There’s this vow that we say during marriage: “Till death do us part.” I used to think it was applicable to dogs, too, since, for the most part of their short lives, they’d be spending it with you. This was proven by a woman from Texas and her dog named Titan, but in an unfortunate series of events, it was the owner who left first. It was never her intention to because she was murdered, but it was Titan who brought her justice as his last service to her.
The family of 26-year-old Mandy Rose Reynolds was happy after her killer was sentenced to life in prison just this week. Reynold’s relatives said that they owe it all to her dog Titan, who played a huge part in determining who her killer was.
Now, what happened to Reynolds, and who would do such a thing to her? According to the investigators, the body of Reynolds was “burned beyond recognition” back in April 2023. A medical examiner said that Reynolds died from a gunshot wound to the head, and the bullet actually came from her cousin’s gun. Standing next to her body is Titan, barking nonstop as the dog is trying to ask for help. He never left his owner’s side.
After, the animal control was able to identify the dog’s owner which is Reynolds. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Titan’s stored microchip was used to see that Reynolds is living in a San Marcos apartment, which was found to be empty along with her vehicle.
It was then that the police were able to locate Reynolds’ vehicle, and they found it to be in Kansas, where twenty-nine-year-old Derek Daigneault is currently driving it. With that, they caught Daigneault, and the Texas judge sentenced him to life in prison. The motive for the murder is sadly unknown, and as for Titan, she is under the care of the victim’s best friend.
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Dogs’ Wellbeing After Witnessing Abuse
Dog psychology is a fairly confusing field up to this day because of the lack of research. While veterinarians are the instant doctors to our pets, the knowledge of a dog’s mental health is not that extensive as they’re only used to treat physical health such as accidents and illnesses. Now, the question stands: What’s the aftermath in a dog’s health/wellbeing after witnessing violence committed by their owners? Let’s take a look.
Domestic violence can affect a victim’s companion animals in many ways. This is because of the emotional attachments that they feel with their pets, making them connected. In a 2017 study, it was found that victims have had their pets threatened, hurt, or killed by their abusers to prevent them from leaving or making them come back.
Also, in a 2021 nationwide survey, it was found that 76% of respondents noticed changes in their pets’ behavior as a result of abuse. Even those companion animals who weren’t physically abused still suffer the effects of living in a violent home. Trauma after witnessing or experiencing violence can result in the following:
- Fear of strangers or men
- Difficulty walking outside
- Aggression towards people and animals
The Human-Animal Bond
Abusers will make it difficult for their victims to leave, so they will use various techniques to control them. They know that their relationship with their pets is on the line, so this could easily be taken by abusers. In the same 2021 survey, 97% of respondents answered that keeping their pets with them becomes an important factor in deciding to seek shelter. Meanwhile, 91% said that their pets’ physical protection and emotional support play a huge role in their survival and healing.
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From The Club
The story of Titan and her owner, Reynolds, is a heartbreaking one. Imagine a dog who possibly witnessed the violence that happened to her owner. What pains me is Titan never understanding why Reynolds left her with a new owner. Yes, he may have witnessed the violence, but it might not occurred to him that his owner died while fighting for survival.
