Chapter 6: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog

Despite the heart wrenching neglect faced by both boys, Chapter 6 made me feel the most hope and joy of any of the chapters. Based on the title of the book and chapter, I had an idea of what the chapter would entail, but the description was still haunting. The physical effects of the unintentional neglect Justin experienced were astounding. Dr. Perry mentioned that Justin didn’t stand or walk because he didn’t have anyone to steady or encourage him, but I thought about it from an even more basic, physical nature. Despite Justin being let out of his cage daily, I cannot imagine it was enough for his legs to develop enough strength to stand, moreover walk. Any muscle his body might have built, likely atrophied from lack of use. I also pictured an attending physician showing Justin’s brain scans to a group of residents or interns, without any other information, and asking them to diagnose the patient. I can only imagine their reactions when they found out his age. Fortunately, Justin did not have Alzheimer’s disease and his condition could improve.

I laughed a few times throughout the chapter; the first time was during the story that led Dr. Perry to realize Justin had the capacity to change. I loved Perry’s connection between a primitive sense of humor and his ability to connect with others- not to mention the story was funny. As Perry began to help Justin access his capacity to change, the phrases of “patterned, repetitive experience” and “safe environment” surfaced. I noticed the same phrases being used in the description of Connor’s treatment. Dr. Perry’s treatment reminded me of many of the concepts in Attachment Theory. At the end of the chapter, he mentioned the ability of children to feel a certain level of competence and mastery when they have a “nurturing ‘home base’”. Home base is a common term used in Attachment Theory. From what I understand, it sounds that Dr. Perry was trying to create “secure-attachment relationships” for the two boys. Previously, the boys had experienced inconsistent, unpredictable attachment- either avoidant, ambivalent or disorganized- and their schema of relationships developed based on their early interactions. Through consistent, repetitive stimulation, the boys were able to adapt their schemas.

One of the sections I found most interesting was the discussion of the course of development for a baby’s rhythm. I had never considered this crucial aspect of development. I enjoyed the section on the soothing impact of a mother’s heartbeat, because a similar occurrence happens in puppies (I promise I don’t think children are dogs; I just really love dogs). My grandpa was a vet and he would always tell us to put a clock in a puppy’s kennel at night to keep it from whining. I didn’t understand why for the longest time, until my dad told me that it mimics the mother’s heartbeat in the womb. I thought that was brilliant and I wonder if putting a ticking clock in/near a baby’s crib would soothe the baby. I haven’t heard of it being done before, so it may not work the same.