…you are my sunshine

It’s raining. Did you notice? Did your dogs notice?

God, we needed some rain, huh? Quite a relief for the parched grass and trees and the people affected by the wildfires. A cozy rainy day is a nice way to mix up the boring monotonous string of perfectly perfect beach and golf days we’ve been having in Northeast Florida, sheesh.

I have one dog who is not scared of storms—she’s the easy one. Self-assured always—she’ll even poop in the rain if necessary, no problem. I don’t give a duck, she says. Rain is fun. (She doesn’t like to swear, such a lady.)

I have one dog who isn’t sure if she should be scared of storms or not. She’ll shake a little and look at me, her eyes saying, What should we do now? Should we hide or maybe get some chips? — No. Don’t be scared. You’re ok, little one. You’re safe. And you don’t need chips …  neither do I. Saying those words and giving her a hug is really all she needs—well, that and keeping me in eyesight—she’s fine. (Sorry to those of you with storm-sensitive dogs … if you’re starting to feel jealous … wait! There’s one more dog to discuss.

George, editor of Unleash Jacksonville. (Sorry to rat you out, G.)

George is terrified of storms. He’s shaken so hard in the past I thought he might start himself on fire. His name tag starts jangling wildly, as if to say, I’m with you buddy. I’m scared, too. He’ll start walking deliberately and stiff-legged toward the safe place—because it’s hard to shake that hard and walk normally. He’s headed under the bed, and he’ll stay there a long time. I used to try and hold him tight and would sing, You are my sunshine, my only sunshine … you make me happpeeeee when skies are grey…” Thinking the sound of my angelic voice would calm all his fears. I had visions of him melting into me and falling into a peaceful rest. That never happened. He’d just look up at me and ask if he could go under the bed now, please.

I’m curious what you’ve tried for your storm sensitive dog(s)? I hear thundershirts have helped some and CBD oil (now being sold at Salty Paws Healthy Pet Market) have helped many. Please comment below!