"Buddy's reaction when I told him I'm going back to work"
I am concerned about Buddy, my Chocolate
Lab, developing “separation anxiety” when I return to the work
force. Or should I say, I fear his
existing “separation anxiety” will worsen considerably, ultimately becoming
extreme. When I get up in the morning, it
is usually not by choice, but because the four legged fellow with the big wet nose is
nudging me. I head for the bathroom, and
the Buds will usually lie in wait outside the door, whimpering as though I’d moved
in permanently. One odd morning, after I showered, perplexed by the unusual quiet, I
emerged to find him eating a potholder. (I know. I should have put it away.)
My frequent trips to the laundry room will have him
standing on the love seat, frantically panting and spewing doggie saliva all
over the window sill, as he tries to get a glimpse of me, hopefully on my way
back. At times, I will come home to him howling pitifully, like a lone wolf on
a moonlit night. The other day, I went out for a few hours, and upon my return,
Buddy followed me all over the apartment.
Feeling rather mischievous, I began pacing in circles, amusing myself as
he continued to follow me. When I tired
of pacing, I stood in the middle of the living room, doing a pirouette, and he
circled me relentlessly, rather like we were engaged in a canine version of
Cowboys and Indians.
I fear that his appetite for books will
resurface, or that he may nibble on my sofa.
He was previously prone to both, even when Aurora was still with us. The problem is that
now, aside from still missing Aurora, he’s spoiled. He has become far too
accustomed to having me here with him most of the time. What kind of mischief might he get himself
into next? Stay tuned…
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