Radley Barkley, a sweet and anxious pit bull, had always been terrified of the stairs leading to her backyard. Her owners, Lara and Brooke, both 34 and living in New Hampshire, noticed the issue from the day they brought her home. Despite trying countless methods—carpet treads, lights, treats, and even reassurance from the vet that Radley was in perfect health—the stairs remained an obstacle too daunting for the 5-year-old rescue pup to conquer.

For years, Lara and Brooke simply carried Radley outside every time she needed to go out. The process was exhausting and heartbreaking, especially knowing how much she loved being outdoors once she got there. Determined to find a better solution, the couple came up with a thoughtful and creative idea: build Radley her very own door.
They hired a contractor to install a custom doorway with new stairs specifically designed for Radley’s comfort. On the first day, only the door was completed. Radley approached it cautiously, skeptical of the unfamiliar change. Using gentle encouragement and lots of treats, her owners worked patiently to get her accustomed to this new path.

The next day, once the stairs were installed, Lara sat by the new doorway for nearly two hours, coaxing Radley with soft words and rewards. Step by step, Radley tested the stairs—first with one paw, then two. Eventually, she gathered enough courage to move her whole body through the door. The moment she realized the stairs were safe, Radley bolted into the backyard, running in circles with visible joy.
Now, Radley uses her special door with ease. According to Brooke, the once-scared pit bull now loves sunbathing and playing outside, often asking to go out multiple times a day. Not only has the new door brought freedom to Radley, but it has also been a relief for her owners and pet sitters, who once had to carry her out.

The heartwarming story was shared in a TikTok video that quickly went viral, garnering over 1.2 million views and more than 173,000 likes. Viewers flooded the comments with emotional support, praising Radley’s bravery and her owners’ patience.

For Lara and Brooke, the response was overwhelming. Beyond the joy of seeing their dog thrive, they’re grateful for the opportunity to help change the narrative around pit bulls. Radley is gentle, lovable, and yes—a little scaredy cat. But now, she’s also a backyard adventurer.
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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.