Dog Feelings

Bridgette and I had a rough transition onto St. Barth.  I am sure some Cesar Millan person would tell me that I created the monster, which indeed, I am sure I did.  But our first five weeks here were torture.

Bridgette is a rescue.  She is nine years old and I have had her not even two years.  But she is a wonderful dog.  Never barks when I leave her and may be a bit indifferent towards strangers, but has come around and is even quite friendly these days.  She travels like a rock star.  

When I left her for five weeks with my mom and Lou in December and January for vacation to St. Barth, she didn't eat well for a few days, but eventually came around.  She was sad, but eventually adjusted.

Well, she panicked when we moved to St. Barth in March.  I essentially could not leave without her barking for the entire time I was gone.  This is a dog who I didn't even hear bark for two months.  She certainly found her voice.  She was so calm when she was out with me in public, my friend on the island called me a drama queen describing how hysterical Bridgette got when I left.  Bridgette was like a wild crazy beast when I left her at home.

This did not work so well since I lived a stone's throw from my landlord.  And I liked to get up early and my neighbor did not rise until after I did.  I was essentially trapped in my apartment.  And then I had to take her everywhere.  Luckily, I could take here everywhere -- restaurants and the like.  But it became exhausting.  And impractical.  But I kept doing it.

I tried leaving clothes of mine of the floor.  We visited the vet for homeopathic remedies.  Dog bones.  Distractions.  Trying to leave for 3 minutes, then 5 then 10, then longer.  Didn't work.  She would bark and I would return, essentially rewarding the barking behavior.  I would leave and tap on the window, try to distract her.  It took me hours to get out the door and eventually I would just bring her anyway.  People asked me what I did all day.  I couldn't bear to explain.

When we went to New Jersey and returned to St. Barth this past Monday, I think Bridgette realized this is our home for now.  A little bit of panic and she has to sleep in my closet amongst my clothes (picture below), but no more barking fits.  It makes a huge difference.  I can actually leave my apartment sans chien.

Our dogs, we love 'em and will do just about anything for 'em. . .