2004-12-31

We were not looking forward to New Years Eve, even though Kim has taken the fireworks and bombs a lot better this winter than last year. As usual the kids in our neighbourhood started shooting off bombs and firecrackers long before Christmas.

I hadn't prepared Kim this time. Last New Year I was giving him various medical treatments with little or no effect, and this Easter I tried "Serene-Um" for dogs, a natural way to calm the dog with pills. I noticed no difference in Kim, he was equally scared by the loud noises before, during and after the treatment.

Everyone tell me that I shall ignore Kim and treat him as normal, or I will increase his fear. I have done that. Ignored him when he comes to me for shelter. It feels horrible. It feels wrong, so totally wrong. He comes to me for protection, to feel safe and to get a little more comfortable. And I have ignored him. The only difference that has made, is giving me a broken heart. It has definately not helped Kim.

This time, I have taken him in when he comes to me for support and protection. I have not showed any pity, but I have taken him into my arms, hugging him, stroking his back and cuddling with him in every way that I know he loves. And I have gotten Kim to relax during the noise outdoors! And I feel whole again, the love for my dog grows instantly. How could I ignore him?!?!?

1 ½ hour before we entered a new year, I put Kim on the grooming table for a little relaxing massage. I brushed him slowly over the entire body for an hour and he actually fell asleep during the increasing firework show outside our window. I hade the curtains down and the TV loud, but I think it was the calming touches that made him relax. When the bombs escalated at 12 o'clock and the New Year entered, I had Kim in my lap. He was tensed in his body, staring at the window, but he did not tremble, running around in fear and he did not pant in stress.

We got a good nights sleep that night! I feel relieved, and I feel that Kim has matured a lot.

A new year has come...