'Normal' problems

As I was driving to work the other day, there was a phone-in on the radio about how far you would go for your pets.

The host was saying that she had to give her dog allergy medication every morning. The callers that they did have weren't anxious or reactive pet owners. There were a couple of stories of mild inconvenience.

My initial thought was OMG, all you have to worry about it allergy meds! I have 4 other meds to deal with just to keep him below threshold! I haven't left the house if he isn't in daycare for 2 years! I can't walk him in public!

My fingers were itching to make a call but I was stuck in traffic. Probably for the best as that likely wasn't the light-hearted banter that they were looking for.

But it made me reflect on the extremes we go to for our anxious and reactive dogs.

The vast majority of dog owners have no idea what we go through. Fair enough, neither did I till I was dealing with it.

Through an online scentwork course, I met owners with unending and incredible patience. I can't imagine having a dog that is too fearful to be touched, or to be scared of your dog.

One of the participants had a dog that was so fearful they wouldn't eat in her presence. She had to get in her car and drive away (so the dog could see) every time.

I have so much respect for reactive and anxious dog owners. It's a rough ride, and is probably not suitable for breakfast radio.