The 5 Freedoms

When it comes to the animals in our lives, what’s the best way to show the love?  Owning two retail stores for dogs and cats, I could say (and given the impact the weather has had on sales, I probably should say) you really need to spend some money.  I’m always concerned with Zip’s happiness, but I’m not always clear on whether I’ve been successful (pugs have those worried faces).  I’m up for the new toy, and definitely for the healthy treats (I know that short term anyway, that works) but I want to know that I’m providing for his fundamental emotional welfare.  It’s the least I can do to say thanks for all the companionship, snorts (and snores), love and loyalty.  And laughs.  I’ve been reading  Dog Body, Dog Mind by Dr. Michael W. Fox, so I’ll share with you the 5 Freedoms.  Dr. Fox writes that to get a sense of your animal’s happiness quotient,  see how you’re doing in providing the 5 Freedoms:

1. Freedom hunger & thirst
2. Freedom from pain, injury & disease
3. Freedom from discomfort (eg, temperature extremes, uncomfortable floor surfaces
4. Freedom to express themselves naturally
5. Freedom from fear & distress

Simple and powerful.  Agree?

Fireworks Anxiety

Every year I read up again on fireworks/thunderstorm phobias to see if I can find any new information.  Just this morning I came across this post on Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue that is really thorough without glazing your eyes over.  It’s not new (quotes some pretty old Whole Dog Journal issues), but it’s really well done.  It talks about phobias, behavior modification, plant extract remedies (things like passion flower & valerian), the natural hormone supplement for insomnia (melatonin), flower essences (which treat on an emotional/energetic level), music therapy, hug therapy, and drugs.  Thank you YGRR for making my job so easy today.