C O L U M N
By Jean Sutherland
DOGS AND ANXIETY
If there is one thing I dread doing , it is taking my Maggie anywhere in the car . I have crossed three countries and back with Maggie and still managed to live to tell the tale . Unfortunately , I have a dog that is afraid of everything . She came into my life as a 4-week-old foster dog that needed special care , and when it was time to find a “ forever ” home for her I realized she was already in her forever home .
As a puppy , she did well in a crate , had an older dog to show her the ropes , and thought the cat was a delightful creature to play with .
I was so excited when the day arrived that we could finally purchase her first new toy . Excitement turned into disappointment quickly , when I realized she was terrified of the new squeaky toy . That was the beginning of a long journey of Maggie being frightened of everything and that included the car . She would get all excited about going somewhere in the car , but the minute she was in it , her fear took over . Her tail would wag a happy wag , but I knew she was terrified . Along the way , I picked up some tricks that helped her deal with long drives , as well as all her other anxieties .
My first thought was that the veterinarian would fix everything , so off we went for our first visit . Maggie had been to the vet as a puppy , and it went very well , considering he had to treat her for worms , mange , and a fungal infection . The joy of adopting a shelter puppy in Mexico ! The minute we got in the car to seek help for this latest problem , the anxiety started . too ! Every medication she was given had no effect at all on her level of anxiety . In fact , the more she realized something different was happening to her , she fought it all the more .
Then we come to everyone ’ s favourite topic - lightning and thunderstorms . Poor Maggie is terrified of them . She soon figured out that if she saw lightening , then a loud clap of thunder was likely to follow . The strange thing is , when this happens in the daytime she ’ s fine . She is a little nervous but nothing extreme . Nighttime lightning and thunder is a whole other story . She looks for places to hide and jumps up on couches and chairs so that she can be with us .
We bought a nice , large metal cage for her to “ hide ” in and covered it with a heavy wool blanket so any “ lightening show ” couldn ’ t get through , and it didn ’ t help one bit . She gnawed away at the cage door so hard , that we feared for her teeth . Therefor , another solution was rejected by the persistent Maggie .
Now , we are moving to the latest in fashion wear for the fearful thunderstorm dog ! We are buying one of those new “ Thundershirts .” I have watched the videos , read all the testimonials , but I know Maggie , and I have my doubts . I will let you know how well it worked the next time we meet . Wish me luck !
Maggie has her own special back seat harness that allows her to move , but keeps her safe and secure in case we have to hit the brakes . She started panting , crying and pacing from one side to the other . Thankfully it was a short trip to the vet ’ s office and she arrived without having a heart attack .
The doctor suggested a number of over the counter medications that he was sure would help her . Little did he or I know just how stubborn Maggie would be with these solutions ! I know Corgi ’ s have “ special ” personalities , but I thought if the Queen of England can deal with them , then surely I could
Jean is an ardent animal lover and works with a number of different shelters in the US and Mexico . Animal welfare and teaching the young about caring for animals is something she strives to accomplish . She is currently owned by her two shelter dogs .
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