Separation Non-anxiety

Most of the guests who check into Little Pup Lodge initially exhibit some degree of separation anxiety. We have many ways to work with this: Rescue Remedy (a homeopathic treatment for anxiety); diffusers of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (D.A.P.), which is reported to make dogs feel like they're back with their nursing mother; hugs and kisses if wanted and space if they are not.



 My latest foster, Pumpkin, showed up at the Lodge as if she had lived here forever.  She cuddled up in my lap and was ready with puppy kisses 20 minutes after arrival.    Little Pup Lodge is Pumpkin's fourth home this year; 3 foster homes and one permanent home that only lasted three months.  For reasons too obvious to mention, Animal Shelter Relief has a very generous return policy.  This woman was vague on why she needed to bring Pumpkin back to, but in the future we will think long and hard before our animals will go home with someone who already has an infant to care for.

 Just like children shuttled from one foster home to another, dogs learn to adapt. And, like children, they may show affection but they don't waste time on forging a bond.  Why get your heart broken when the person you become attached to just… disappears?

Pumpkin  has not been easy to place. She's a “Two-Strike” dog—older and saddled with a health condition. No matter that she's around nine years old and Chihuahuas  often live as long as 19 or 20 years. No matter that she has a mild seizure disorder easily controlled with cheap medication.



While I feel bad for my guests' fear of the unfamiliar, confused why their human has gone away, I also know they are very lucky dogs.  Sometimes, separation anxiety is a good thing.