It's been 6 months since I've blogged. That's because I've had life changing circumstanes within my household. I actually have another dog and 3 grandchildren living with me now! So much fun, even when I was on FMLA for 3 months. it was all about getting acclimated with the children, moving and getting settled into a whole new lifestyle, even if it is temporary. But during the course of this time I've noticed that my dog Maya and cat Whisper have had some adjustment issues as well. So they both have been "acting out" and I had to realize it in order to address it.
What I discovered is that animals have emotions/feelings too. While going to the bathroom one night, Whisper jumped out at me and struck me on the foot, claw closed and ran away. I didn't think nothing of it, its something she does normally during the day. It wasn't until she started doing it EVERY night and at one point hissed at me! She would even sleep in my granddaughters room for 3-4 days in a row and she has always slept in my bed at some point every night. Maya on the other hand would be playing our normal game of wrestling and I noticed she would bark louder and with more force than usual at one point even growling. Some days when I'd get home from work Maya would jump into my lap (she's not allowed on furniture) and not want to get down, period. Whisper, who usually waits till bedtime to cuddle would also come downstairs and jump in my lap and get up on my shoulder. I knew then they were requesting the "alone time" they were use to getting before the kids and their dog Cherish (Chi Chi).
So now I set aside time for them daily but especially on my off days. It has gotten a little better, Maya has started playing with Chi Chi and its a joy to hear them play. She's still a little jealous when I pay Chi Chi any attention. Whisper has the attitude of "it is what it is" but she gets her time EVERY night when I go to bed.
So if you have pets and your home dynamics change, don't forget to include them in your new routine so they don't feel slighted or abandoned. Remember, Pets have feelings too!
