Day 105

8/27/22

Thunder storms (fireworks too) are this boy's worst nightmare!

We have had a few this summer and are in the midst of one right now. If we are outside, Ranger looks around to see what is causing the "big noise". When he can't locate it, he seems to deal with the unknown better than when he is inside! When he is inside, he will cower under anything that seems to be safe at the moment. This might include bathroom fixtures, computer stands, pillows under our heads and any part of our bodies looking like there might be a bit of protection underneath!

Most dogs are fearless in a majority of scenarios. This made me ponder the workings of their minds when confronted by a storm or loud noise. I didn't have to dig very deep. Dogs are afraid of the unseen. They bark at unseen noises, rush to the door to see the "unseen" guest and cower at unseen things that go bang in the night.

When I thought about it even more, I decided that they are not much different than we are when facing unknown fears. I know I tend to react with a fight or flight reaction when something suddenly startles me. After a moment or two, my mind starts to check in with my senses to decide if the unknown is a true danger.

Dogs can't seem to take it to that next step. They react, but don't analyze the situation. At our house, their reaction is most often to seek out one of their humans and find safety and comfort beside (or underneath) one of us.

Often, I do the same thing. Once I have decided that my fear is real, I go to my safe people and to gain comfort. We are not that different from our pups in this instance. We all end up being comforted, or comforting those we love when fear strikes.

Right now, I am going to snuggle Ranger, along with Lilly and Gus, and comfort the fear right out of them. They just might bring me a bit of comfort along the way. Lucky human!