10/11/2025
When our dogs feel what we feel...
Ida’s been feeling a bit out of sorts lately - and honestly, I can’t blame her. There’s been a lot going on in our world.
Recently, I went to Bundaberg with my mum for an appointment, but I ended up staying for over a week until she passed away 💔
During that time, some wonderful people cared for Ida - she was very loved and well looked after.
Ida is my assistance dog - she helps me manage my mental health - and I think she knew something was wrong. She couldn’t do her job properly because she didn’t have me nearby, and that unsettled her deeply.
She’s stayed with friends before and always been fine. Usually, she knows when I’m going because she sees the luggage come out and understands what’s happening.
But this time, I thought I’d just be gone for the day… and then I didn’t come home.
On top of that, we’re packing to move house - something new for both of us. She’s never moved before, and with everything happening, she’s feeling my emotions as well as her own. I’m doing my best to keep calm so she doesn’t have to carry my stress too.
Last night, I went out for my birthday and came home to find she’d chewed a pair of shoes - ones I’d only worn twice!
Instead of being upset, I took it as a message.
Ida was telling me she’s not as okay as I thought she was. That she’s stressed and needs a little more reassurance, calm, and connection from me right now.
So, no anger. No punishment.
We just sat together, cuddled, and breathed.
Because that’s what she needed - to feel safe again 💛
Sometimes, our dogs don’t act out at us - they’re just trying to express what’s going on within them.
And just like us, they need extra understanding when life gets a bit hard 🐾
