Overcoming Fear – With Support, Love, and Four Paws

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Oct 28
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Author:
Velina Dobreva

Every fear can be overcome – as long as there are people (and animals) beside you who believe you can do it.

Such is the story of 12-year-old Blagoy from Varna, who for the past two and a half months has been visiting Lucky Hunt Projectevery week to learn not to be afraid of dogs and stay calm in their presence.

“When we went outside, Blagoy’s attention was always fixed on the possibility of encountering a dog. This could easily put him in danger - he reacted impulsively to dogs without thinking about the real risk from the cars.”

Plamena Todorova

Blagoy's mother

Cynophobia is the medical term for an irrational and obsessive fear of dogs, characterized by intense anxiety and panic that can significantly impact everyday life.

The family was referred to Lucky Hunt by the psychologist working with Blagoy on his fear of dogs.

After a long period of preparation and discussions, the specialist recommended practical work with animals – real-life encounters, under supervision and with the right emotional support. That’s how the family came to Lucky Hunt, where we created an individual programtailored to the child’s pace and needs.

The First Steps – With Buba, Our Special Companion Dog

Every journey begins with Buba – our special companion dog,who is also part of our educational programs for preschool children.
Buba is calm, patient, and adores kids – the perfect first friend for any child who needs to see that not every dog is a threat.

“Meeting the team and Buba filled us with trust and hope. At first, we thought the sessions would cause anxiety for Blagoy, but we were wrong. From the very first visit, he came with excitement.” — shares his mother.

Interview with Blagoy's mother

The Next Step – Meeting Bigger Dogs

Once Blagoy felt comfortable with Buba, we moved on to the next stage: working with larger dogs.

This is where Valcho came into the picture – a mix between a Husky and a German Shepherd, strong, impressive, and with a huge heart.
Blagoy and Valcho became friends instantly. During each weekly session, they work together, building more trust and confidence every time.

Blagoy’s family decided to virtually adopt Valcho which strengthened their bond even more. For Blagoy, this is not just a dog – it’s his friend and partner in overcoming fear.

A New Challenge – Entering the Dogs’ Territory

After nearly two and a half months of steady progress, it was time for a new challenge: entering the dogs’ yard, where they run freely, play, and interact naturally with each other.

The goal was for Blagoy to remain calm and balanced, when the dogs were off-leash and acting in their natural environment.

He did brilliantly – calm, smiling, and confident, in a way that only a few months ago would have seemed impossible.

Small Steps, Big Victories

The lead role in Blagoy’s work is taken by Tsarina Georgieva from Lucky Hunt Project. The sessions are never boring – each time she introduces something new that builds upon what has already been achieved.

Blagoy now walks the dogs on a leash, pets them, and even feeds them by hand – including large dogs that weigh almost as much as he does.

The progress is remarkable, but even more inspiring is the effort – from the child, his parents, and our team.

The work with Blagoy continues. Fear doesn’t disappear overnight, but when met with love, patience, and the right guidance, it gradually loses its power.

Animals as Therapists and Teachers

At Lucky Hunt Project we believe deeply in the therapeutic power of the human–animal bond.

That’s why we continue to develop and expand our programs for children and families – independently and in partnership with educational institutions.

“I think that every parent whose child is afraid of dogs should seek help as early as possible. For us, the live contact – and of course, Lucky Hunt – made all the difference.” — adds the mother of Blagoy.

We are really grateful to Blagoy’s family for their trust and the courage to share their story.

For us, every success is a step toward a more compassionate world – a child who learns not to be afraid becomes a child who knows how to love and care for animals.

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About the author:

Velina Dobreva is a marketing expert and founder of Adapta Ltd., a specialized digital marketing agency for nonprofits, social enterprises and businesses with a cause. She has over 15 years of experience in with a focus on marketing for nonprofits, social impact, CSR and fundraising. She collaborates with Lucky Hunt Foundation since 2023.