Gus - A Dog in Therapy

A calm Gus in session.

On Friday of last week, I went to therapy with my dog, Gus.  I do not mean that I took him to my therapy session, I mean that I went to his.

Now, some of you may remember that my dog is a complicated person...  I've written about Gus's anxiety before.  He's a unique snowflake and like the rest of us has personal battles within himself.

You'll be glad to know that he is still doing well on his anti-anxiety medication prescribed by the behavioral specialist.  He is also currently working through therapy. (You know what they say: Often a mix of drugs and therapy can be the most effective treatment regimen!)  

I had never actually been to a therapy session with him until Friday.  He always just went with my mom and dad.  But last week I went along too, to see what it all was about.  
What would I discover about the depths of the Gus?

What I learned is that effective dog therapy for anxiety is a lot like effective cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD. They're teaching him behavior modification and hoping to decrease his anxiety, which is one of the same goals that my therapist has for me.  Yes, my therapist and I get more into the "cognitive" aspect, but a lot of it is the same: Change your behavior to change your story.

The therapist also talked about Gus's worries, which squeezed my heart because I totally understand being consumed by worry.  She said that she used to see the tension in his face.  I could totally relate to that "worry face"... my mom can always tell when I'm having OCD concerns just from looking at me. 

But now the therapist says she is seeing less worry and tension on his face. He's improving!  It's nice to know that the therapist sees a positive change in Gus.  I know he will continue on his path to "Good Boy."  He's already the best.

So today's post is dedicated to Gus's triumph.  I love that my handsome, sweet, nerdy fluffhead is winning the battle against his inner demons.  May we all be that successful.

Gus - The Dog With Anxiety

A tortured little soul.

This is probably the cutest tragedy of all: my family dog was recently diagnosed with anxiety by a behavioral specialist.

My family did not understand why Gus would get so irritable.  He's the sweetest thing around his family and friends, but then the vicious switch gets turned on around anyone or anything he doesn't know.  He barks at every stranger. He hates bicycles. He hates children.  Deer? Horrible.  And don't even get me started on squirrels.

We had to do something about it, so my mother took him to see a behavioral specialist.  Apparently, the reason he gets so upset is because he has high anxiety! (Welcome to the family, bud.)  

She recommended anti-anxiety medication.  My dad was skeptical, not wanting to fundamentally change his personality.  Me on anti-anxiety medication?  Fine.  But don't mess with a man's dog.

What the behavioral specialist reminded him was that it is not pleasant for Gus to have all these negative feelings.  He isn't barking and snarling out of happiness, but out of fear.  It is upsetting to Gus just as his behavior is upsetting to us.  

Dad gave in, and Gus has been put on anti-anxiety meds and things do seem to be improving, but now he sleeps all the time!  Sometimes he goes upstairs to take a nap in bed in the middle of the day.

What's nice is that he and I can take anti-anxiety-medication-induced-fatigue naps together.  It's a bonding experience.  Together we will get through this.

-Laura