TF BROOKVILLE k/n/a ANI and her new buddy, Sandy
(Ani is the Fawn Grey)
COMFORT IN THE STORM
ANI AND SANDY
Adopted by Madeline and Bobby Meixner
Sandy got even closer a bit later and put her head right up on Ani's head
You probably remember the awful thunderstorm we had the other night. Ani was quite upset by it. While I was at the grocery Bobby rubbed her down with a dryer sheet and put his t-shirt on her (we read that those things are comforting to thunderphobic pups). Later we all sat down in the living room and Ani joined us on the couch. Sandy was apparently worried about Ani and wanted to comfort her so she climbed up on the couch and got as close as she could get to Ani. This is the first time she's ever done anything like that. Ani really seemed to get comfort from Sandy's presence. WAY more than anything mere humans could do to comfort her.
And, by the way, speaking of sisters helping sisters, Sandy's Separation Anxiety is completely gone now. When Bobby and I went to Mass yesterday morning Sandy didn't even get out of bed to follow us to the door. I did a video a few weeks ago while I was at the store and the only sound I heard was one of the dogs eating - no crying, no howling, no pacing around panting and drooling and watching out the window. Sandy is completely comfortable with us leaving now that she has her sister! I know you and Bobby both told me this would happen and I feel so silly for disregarding your advice for so many years. Having a sister has completely cured Sandy. I only hope Sandy can do the same for poor Ani's thunderphobia.
In reality though, Ani's thunderphobia is dramatically better than it was when she first came to us. She used to shake uncontrollably and drool and pace or even run around madly. Now, at the first clap of thunder, she comes to me for the dryer sheet rubdown and lays down on one of her beds in whichever room I'm in or goes to her "safe place" which is her bed in our bedroom. Sandy stays nearby but this is the first time she's ever laid next to her and even on her. It really seemed to help. Ani wasn't shaking a bit and was able to eat her dinner before the storm really got completely over.