Now You See Me......Now You Don't

Here is a familiar scenario........ After 2 days of Public Holiday (Tuesday & Wednesday) May 1st and 2nd 2007, ...... and we had just spent the weekend and the two additional Public Holiday with our Shih Tzu (Casey) and Dachshund (Peanut).

We had fun with them at home, brought them for car rides, and on Sunday to have lunch with "their Grand Parents" in Tabuan Jaya,...... We even brought them to Carpenter Street to buy "Char Kueh" & "Fried Banana Kueh" today...... :)

...... In a word...they were our spoiled doggies during the long break... they were our spoilt babies! ......

Then suddenly... its "Now You See Me...... Now You Don't"

......No it's not hide and seek - its back to work on Thursday (May 3rd 2007)! ........But..... Casey and Peanut don't realize it yet.

They are running around, begging for affection and attention, and bouncing around ready to have some more fun.

....Until they notice some familiar signs that we are getting ready to leave our two doggie home alone!!! (see the picture above..... the familiar stare & look when someone familiar is coming or leaving...)

.... Normally for a hound dog, he'd probably start singing the blues..... just like Peanut (Dachshund)... she will start whinning and crying..... and will go back to her Security Basket or to sit beside her Great Grand Ma.....

It's such a guilt trip for most dog lovers who have to work outside the home. Of course you'd much rather stay home, but not many of us have a choice.

So off we go, leaving Casey and Peanut behind. Thank God for Great Grand Ma..... looking after the two pooches when we are away..... :)

So... lets analyze the situation from a Dog's Point of View.......

Let's ask Casey and Peanut how they feel about it on a scale of 1 to 3 woofs, (or Yeses)

Do they get doggone lonely? .... Woof
Do they get doggone stressed and anxious? ....Woof, Woof
Do they get doggone bored ...Woof, Woof, Woof
Do they get into mischief? .... no answer :)
Do they bark? ..... Ask the neighbors

Dogs love company. They are very social beings. Remember they had a lot of company in their original pack environment. So what happens when Casey and Peanut have no social outlet for long periods of time? ...they feel confused, isolated, and upset with their owners.

Studies reveal that dogs get depressed just as we do. Very often it's called separation anxiety. Under certain conditions dogs may become more aggressive, or just the opposite - become more quiet and withdrawn.

Tips To Help Home Alone Dogs

What can we do to keep up Casey and Peanut's spirits while we are away?

Give them their own job for one thing, as in something to occupy their time alone, including mental stimulation. Here are some suggestions :

• Make sure he/she has a den (crate) or for Peanut's case... a basket to curl up to give him/her a feeling of security
• Interactive Toys: Treat-filled ones are irresistible and keep Casey and Peanut busy for quite a while
  Ones that bounce unpredictably use up energy and some even have dental ridges as an added bonus
• Exercise your dog thoroughly before going to work to help him feel more relaxed while you're gone. Then give him another workout when you get home
• A favorite tip that can really help an anxious dog stay calm, is to play music. You've probably experienced the calming effect music can have on your own emotions. And it works for dogs too.
• Lastly, one of the best way to soften the "Seperation Anxiety" syndrome is to have more than one Dog.... Two is the best, so they will not feel too lonely... they will have companion to play with.... just like Casey and Peanut :)

Hope you have enjoyed reading and benefited from the tips :) Happy Labour's Day....

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