That’s great. Bogart will be confidently strutting around the kitchen in no time.

Hi Anita,

All 6 dogs and 4 cats are well. Lexie is aging and showing signs. Best guess she is 13-15 years old. We celebrated 10 years together this past April. A few weeks ago while on my Saturday morning walk with Pablo and Barney I noticed a furry creature scurry across a busy 4 lane road. Thankfully it was early morning and traffic wasn’t as bad. I investigated and found a tiny kitty huddled against the curb, crying and breathing heavy. Not sure if she was dumped out a car window or in the parking lot of the laundromat across the street. I scooped her up, turned around and walked back home. I reached out to a group of friends who are crazy cat ladies and one was already fostering a mom and her 4 week old kittens so the following Monday I took the kitten to her where she is thriving.

How old was Bogart when you adopted him? If he was an adult, what do you know of his history? The kitchen incident could have triggered his own past trauma. Or, it sounds like your loud scream is not normal behavior for you which would have shocked Bogart and made him wonder what he had done wrong. Dogs are like people in that if Bogart is a confident, laid back dog he might have not reacted and wondered what the heck was wrong with YOU. If Bogart is more of a people pleaser, clingy and submissive then he would assume he’d done something wrong and would be leery of the kitchen for fear of triggering the same reaction. If it were me, I’d make sure to frequently revisit the same area in the kitchen and calmly talk to Bogart, give him treats, even sit on the floor with him in the kitchen while talking to him and giving him treats. You’re basically repairing the memory for Bogart and assuring him it’s a safe environment. I know Bogart is in good hands with you! It’s amazing how in tune our animals are with us. My 13 yo chihuahua Joey can sense when my anxiety rises — even if just from watching a show or movie — and she will come to sit beside me and look up at me with those big black eyes!

Debbie

I am well. How are you Anita?

Hey Anita! Thanks for thinking of me. I am cold but I have electricity! I’m currently hunkered down in bed with five of my six dogs surrounding me like tiny heaters. We got about 10 inches of snow over the weekend. We continue to have bitter cold temps for the next 7 to 10 days. 🥶 The snow is going to be around for quite a while. I have Raynaud’s which makes the cold difficult for me to navigate. I use a heating pad like an old-fashioned muff. Lol!

I hope wherever you and Bogart are is warmer. 🌞

Your first dog?!? How exciting. Congratulations to you both. I currently have 6 dogs and 4 cats. I’m a HUGE animal lover and have volunteered in rescue in the past.

I had to re-read my original post. I have not talked to my therapist since that session, mainly because I’ve been doing well mentally and don’t want to pay the fee just to discuss her comment. I’m sure the next time I do have a therapy session I will bring it up.

Thank you for sharing Peter.

I think you are correct. My “self” identity is weighed down with the baggage of roles and labels and stories I’ve told myself so often they’ve become my truth.