Nurse Ry and Doctor Niko

Glenn hurt his back. This is what happens when there is 10 inches of wet, wet snow and a wild snow blower.

We don’t actually know if that’s what caused it, but the poor guy has been gimping around for days. This isn’t the first time, and like we all have an Achilles heel, Glenn’s is in his lower back.

The interesting thing, though, is the way the animals are responding to him. Ry, our chatty kitty, follows him around, chattier than usual (we did not think it was possible). He has been laying close, keeps his eye on his patient, and makes sure he’s comfortable. And constantly asking Glenn if he’s okay.

We are here to serve

Niko has been extra solicitous since Glenn hasn’t been feeling well. He still wants to go for rides in the truck, but he seems to understand that it isn’t going to happen like it usually does, so he has been quiet and less demanding about a) going out to the truck and b) being rambunctious when Glenn is around.

Holding paws

Even “the puppies” (who just turned seven), have been lower key. They still want to cuddle on the couch, but they’re quieter and more obedient when Glenn says he can’t have them pushing against him. I don’t think it’s because they just had a birthday and they’re suddenly grownups. Not going to happen with those two.

Our animal friends are very sensitive to the energy around them and us. When it’s off, whether it’s caused by physical or emotional reasons, they react. Have you ever noticed when you’ve had a rough day how your animal will either try to cheer you up, or will lay quietly, waiting for you to let them know what’s going on?

The best thing you can do is let them know. They want to help. They will help based on both their personality and what they think you’ll put up with. Me - I like to laugh, so when I’m having an off day they will clown around a little bit more and get me smiling. If I need a shoulder to cry on, they’re right there. Even Ry, who doesn’t like big shows of emotion, will allow me to hold him a little closer, and will let me spend more time petting him. 

I will lean on Mommee’s head and she will feel better

One of the things we can do for our animal friends is to let them know that they don’t have to hang on to anything they “take” from us. They often forget that it’s okay to drop any pain or angst they’ve helped us release. So tell them. Thank them for helping, and let them know it is okay to let all that energy drip right out of their paws (or feet) into the ground, which takes it gratefully and turns it into beautiful, positive energy.

What does your animal friend do for you when you’re having “a day”?