Tiere seit meiner Geburt, und wenn es damals schon die technischen Möglichkeiten gegeben hätte, dann könnte ich auch hunderte Fotos posten, von Doberman-Hündin bis zu Sau-ferkeln, Kälbern, Fohlen, jungen Füchsen usw.! Nichts beeinflusst ein Kind mehr, als die absolut ehrliche und unendliche Fürsorge und Liebe von einem Tier! Da lernt ein Mensch erst wirklich, ein "guter Mensch" zu werden - mehr, als Eltern es können! Ich bin Hebamme und liebe meine jungen Eltern, aber ich habe Ihnen immer empfohlen, ihre Kinder mit Tieren aufwachsen zu lassen! Tiere machen uns nicht krank - Menschen tun das! Tiere sind aber das Beste für unsere Seele! Bedingungslose Liebe.... Was kann es besseres geben für ein Kind!??
Birgit Bauhaus 7 years ago
Sorry für den Systemfehler: ich bin HEBAMME, also MIDWIFE, mit internationalem Examen/Approbation, und dass ich "geborene".... Das ist ja wohl logisch! 😂😉
Load More Replies... Roger Hansen 7 years ago
Wow... the 2nd last photo of the 2 cats, baby and doggo is just the cutest thing ever. Look how comfortable they all are! :D
Lyn Limpert 7 years ago
Those are some of the most beautiful photos I have ever seen. Well done. Even if some are staged, they really do love each other a lot. Beautiful family. Best of luck to them.
Nicky OldfieldDesciple 7 years ago
These paare doing a brilliant job not only with Nora giving her a wonderful new and safe home but also with Archie who they are bring up to love and respect all animals. They all look so happy long may it last.
Darlene Moore 7 years ago
Is it just me or does anyone else think there are two different dogs in these pictures?
Claire Hoyt 7 years ago
That dog is thinking "I went through hell. This boy won't. And I'm gonna be sure of that."
wahensafasf 7 years ago
My Uncle Brayden just got a new cream Chevrolet Camaro Convertible by working part time off of a macbook air... viewᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵwww.startjob5.comᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵ
d r e a m w o r l d 7 years ago
Aww! This is so cute! I used to absolutely despise the name Archie, but now because I associate it with that little angel, I love it <3
Alberto 7 years ago
Who still believe to fairy tales?… Very fake and composed images from my point of view… Personally I will not let my baby alone with even the best and sweetest of the dogs……
jacluckycat 7 years ago
Who cares if the pictures are composed? They're still adorable. I'll never understand people who read boredpanda like it's hard-hitting journalism.
Load More Replies... Helen Burgess 7 years ago
so sweet. those parents are lucky to have such a highly photogenic child, if they're the ones who took the pictures.
Flower 7 years ago
not mine :| she hates kids :( best wishes for Nora, I hope she becomes better. It pisses me off when I read about dogs being mistreated by their owners. I don't understand how can they do this to these wonderful, loyal creatures. If there is a Heaven or Hell, I wish from the bottom of my heart They GO to Hell!
Tanu Nejagal 7 years ago
Really really cute, loved the cats too. Hope you taught your kids to treat all animals with respect , love and not just dogs.
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