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Isabel Klee is an animal advocate who has fostered more than 30 dogs, many of them with significant physical or emotional challenges. Her current foster, a small, shaggy, light-brown pup named Marmie, is slowly starting to let her guard down after experiencing major trauma.
However, Marmie isn’t exactly a fan of men, which makes certain interactions a bit tricky, especially when it comes to Klee’s fiancé, Jacob.
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Will Stop Barking for Cheese
In a YouTube Short posted by @IsabelKlee, Jacob walks into the room and Marmie immediately starts barking at him, clearly sending a “back up and leave me alone” message.
Given her past, it’s not surprising, and it has nothing to do with Jacob himself. Marmie is still decompressing from a difficult background, and even calm, well-meaning interactions can feel overwhelming at first.
But instead of forcing the interaction, Jacob takes a different approach. He pulls out a piece of cheese.
The reaction is instant. Marmie pauses mid-bark. Her focus shifts. Suddenly, the “scary man” is no longer the main event—the cheese is.
He offers her a small piece, and she cautiously takes it. Then another. And another. Each time, the same pattern plays out: bark, cheese, pause, take the cheese.
Related: Golden Retriever Tries To Catch a Handful of Shredded Cheese Like It’s Confetti
Why This Moment Matters
While the clip is funny and endearing, it’s also a great example of how trust-building works with fearful dogs.
High-value treats, such as cheese, can help create positive associations. Instead of associating a new person with fear or uncertainty, the dog starts to connect them with something rewarding. Over time, those small moments can help reshape how they feel.
Equally important, Jacob doesn’t push boundaries. He stays calm, avoids overwhelming her and lets Marmie approach on her own terms. That combination—patience plus positive reinforcement—is key when working with dogs who have experienced trauma.
A Promising Start (Powered by Cheese)
Marmie may not be completely won over just yet, but this is a meaningful step forward.
For rescue dogs, progress rarely happens all at once. It shows up in small, sometimes humorous moments, like realizing the person you were just barking at might actually be your cheese supplier. Marmie may be unsure about men (for now), but one thing is clear: she’s very sure about cheese.
Related: Rescue Dog’s Transformation From ‘Struggling With No Fur’ to ‘Golden Girl’ Is Miraculous
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Apr 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.