I used to LOVE thunder and lightning storms – especially if they came in the middle of the night! My bedroom would light up as if a thousand candles were floating in the air. It was really beautiful.
However, it was NOT beautiful to Martha, the magical dog who was born in my bathroom back in 1982. I learned about her fear one night when I felt her stand up next to my bed and frantically bury her paws into my hair.
Martha was terrified! I carried her 50 lb. shaggy body to another floor in my home, away from all the windows in my bedroom. After each lightning bolt I covered her floppy ears as we waited for the thunder that always followed. In this way we rode out the storm.
I tried de-sensitizing her with recordings of thunder, which helped a little. As the years went by Martha’s hearing began to fail, which turned out to be a blessing.
It’s hard to believe that my sweet girl has been gone for 15 years. She left me with many warm memories, and one very special gift -it as Martha who inspired the writing of my first book, For Every Dog An Angel.
I know she is flying through the starry skies, riding the heavenly lightning bolts with grace and joy!
Miss you, girl.
Chris
I personally am terrified of thunder. I know it’s an irrational fear, especially since it’s the lightning that can harm you, not the thunder.
We’ve had a couple cats who shared my fear. The boys we have now don’t like it, but they aren’t as afraid as I am. And they know I am afraid, and it seems, they try to comfort me!