The “Winter Blues” had set in and Rocket was still adjusting to his medications. His routine had changed drastically, and life was just not the same for him. Despite being taken to the basement to spend the nights alone, Rocket remained his happy self through the day and when he was around his humans. Although he remains fearful of the outdoors at times, he has never tired of finding the best seats in the house in which to view his surroundings through the windows.
Whether napping on the couch or watching out the window, Rocket’s mood showed definite signs of improvement. He was less likely to lunge at the various movements through the windows, including squirrels, chipmunks, and birds. He was not as reactive to the things that once excited him. There was less aggression towards Frank, and he could even watch out the window at the deer with a calm yet interested demeanor.
This past winter became a time of healing, learning new ways to react and adjust, and spending time more quietly while enjoying the presence of our complicated family unit (complicated because living with a reactive dog is challenging and requires effort). While we spent our days staring out the window and dreaming of warmer days, we knew it wouldn’t be long before we would be back outside, full of energy and ready to take on the brighter days of spring.
