Thoughts on Thursday

So today we are reaching out to our friends for any thoughts or ideas or suggestions on what to do to help Timber.

To some, it may sound silly, but since the loss of Lightning, this poor boy has totally changed.  He has lost his zip, mojo, spirit, or something like that. He has become very anxious and unsure of things in general.  He used to love to be outside, especially at night just before dusk.  He would sit on the deck until he was made to come in.  He didn't care if he was out there alone or if Lightning or Misty joined him.  Now he doesn't want to be outside alone at all.  He begrudgingly goes out to take care of business, but then cries at the door to come right back inside.  

The loss of his buddy Lightning, the onset of our seasonal stormy weather, and then the fireworks all seem to have overwhelmed him.  When he is inside, he usually has himself sheltered somewhere, like here behind the sofa in a tight spot up against the wall, or under an end table with his head stuck under the sofa, or in the small back hallway tucked in a corner.  

 

The look on his face is so sad.  And then eventually he gets stressed enough that his stomach rebels and we have to deal with not eating and all the gastrointestinal distress that goes along with it.  We may have a decent day here or there, but not as often as one would expect from our once upon a time happy go lucky boy.

We have tried engaging him in more play time.  We have worked on teaching him new "tricks".  He gets to go for long walks every day.  But he just isn't himself.  He likes Misty, but she is not Lightning:(

Any thoughts?

With deepest thanks,

Timber's Concerned Mom

We give you all our thanks in advance for any ideas you may have, and so let's join Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.