Greetings from our house to yours . . .
I was reminded of Guatemala Christmas Eve last evening. I joined all my Betty's-RV-Park-friends for a Christmas Eve happy hour; when I returned to Floribunda I 'asked' Lacy if she'd like to go out for a walk. Being the obedient dog she is, she followed me out of the rig; but stood completely still and did not follow any commands -- unusual for her. I kept saying "Come" but she just stood there. I couldn't see her clearly in the dark or I would have noticed the expression on her face . . .
All of a sudden, the lightbulb came on; I remembered Christmas in Guatemala with all the fireworks! She was literally PETRIFIED again last evening. Cajun fireworks could be heard coming from all directions. She was almost CATATONIC and couldn't function at all. I had to lift and carry her back into Floribunda. She had that blank stare in her eyes and was unable to respond in any way to my voice. So, I picked her up and we 'went to bed' around seven, where we spent the next 3 hours with her shaking and panting but unaware of my trying to soothe her. I held her close and pulled at the loose skin on the scruff of her neck (as the mother dog would do to carry her pups) to let her know I would take care of her. Finally, at about 11:30, about an hour after the fireworks had ceased, she was able to go out for a potty visit. Then, I woke up about 5 this morning and she was eating her dinner from last night. That's when I wish I could explain to my pets that it's going to be okay.
The tradition so many places around the world include fireworks; it just doesn't work for Lacy and lots of other animals, either. I have to make a better effort to remember that tidbit.
This is Lacy taken last Christmas in California with a real Poodle do.
This year she's sporting her 'camp' look.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!