Rx: for Zing

Dear Friends,
There is no real news about Zing, after today's three-hour meeting with the UC Davis veterinarian Karen. It is as you and I suspected all along: it will take time. 

Zing suffers acute separation anxiety. Suffers. Therefore, do not make him suffer more. Don’t give him an electric collar. Don’t leave him alone yet. Don’t scold him for barking. Don’t lock him in a crate.

Give Zing a nice bath mat to call his own. Encourage him to relax there. When he does, give him a treat. (Don’t worry — it’s pretty easy — I will know relaxing when I see it.) Little relaxing, little treats, big relaxing, big treats. 

When Zing learns to relax, then I should edge away from him. There are specifics. I will tell you if you want to know more. 

Karen recommends drugs to get Zing over the hump. Again — if you want to know more, I’ll tell you.  

She also says he will be fine with doggie day care or dog-sitters or overnights. I should use these services until he is well. Right now, he just needs someone. 

I’ve got to juggle these pieces, and try to relax as we both get a solid grip on life. 

There are two great things about this whole experience (Yes, Zing, something good is happening here): One, Cassi is bolstering me along the way, and she is in turn being reinforced that her ideas are echoed in the university. Cassi was a great support today, and her video of Zing frantically trying to escape his crate was defining — helped the doctor see the extent of the problem.

The second great thing is the arboretum walk at UC Davis. Today Zing and I did the whole circle, and we’ll be back soon. It is a cross between Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Garden and Tallahassee’s Native Nurseries, with California’s carefree mood thrown in.  Just what we need!

Love,

k