Dear Eli, this is Cooper. I am a small Norwich Terrier. Like you, I am terrified of thunder and all things loud. Football on TV is almost worse. My mom is so good to leave a bed in the master closet, the most interior space in the house. It helps. I also like CBD treats, just sayin’. Hugs to you big guy, we’re all in this together!
My Cooper is a 6 month old West Highland Terrier who also does not like loud noises or rain. It is nasty here in Chicago, too, so Cooper keeps heading to the door and turning back when I open it. It is going to be a long day!
My dogs are allergic to CBD. And Eli does have beds in strategic spots, but the tv appearances are deal breakers, because he cannot have access to my husband’s door, at which he will fling himself. Believe me, we have tried it all, and if the storm starts before you can administer a tranquilizer (which I don’t like to do) it’s generally too late.
I'm sure you're doing all you can for sweet Eli. Just an FYI about tranquilizers. Vets used to prescribe ace promezine, and some probably still do, but it's been shown to actually make their fear worse, while they are sedated. We have (thankfully) only had two sound sensitive dogs, out of many, but when I was a dog trainer, my recs were Xanax (much more effective than ACE), thundershirt (which it looks like Eli is wearing a facsimile), herbal calming collar, Adaptil pheromone plug-in in their favorite room, and their person nearby. I'm glad no one was harmed by broken glass or electrical cords!
Yes. It's much harder after that negative reinforcement cycle starts spinning. I.e., when they fear your fear or concern, it's reinforcing, and then it's tough to break the cycle. Just like humans. Habituation. You kind of have to unlayer it patiently and gradually.
Whenever I catch Charlie on MSNBC, I can't help but wonder where the dogs are and what they might be up to as he's waxing poetic about the GOP and the state of our Democracy. Thank you for this "visual"!
Poor guy. Poor all of you! Glad there was no significant damage to Charlie's set up.
My favorite post about last night's results was that someone's favorite WI dive bar had foregone the Buck's game for the election results. When the race was called there were huge cheers of "F. E..." and the bartender poured shots for everyone.
Get a dog, they said, it’ll be fun they said. Get a puppy at the beginning of the Covid lockdown. Lucky for you he’ll get into the tub. Doggieness before cleanliness. Love to those giant biggies. Glad you’re up for the challenge, that’s a good sign. (I guess?). Woof!
Honeybun, our yellow Lab, is terrified of storms also, to the point of trying to dig out the bathtub drain to crawl into it. Alas, we resort now to meds when we have warning of bad weather. Interestingly, she does not tolerate water falling on her head either, despite being a so-called "water dog". Go figure!
Crikey. Poor Eli. And Kudos to you and Charlie for all you try to do for him. This is, in my view, a last resort, but have you considered talking to your vet about medication to help him through the storms?
By the way, your husband is a great American! As I posted to his substack, he makes me think of Sirius (the dog star) in his fight for liberal democracy; Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and a symbol for Eli and Auggie.
Buck up Eli! The storm will end, eventually. In the past we’ve had those who loved the Kitchen closet or under the pool table in the Basement. Our current boy, Griz, seems not worried in the least.
But I’m so glad you celebrated in style last evening🥂
I know all about stubborn dogs as Archie has a mind of his own. At 14 lbs he’s easy to wrangle but will snarl and (carefully) snap if he’s really enjoying something disgusting he’s found outside. Beau, thankfully, is a pleaser❤️
God bless Eli! Since Helene came through and downed 2 trees on my property I too really dread storms. One tree took out my husband's boat and the other landed on my little pet cemetery. Needless to say, it was the pet cemetery that broke my heart. It's awful to be afraid of Mother Nature. I sympathize with Eli. Please give him a hug from me and my cats
We too had a Lab who was terrified of thunder and fireworks. She was so scared one 4th of July she got into the bathtub with me, releasing a ton of hair. I got out—she had the bathtub with curtain drawn to herself. Finally she was safe. Also there was a recording of today’s post. Didn’t sound like I imagine you do. I was pretty sure it wasn’t when the voice read the punctuation marks!
Dear Eli, this is Cooper. I am a small Norwich Terrier. Like you, I am terrified of thunder and all things loud. Football on TV is almost worse. My mom is so good to leave a bed in the master closet, the most interior space in the house. It helps. I also like CBD treats, just sayin’. Hugs to you big guy, we’re all in this together!
My Cooper is a 6 month old West Highland Terrier who also does not like loud noises or rain. It is nasty here in Chicago, too, so Cooper keeps heading to the door and turning back when I open it. It is going to be a long day!
Awww, we used to have a Westie. Sweetest dog ever to walk this earth…
Cooper is my 5th Westie. Not sure I would describe any of them as sweet--terriers after all--but excellent dogs every one.
My dogs are allergic to CBD. And Eli does have beds in strategic spots, but the tv appearances are deal breakers, because he cannot have access to my husband’s door, at which he will fling himself. Believe me, we have tried it all, and if the storm starts before you can administer a tranquilizer (which I don’t like to do) it’s generally too late.
Cooper here. Not trying to offer any advice, you clearly know what you’re doing with my buddy Eli! Hugs to you all!
I appreciate that. 😎
I'm sure you're doing all you can for sweet Eli. Just an FYI about tranquilizers. Vets used to prescribe ace promezine, and some probably still do, but it's been shown to actually make their fear worse, while they are sedated. We have (thankfully) only had two sound sensitive dogs, out of many, but when I was a dog trainer, my recs were Xanax (much more effective than ACE), thundershirt (which it looks like Eli is wearing a facsimile), herbal calming collar, Adaptil pheromone plug-in in their favorite room, and their person nearby. I'm glad no one was harmed by broken glass or electrical cords!
Yes. It's much harder after that negative reinforcement cycle starts spinning. I.e., when they fear your fear or concern, it's reinforcing, and then it's tough to break the cycle. Just like humans. Habituation. You kind of have to unlayer it patiently and gradually.
Whenever I catch Charlie on MSNBC, I can't help but wonder where the dogs are and what they might be up to as he's waxing poetic about the GOP and the state of our Democracy. Thank you for this "visual"!
I thought the same thing! Now I will be imagining Eli beneath the desk or J.F. out of frame frantically trying to coax the boys out of the office.
Poor guy. Poor all of you! Glad there was no significant damage to Charlie's set up.
My favorite post about last night's results was that someone's favorite WI dive bar had foregone the Buck's game for the election results. When the race was called there were huge cheers of "F. E..." and the bartender poured shots for everyone.
I love this!
You must be exhausted. I hope a nap is happening today. So happy about Wisconsin results! And my NJ Cory Booker!
Cory Booker is a STAR!
Aww Eli hang in there the bad weather will pass ❤️
Get a dog, they said, it’ll be fun they said. Get a puppy at the beginning of the Covid lockdown. Lucky for you he’ll get into the tub. Doggieness before cleanliness. Love to those giant biggies. Glad you’re up for the challenge, that’s a good sign. (I guess?). Woof!
I saw the weather that showed major happenings up there that we get typically in the South. I wondered how Eli and Auggie were doing.
Our canine friends don’t understand what’s going on ,unfortunately.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the news must carry on.
Actually, I am watching MSNBC which I do most of the day, and I saw Charlie. So, life goes on.
My theory is that the wind sounds like a big snarling animal.
Honeybun, our yellow Lab, is terrified of storms also, to the point of trying to dig out the bathtub drain to crawl into it. Alas, we resort now to meds when we have warning of bad weather. Interestingly, she does not tolerate water falling on her head either, despite being a so-called "water dog". Go figure!
True.
Crikey. Poor Eli. And Kudos to you and Charlie for all you try to do for him. This is, in my view, a last resort, but have you considered talking to your vet about medication to help him through the storms?
By the way, your husband is a great American! As I posted to his substack, he makes me think of Sirius (the dog star) in his fight for liberal democracy; Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and a symbol for Eli and Auggie.
Buck up Eli! The storm will end, eventually. In the past we’ve had those who loved the Kitchen closet or under the pool table in the Basement. Our current boy, Griz, seems not worried in the least.
We're all grateful for your work in making sure Charlie could get on the air! Last night was a special night.
Ooph ❤️
Oh my what a morning!
But I’m so glad you celebrated in style last evening🥂
I know all about stubborn dogs as Archie has a mind of his own. At 14 lbs he’s easy to wrangle but will snarl and (carefully) snap if he’s really enjoying something disgusting he’s found outside. Beau, thankfully, is a pleaser❤️
Wow. What a story. So visual, I could feel the tension through your description. Glad it all ended well and no broken mirror. Thank you for sharing.
God bless Eli! Since Helene came through and downed 2 trees on my property I too really dread storms. One tree took out my husband's boat and the other landed on my little pet cemetery. Needless to say, it was the pet cemetery that broke my heart. It's awful to be afraid of Mother Nature. I sympathize with Eli. Please give him a hug from me and my cats
I will. Wishing you calm winds and smooth sailing.
Oh poor sweet Eli 🥺
Eli is having a Spa day ✌️🐶🐾
We too had a Lab who was terrified of thunder and fireworks. She was so scared one 4th of July she got into the bathtub with me, releasing a ton of hair. I got out—she had the bathtub with curtain drawn to herself. Finally she was safe. Also there was a recording of today’s post. Didn’t sound like I imagine you do. I was pretty sure it wasn’t when the voice read the punctuation marks!