1) My cat goes crazy when we have lots of people at our home. With the holidays coming up we plan on family gatherings – what can I do to avoid her getting so upset?
Animals pick up on the energy of the people around them – if they don’t know the people, they may become protective – of you and their “home”. If you can, separate them in a separate room, with their favorite toys, bed, food, water – or in a quarantined area where they are not exposed to the crowds. Talk to them before the event letting them know people will be coming over and “you” will be in a nice separate area with “your” favorite things. “ Nobody will hurt us or our home so you don’t have to worry about protecting us – they are our friends.” Reassure the pet in a calm voice, assuring them the company will be leaving and your home will return to normal.
2) I am going away for the holidays and have to leave my dog at a kennel for a week. I feel so guilty, what can I do for her while I am gone?
Great question – pets can have abandonment issues – especially when they are rescues . They are anxious if you are coming back, when you are coming back. The night before you are going to bring them to the kennel, sleep in an old t-shirt or nightgown, don’t wash it so it has your scent on it. Bring this item with you to be placed in the kennel with their toys, bed, food, water – the regular comforts that have their scent and now yours. Reassure your pet you will be returning (i.e. in 7 times the sun goes down for 7 days). They will be staying with their Aunt Susie, playing with other dogs – or whatever the situation is. Talk to them out loud or in your thinking voice. You may not hear a response, but they will understand you.
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