4.21.2018

April 20, 2018

White Dog was sympathetic. "Heck, momma, the winds were howling and rattling the windows so badly that even I was nervous."

The two boys of the White Dog Army were more than nervous. Even with herbal calming tablets, melatonin, soft music, and soothing touches Tizenegy and Roman were wide-eyed with fear and were trying their best to hide from the noise the gales were creating around the house and in the neighborhood.

We all understood their reactions. Both had come from situations where such a night was a crisis of staying dry, finding shelter, and protecting one's self from the blowing things.

Teez lived outdoors in a stacked wire crate with no covering. He could hear the torment of the other hoarder dogs around him which reinforced his own pain and fears. He was at the mercy of the elements for as long as Mother Nature raged.

Roman, we think, survived the hurricane in Texas and lived as a feral for at least five months. Plus at some point his leg was broken, crippling him. Loud noises in general, much less a furious wind groaning and breaking down branches, must bring back terror we cannot even begin to imagine.

Friends told us their stories of the winds clocked at over 80mph tearing off roofing panels on stables and the home of neighbors and the giant metal panels cartwheeling. Both would not even let their beloved pets out to potty out of fear for their safety.

We reassured and touched, and yes, drugged, the boys to slow their pounding hearts. Then put each into a place they knew was a safe haven...Steve laid down next to Tizenegy on his big mattress in the corner of the office where he was surrounded by sold walls and blanketed partitions that created enclosure.  After a while the calming drugs kicked in and Teez rested. Steve left the light on and enya playing on his computer even though our boy was gently breathing.

I sat with Roman, now freed from his muzzle and locked into his kennel. We had as part of his reconditioning set up a "cave" in the living room for him, complete with soft cushions and sheeting around three sides...he can look out the door side. The hope is that this creates a protected environment which calms and soothes. He was resting on the cushion but was panting and jumpy. He licked my hand through the wires as I rubbed his ear.

"I know, Baby,"I told him. "Must remind you of horrible times. Those times are over. You are safe now. Safe and loved. You need not fear. Those days are gone forever. Balance your fear. It is just noise." He pressed against my hand and I repeated my mantra over and over.

Bella came out and sat with us; she seemed unfazed by nature's temper tantrum. It seemed that seeing Tiny B curled up comfortably and resting helped Roman lie down but he would not close his eyes for nearly another hour when the wind abated. We, Bella and I, tiptoed to the bedroom to join the rest of the sleeping family then.

"Hear that," I whispered to her. Bella tilted her head. "Exactly. It is quiet. Sweet dreams Baby Girl."

2 comments:

meowmeowmans said...

We love how you all help each other get through life's challenges. Love you, WDA pals.

Rajeev said...

Love your dogs! They are so cute!