The Dog Who Wouldn’t Let Me Disappear
After surviving a home invasion and a mental health spiral, Lee didn’t just adopt a dog—she found her way back to safety, movement, and joy. This episode is about trauma, healing, and the unlikely hero with four legs and a squeaky toy.
Summary
After a home invasion that left her terrified in her own bedroom, Lee Williams did what many of us only talk about doing: she radically restructured her life for safety. Security cameras. New locks. Hypervigilance. But even with all that, she still couldn’t relax in her own home, until a nine‑month‑old Husky named Tiburon quite literally pulled her back into the world.
Siobhan and Lee revisit the night of the break‑in and the lingering trauma that followed. Lee shares how she went to a dog fair intending to adopt a female shepherd puppy… and instead locked eyes with Tiburon, a chaos‑machine with a shark’s name and a giant heart. We hear how his size, bark, and mere presence changed how safe she felt walking at night, but also how his energy and needs quietly interrupted a deep depressive spiral.
From shredded furniture and six‑month “destructive phases” to becoming the beloved “Mayor of 13” at their local bar, Tiburon isn’t just a guard dog, he’s a therapy partner, community connector, and co‑star in Lee’s life.
Tiburon is currently leading in America’s Favorite Pet contest that raises money for animal welfare. This episode is a love letter to rescue animals, resilience, and the weird, beautiful ways dogs save us while we think we’re saving them.
Lee Williams
Lee Williams is a Bay Area bartender, jewelry designer, and creative spirit with a background in psychology and a deep commitment to authentic self-expression. A former burlesque performer and post-punk enthusiast, Lee brings a sharp, thoughtful lens to storytelling, mental health, and resilience, shaped by a life lived both creatively and candidly.
As a repeat Ducking Realitea guest and beloved community fixture, Lee’s path took a profound turn after surviving a home invasion, an experience that ultimately led her to adopt Tiburon, a Siberian Husky who became her constant companion, emotional support, and the unofficial “Mayor of 13.”
Through bartending, art, animal rescue, and advocacy, Lee remains deeply invested in community-based care, healing, and the belief that safety, joy, and purpose are often rebuilt through connection.
💡 Key Takeaways
Trauma doesn’t disappear, but safety can be rebuilt
Animals can be powerful anchors during mental health recovery
Routine, responsibility, and movement matter
Rescue dogs need research, patience, and commitment
Community plays a quiet but vital role in healing
“One of the best things to have ever happened to me in my life is this dog.”
~ Lee
Lee's Etsy Store: Lee Evil Design
America’s Favorite Pet contest – National competition raising money for animal welfare; Tiburon is currently competing. (CLICK TO VOTE)