Hello

[ing]

Wow. I've wanted to find a safe place for years, and now that I've found it I am freaking out. Regardless, my name is Ingrid. I am the luckiest dog mom in the whole world because my adopted lab Smokey is the absolute best! I love walking with her, reading, gardening, going to the dog park and just being outside in general. I have serious trust issues due to the way I was raised and what happened to me. I distrust myself more than anyone. My confidence is gone. I'm here because I'm tired of hiding what happened from people who won't understand or who will blame me. If I posted this incorrectly, I apologize!

[awi]

Hi welcome to AS Ingrid. So glad you found us.  Know that you are not alone. Many people here can relate to your words.  It is normal to not trust when wrong things have been done to you especially while growing up..  Your sense of safety in the world can be restored.  Little by little each step at a time. 

There are lots of people here who love dogs too.  I also have a dog.  It is a mix of cocker spaniel and like every other dog in the world.  Labs are adorable and absolutely the best.  

By the way you posted this in the right way and place. No apology needed.  

Keeping you company during this part of your healing journey

A

[ActivistAlly]

Hello and welcome to AS Ingrid!  I'm sorry that you have reason to search for a site like ours but I'm glad you found us.  I hope AfterSilence will be of help to you in regaining some of your confidence and that you will feel safe and accepted without judgement as you read the site and interact with other members.  Your post was just fine so no apologies needed! 

Wishing you and Smokey the best!!!

AA

[patriciag]

Welcome to AS 

[WannaMoveOn]

On 5/29/2026 at 5:18 AM, ing said:

Wow. I've wanted to find a safe place for years, and now that I've found it I am freaking out. Regardless, my name is Ingrid. I am the luckiest dog mom in the whole world because my adopted lab Smokey is the absolute best! I love walking with her, reading, gardening, going to the dog park and just being outside in general. I have serious trust issues due to the way I was raised and what happened to me. I distrust myself more than anyone. My confidence is gone. I'm here because I'm tired of hiding what happened from people who won't understand or who will blame me. If I posted this incorrectly, I apologize!

Hey there Ingrid, you can call me Wanna!

Your dog sounds adorable  I don't have one myself, but I have been dog sitting a lot and love playing and cuddling with dogs. It sounds like you've been through a lot of trauma, making trust issues and lack of self confidence understandable. I myself have been there too, many times. Having a support system of fellow survivors can help you rebuild your confidence and offers the opportunity to reclaim your voice, as us survivors tend to relate to each other. I hope this place will make you feel supported in the way you need and deserve. 

Please know, that we believe you!

All best W

 

[MeBeMary]

Hi Ingrid,

Welcome to After Silence. I am very sorry for the trauma you've endured and the struggles you still face. It was wrong, unfair, and undeserved. You have found a supportive community with many understanding and kind members. 

Sadly, much of what you say is not unusual, considering what you've been thru. Many have trust issues, many have confidence issues and many have struggled...far beyond when the trauma had ended. We understand how difficult it is. We can relate and I hope in some way, it makes you feel less alone. 

Take your time and look around, interact where you feel comfortable, and know you will be supported. 

Mary

[Capulet]

Hi, Ingrid, welcome to AS!

Glad to have you - fellow dog (and cat) Mom here.  I also have two human adult children but the fur babies seem to appreciate me more these days than they do...LOL.  I suppose it's because the fur-babies know who feeds them, eh? ;) 

Anyway, glad to have you join us, although I'm sorry for the circumstances.  I look forward to getting to know you and Smokey a little better.  

Wishing you peace, comfort and healing!  All the best.

- Cappy