I hope you had a very happy holiday — whichever holiday you celebrate — and that you had a wonderful time with friends and family. One of my neighbors found a new family member under the Christmas tree yesterday.
Yesterday afternoon, I heard a new dog barking. I’ll admit that I was indulging in an afternoon nap when I woke to the sound of yapping. At the time, I wasn’t sure if the dog was a visitor or a new resident. But it’s around the same time today, and the poor pup is barking again!
For the most part, Moose and Lally are taking the new neighbor in stride. They’ve run to the windows a few times barking or growling, but they’re getting used to the new voice. So am I.
I’m guessing — since the barking has gone on for about an hour now — that new pup is home alone and none too happy about it. If I knew which apartment he or she lived in, I’d leave a note offering to puppysit!
If Santa brought you a new puppy or kitty and you have to leave them home alone for a while, here are some things you can do to help make them more comfortable:
- Leave some “white noise” in the background. Turn on the television or radio at a low level, just enough to keep your pup company.
- Make sure they have food or treats and plenty of fresh water.
- You might not want to let your new pet roam the whole house while you’re not there. Try enclosing them in a single room or blocking off part of a room. You won’t find messes around the house, and your new pet will have a small, safe area.
- Leave a tee-shirt that you’ve worn — it will have your familiar smell on it.
- Try calming pheromones if nothing else works. They mimic the scent of a nursing mother and can help calm an agitated pet.