Howling the Night Away
Dear Frankie,
Last week, Charley, a cocker spaniel friend, came to stay with us because his family had to go to a funeral that was far away. He didn’t know the person who died, so he wasn’t grieving or anything like that, but he wasn’t happy.
The first night he howled for hours because he didn’t have his teddy bear and couldn’t fall asleep. The next day my dad got his teddy, which seemed to calm him down. That night, however, he howled again for hours because he didn’t have his blanket. So back my dad went to get his blanket. The third night he again howled because he missed his nighttime couch.
In the morning, my mom said enough was enough and told Charley that my dad was not getting him his couch. She also said that if he continued to carry on at night, she would take him to the pound. Since then, he hasn’t howled but has been avoiding my mom. My mom said that was fine by her.
Do you think my mom should have said she would take him to the pound?
Violette
Dear Violette,
It seems your mother is a no-nonsense kind of person and one, as they say, who takes no prisoners.” You must admit it did quiet him down. It was a bit harsh, but three nights without sleep can be wearing on one’s nerves.
Charley was missing his family and familiar surroundings. Unfortunately, he couldn’t express those feelings and used things left at home as an excuse for his howling.
If Charley is still with you, I suggest you talk to him about how difficult it must be for him to be away from his family and home. You might also explain that your mom was tired and wasn’t at her best. You might share the conversations you had with Charley with your mother and ask her to apologize to Charley and tell him she didn’t mean it when she said she was going to take him to the pound.
If she gives you any pushback, you might remind her that you can’t be the only adult in the room. That should get her attention.
Best, Frankie
© 2022 Geneva Woodruff
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