Making good choices - by Lady

It has been really, really hot here the past week. When it gets hot like this, it means one thing - thunderstorms. Every night this week we have had one. For people like me who love them, this is great. For creatures like Hailey, who hate them, there is nothing worse. When the rumbling starts, Hailey begins to pace. Her tail goes as tight as it can between her legs. She shakes.  Historically she has also become destructive. Her thunder shirt can help, but given how hot it has been (and we don't have air conditioning), we have been hesitant to use it. Instead she and I have a one sided conversation that goes something like this:

Me: "Hailey I can tell you are so upset. I know you are scared, and I hope you make good choices. Remember to make a good choice." [Note: I know she doesn't understand this, if she did it would be so much easier!]

Thunder - go away - I hate you! 

or me to man if it thundered while we were out: "Did Hailey make good choices?"

By good choices I mean not destroy anything or run away.

Lately, Hailey has been making good choices. I can tell she is trying to find ways to calm down. If we happen to be outside when the thunder rolls in (or anything that might sound like thunder) she runs to the door to go into the house. In the house, she has 3 new favourite hiding places: the downstairs bathroom or Man's office (which we are now leaving her access to when we are out and knock on wood we haven't had any accidents downstairs) and our bedroom closet (which she only has access when we are home). So far, other than a piece of paper towel, she hasn't destroyed anything.

It is sad when the storms hit because I don't get to see my girl. Last night we had thunder around 7. It lasted like 30 minutes. Hailey did come for dinner, but wouldn't go outside. She hid downstairs for 2 hours in the Man's office. Around 9, I convinced her to go outside and she reluctantly did (she really had to go) and then went and hid in the closet.

However, I am very proud of her for making good choices and I tell her this while I love her and offer her treats she is not likely to take when it is storming. I give her points for trying and I hope one day she will not be as afraid.