Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Where Art Thou, Spring?

Spring has yet to arrive in Chicago.  Perhaps it has experienced some travel delays, perhaps it has decided not to show up this year.  We've had a couple warm (even hot) days, but for the most part the weather has been chilly and rainy.  Maisie and I woke this morning to foggy, dark skies and lots of thunder...it's pouring rain now with possible hail expected later in the day.  It feels as if the city (and my deck) are permanently soaked at this point.  It's a work from home day for sure.

My previous dog Kaya had horrible storm phobia that got worse as she aged.  Towards the end of her (thankfully long) life, she was actually prescribed valium for it because she would shake uncontrollably, crawl into the bathtub and cower, claw relentlessly at the floor and/or try to wedge herself underneath furniture.  I was always so worried she might hurt herself and figured a doped up dog was preferable to an injured one.  Sometimes she was in such bad shape that I struggled not to take one of the valium myself!

Luckily, Maisie seems just slightly nervous during thunderstorms (and often doesn't react to them at all). When she does get anxious, it's never so bad that it can't be alleviated by our not yet trademarked but highly effective formula of approximately 70% snuggles and 30% antler chewing.  I did just get her a Thundershirt in the hopes it would help with her separation anxiety (more on that in a future post), but will definitely try it today for its original intended purpose should Maisie seem more freaked out than usual.  Go away, rain!!!

 "I'm not scared of you, thunder!  OK, maybe just a tiny bit..."

6 comments:

Two Pitties in the City said...

It's awful out right now! Though did you see they're predicting 90's later in the week? I felt really bad leaving Mr. B this morning. He gets really nervous with thunder, though I guess not as bad as it could be.

Froggy said...

I jumped out of bed this morning to get them out before the storm. Maize HATES to walk in the rain. Maize also wears a thundershirt on walks and it really helps. I thinking of getting another one for Pug who has some seperation anxiety.

Maisie's Mom said...

I just saw that forecast now, Two Pitties...crazy!

A Confessed Pit Bull Addict said...

Ridiculous! Toni and Téa spent the morning in the bathroom hiding from the storm. They wouldn't even come out to pee or for breakfast. Good thing it finally broke!

Two Grad Students and a Pittie said...

NYC is not much better! Saturday was amazing, and its been downhill from there. I hope this weekend is better, theyre predicting 80s! Dental Student wanted me to ask you where we could get antler chews the cheapest? Also, PLEASE post about Thundershirts. My mom was talking about them today and I thought she was crazy!

ForPetsSake said...

That pic and caption are so fitting for my Nyxie - she doesn't want to show any fear about some of the horrible storms we've been getting here in TX, but sometimes it's a bit more than a highly strung GSD can take! She takes her cues from us and her sister, Arwen who's as cool as a cucumber until she's left alone. But that's a comment for an entirely different post ;)
Glad to have found you through Pets Blogroll! Check us out if you get a chance: http://arwenspack.blogspot.com/
Thanks!