Day 1127

Day 1127. “Walking With Goldens”

Thunderstorms are the enemy! Fireworks are even worse! How do we explain these events to our pups when they simply don’t understand?

Have you ever needed to explain something to someone who cannot grasp what you are saying? Typically, the confusion stems from the fact that the recipient has never experienced what you are explaining. They lack the background event that would place the explanation in their wheelhouse of memories. There are just some things that must be “lived” to gain an empathy for the situation. For example, during a ‘Man Cold’, my dear husband once said, “Now I know what childbirth feels like!” I think not!

However, he has experienced and understands Minnesota winters, phrases like “Uff-Dah” and why we cherish the summer months. He was a fast learner about layering for the cold and has even been seen successfully driving a pontoon.

In the case of my pups, no repeated experience will help to ease their fears with loud explosion sounds. When that happens, we turn the Hallmark channel on louder, flip on all the lights, snuggle, offer treats and try to love away their fears…perhaps that would work for Mac’s next Man Cold?!