I'm an overprotective momma. So when I learned that Molly's Addison's is triggered by stress, my first reaction was to shield her from stress for the rest of her life. Until she was diagnosed, I believed that the best way to handle her puppy fear period was to expose her to stressors and teach her that she was safe and did not need to be afraid. Well, Addison's threw a wrench into this plan and now I find myself in ultra-protective mode. I vowed never to let her be alone during a thunderstorm. I'd murder anyone who dropped anything in my house and made her usually-upright tail retreat between her legs. And when Fourth of July fireworks come along, well, we'd retreat to a deserted corner of the world where they never ever heard of fireworks!
Then I realized how ridiculous I am being. Last weekend, I found myself an hour and a half from home with a thunderstorm aiming for my house. I'd never beat it and surely Molly would be a mess when I got home. So I gave up worrying and hoped for the best. When I got home, she was perfectly fine. Of course she was...it's me who is the maniac!
So I am learning that Molly has a long life of facing potential stressors. One thing I have learned about her is that she mirrors my moods. If I am upset, she is upset. All I can do is keep my wits about me and try to calm her when something is upsetting.
Perhaps she and I can take up meditation. Doubtful that I can get Winston to join in. Boys!
I am the exact same way with Annie and she doesn't have Addison's LOL. But you're right, they definitely can feel it when we are nervous or stressed and it makes them nervous or stressed. Let me know how the meditation works out! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to act like things are okay when you know they might get stressed out or scared! I always just say to Bowser "it's no big deal" and stay calm myself. Doesn't always work, since he's a coward, but me staying calm helps. lol (but still no one should scare my baby!!!!!! lol)
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