The Plight of Children Reared by Dogs and the Scars of Abandonment

The recent story of an eight-year-old Thai boy, who began barking after being raised by dogs, has gained widespread attention. Found in a dilapidated hut in Uttaradit province, his behavior was a clear indication of severe neglect. Child advocate Paveena Hongsakul described the scene as deeply upsetting, noting the boy's inability to speak and his reliance on barking.

This case, however, is not unique. Oxana Malaya experienced a similar upbringing, losing her connection to human behavior and living with dogs for several years. Abandoned by her parents at the age of three in Kherson, Ukraine, Oxana sought refuge in a dog kennel with her pet dog, Naida, to escape the cold. This kennel became her home for the next five years.

Living alongside Naida and other stray dogs, Oxana integrated into their pack. She adopted their behaviors, losing her ability to speak and communicating primarily through barking. She exhibited canine traits, such as panting, moving on all fours, and licking herself. Her human habits faded as she began eating her food, including raw meat, directly from the ground. This continued for five years in the impoverished village of Nova Blahovishchenka until an incident with a neighbor brought her situation to the attention of authorities.

When the authorities arrived, the dogs fiercely defended Oxana, only relenting when lured away with food. Social services rescued her in 1991, and she gradually adjusted to life in a foster home. Now in her early 40s, she resides in a specialized care facility. She has shared that her mother's large family meant there wasn't enough space, leading her to the kennel. She recalled communicating with the dogs through barking, which became their shared language.

Her case of feral living has fascinated researchers. Anna Chalaya, who oversees Oxana's care, observed that she behaved more like a dog than a human child. Despite some progress, experts believe her mental development is comparable to that of a six-year-old. Child psychologist Lyn Fry has stated that the lack of language development at a young age significantly impacts future learning abilities. In 2006, Oxana reunited with her father and half-sister, but the reunion did not alleviate her deep-seated trauma. She continues to find solace in canine companionship, revealing that she often crawls on all fours when feeling lonely, spending time with dogs and engaging in activities with them.