Changes in the household

Last month I talked about pet loss and how it affects us. We as humans understand that there is a grieving process and can tell ourselves "Hey, I won't feel like this forever". We find activities to occupy our time and look for ways to repair ourselves.

But what happens when a pet loses a person, even if not in death?

We are going through some major changes in our household right now. Our youngest two-legged kid just graduated high school and is air force bound in just two days (and will be gone by the time this blog posts!) We are about to be empty nesters, yikes! The packing, the constant coming and going, stress, anxiety, excitement...it has me in turmoil! Then I looked down at our dogs and realized they are feeling it too. The problem is that they don't understand and we can't really communicate in a way that will make them understand.

So what are we to do?

My suggestion is to give them lots of productive, positive attention. What I mean by this is attention that focuses on them being active both physically and mentally! Animals do best when they are thinking and moving. It's natural for them. Here are three easy and fun things to do with your dog:

One of the easiest ways is to either purchase or build "busy toys". These are toys that make the pet work for a little bit of food. The picture above shows some that I purchased from my veterinary clinic. You can find them almost anywhere nowadays as people are realizing the importance of relieving boredom and anxiety in pets by offering challenging toys. You can also go down the rabbit hole of Pinterest and find ones that you can make yourself!

On leash walks is another way to engage their senses. Especially going to new places. It's like us going to a new movie! All the scents and sights and sounds are very exciting for them. Even just a 30 minute walk in a new place can tucker a dog out because they are being active both physically and mentally. Get ready for naps all around when you get home!

Another way is to teach your dog some new tricks! Now these tricks don't need to be anything elaborate like walking a tightrope or something! Simply teaching a behavior like "target" is super fun and rewarding for your pet. A "target" can be any object such as a fairy wand from the dollar store. Teach your dog to touch it with it's nose and it gets a treat! Tricks can be just for fun and don't have to serve any purpose. And while you and your dog are having fun, you are giving their brain and body a workout!

Now I've also made sure Mama(me!) has some busy toys of her own! I love painting, crafting, and horseback riding. So I'll definitely be doing more of that as well as writing to my airman!

Whatever life throws at us, we can handle it and we must finds ways to help our pets with major changes. And of course if you are still having trouble or need more help, talk to your veterinarian!

Wags and kisses!