Facebook | Chase Grossman

Dog Lover Keeps His Social Anxiety Out Of His Passion's Way With A Perfect Tattoo

Updated September 7, 2021

Few things in life are as uniquely frustrating as when we find ourselves standing in our own way.

For some reason, there have been a lot of times in my life when I was utterly convinced that I would either hate something or that something terrible would happen if I did it. And yet, when I actually went, I would discover that I loved it and even forgot why I thought I wouldn't.

However, the unfortunate truth is that we can know we'll love something, but recognize that we'll still have to face our fears to enjoy it. And for one young man, that's a big part of the challenge he faces when he has the chance to meet new dogs.

Chase Grossman's job for a local park system puts him in a lot of close encounters with interesting animals.

Facebook | Chase Grossman

And as a wildlife rehabilitator, a big part of his job is ensuring that creatures like this magnificent owl are comfortable around him.

And while that doesn't appear to be a problem in general, he's especially comfortable around dogs.

Facebook | Chase Grossman

As he told The Dodo, he sees a lot of dogs pass through his park's trails on a daily basis and would love to pet all of them.

Unfortunately, that involves talking to their owners and it presents a challenge that can sometimes make Grossman anxious.

Facebook | Chase Grossman

He said that his 12-year-old rescue corgi, Lily, is friendly and outgoing enough to help bridge that gap, but he still wanted a way to meet dogs with as little awkwardness as possible when she wasn't around.

And so, he got the great idea to get a tattoo on his right arm to ask one important question for him.

Chase Grossman

As he told The Dodo, "It's a great conversation starter. I purposefully placed it on my right arm since it's my dominant and first to reach or wave with."